For the first time since taking office, President Obama has looked outside his close circle of advisers to fill the top legal post at the White House.

W. Neil Eggleston, the Kirkland & Ellis partner named last week as White House counsel, has spent years immersed in White House and congressional investigations and has represented top companies in high-stakes fights. Kathryn Ruemmler, Obama’s top in-house attorney since June 2011, plans to return to private practice in May.