Charles Frederick Carson Ruff (August 1, 1939 – November 19, 2000) was a prominent American lawyer based in Washington, D.C., and was best known as the White House Counsel who defended President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial in 1999.

[1] In 1964, while in Liberia, Ruff was sickened with flulike symptoms (a specific diagnosis was never made) and almost died; he became paralyzed in the legs and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

[2][3] In 1978, Ruff became deputy inspector general of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, investigating Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

[3] In 1979, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ruff as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia; he held that job until 1981.

[3] Ruff was considered exceptionally qualified for the post,[2] although some African American leaders expressed disappointment that a black lawyer had not been chosen.

[3] Ruff left Covington & Burling in August 1995 to accept an appointment by Mayor Marion Barry to the post of Corporation Counsel for the District of Columbia, overseeing 200 city lawyers.

"[3] Ruff particularly clashed with Craig, who had been brought on by the White House specifically as the "quarterback" for the impeachment defense strategy; "each man behaved as if he were the one in charge" and the two had different professional styles.

[1][3] Ruff died on November 19, 2000, at the District of Columbia General Hospital, at the age of 61, following a heart attack in his home.

[1] At the time of his death, Ruff was part of Vice President Al Gore's legal team in the Florida recount case.