A prominent conservative Washington attorney, Theodore B. Olson represented key Whitewater witness David Hale when he was called to testify before a congressional committee. Olson is a leader in Beltway conservative circles, counts Starr as a longtime friend and former law partner and maintains deep ties to the American Spectator, where he has served as an advisory board member. While serving under the Reagan Justice Department, Olson was the subject of an independent investigation.