The former general counsel was convicted after his wife, Mary Margaret Farren, suffered extensive injuries after a beating when she refused to reconsider her demand for a divorce. Ms Farren had worked for the energy department in Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Following the attack, she is now unable to work. Mr Farren had served under the Bush Administration where he was Deputy White House Counsel in the Office of Counsel to the President from 2007 to 2009. He had also served as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade at the US Department of Commerce.