(CNN) - Three officials close to the transition say prominent Washington lawyer Greg Craig is under strong consideration to be named White House counsel, the powerful post of the president's top lawyer.
Craig first gained prominence representing President Clinton in the Senate impeachment trial, but he endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later played a key role in Obama's vice presidential vetting process.
"He's a very strong possibility," said one person close to the transition, who added Craig is "highly regarded" and trusted for his discretion by Obama.
A second official close to the transition was more bullish, calling it "all but a done deal" that Craig will be selected. A third official called Craig a "strong" contender at the top of the short list for the post.
Craig did not return a call seeking comment.