Stanley Brand once played a pivotal role in modernizing the office of general counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives.

When Brand took the general counsel post in 1976 at age 28, he reported to the House clerk, and the work primarily involved reviewing contracts. But with the support of House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, Brand soon took the job to new levels, advising House leadership on legal issues and, when necessary, becoming a litigator.