Egil Krogh

Egil Krogh was an American lawyer and government official who became a central figure in the Watergate scandal during the administration of President Richard Nixon. As a deputy assistant to the President and a key member of the White House Plumbers, he was convicted for his role in authorizing the 1971 break-in at the office of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist. Following a prison sentence, Krogh underwent a profound personal transformation, becoming an advocate for legal ethics and later practicing law in Seattle.

Early life and education

Egil Krogh was born in Chicago to a Norwegian-American family. He spent his formative years in the Pacific Northwest, where his family eventually settled. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, graduating with a degree in political science. Krogh then attended the prestigious University of Chicago Law School, earning his Juris Doctor degree. During this period, he developed an interest in public service and government, influenced by the political climate of the 1960s. After law school, he served as a law clerk for a judge on the Washington Court of Appeals before moving to Washington, D.C., to begin his career in federal government.

Career and Watergate involvement

Krogh began his government service in the United States Department of Transportation during the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Following the election of Richard Nixon, he joined the White House staff as an aide to John Ehrlichman, a senior domestic policy advisor. Krogh quickly gained a reputation for loyalty and efficiency, leading to his appointment as Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs. In 1971, following the publication of the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, Krogh was tasked with co-leading a secret White House unit known as the White House Plumbers, alongside David Young and under the supervision of John Dean and Ehrlichman. The unit's mission was to stop leaks of classified information. In this capacity, Krogh authorized a covert operation that resulted in the September 1971 break-in at the Beverly Hills office of Ellsberg's psychiatrist, Lewis Fielding. This illegal act, initially intended to discredit Ellsberg, later became a critical element in the broader Watergate scandal investigations. Facing indictment, Krogh pleaded guilty in 1973 to conspiracy against rights of citizens and was sentenced to six months in federal prison.

Post-Watergate life and later career

After serving his sentence at the Lompoc prison camp, Krogh experienced a significant personal and professional reckoning. He was disbarred but later reinstated to the Washington State Bar Association after demonstrating remorse and a commitment to ethical reform. He authored a memoir, *Integrity*, detailing his experiences. Krogh returned to Seattle and built a second career as a lawyer specializing in alternative dispute resolution and legal ethics. He frequently lectured at law schools, including the University of Washington School of Law and Seattle University School of Law, using his story as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked loyalty and the importance of the rule of law. He also served on the board of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education.

Personal life and death

Krogh married Suzanne in 1964, and the couple had two sons. He was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church and credited his faith with helping him navigate his post-conviction life. In his later years, he was an active member of the Seattle community. Egil Krogh died on January 18, 2020, at his home in Seattle from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. He was survived by his wife and children.

Legacy and cultural depictions

Egil Krogh's legacy is complex, serving as both a symbol of the criminal excesses of the Nixon administration and a model of personal redemption. His case is frequently cited in discussions of government ethics, legal ethics, and professional responsibility. The activities of the White House Plumbers have been dramatized in numerous films and television series about the Watergate scandal, though Krogh himself is not always a prominently featured character. His life story, particularly his transformation, continues to be used as a teaching tool in courses on law, ethics, and American political history.

Category:American lawyers Category:Watergate scandal Category:People from Seattle Category:University of Washington alumni Category:University of Chicago Law School alumni