Trump to name Conway's husband to lead Justice's civil division

FILE: Jan. 19, 2017: President Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and husband George Conway, Union Station, Washington, D.C. (AP)

President Trump is expected to name George Conway, husband of White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, to lead the Justice Department’s civil division, Fox News confirmed Sunday.

Conway, a New York lawyer, if appointed would lead efforts to defend Trump’s travel ban and other lawsuits against the Trump administration.

The 53-year-old Conway attended Harvard University and Yale Law School. He is now a partner in the New York City firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, specializing in litigation, including those related to securities and mergers and acquisitions.

Trump’s choice of Conway was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Two sources confirmed the story to Fox News.

Kellyanne Conway took over as Trump’s presidential campaign manager in August 2016 and is considered a major factor in him pulling off a come-from-behind win. Conway has since joined the administration as counselor to the president.

The Justice Department’s civil division has far-reaching scope and jurisdiction, representing the entire U.S. government -- from federal agencies to members of Congress -- in civil and criminal matters.

The division also handled national policy issues, which would likely mean it would be involved in the president’s travel bans that are being held up in federal courts across the country.