President Donald Trump's lawyer for the probe into alleged collusion between his election team and Russia has left, in the case's latest legal shake-up.
Ty Cobb will be replaced by Emmet Flood, an attorney who defended ex-President Bill Clinton during his impeachment proceedings 20 years ago.
The White House press secretary told the BBC that Mr Cobb had been considering retirement for some time.
Mr Trump and Russia have repeatedly denied suggestions of collusion.
However, a former aide to Mr Trump's presidential campaign has told CNN the Department of Justice inquiry is "really focused on Russia collusion".
Michael Caputo told the cable network he was interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigators on Wednesday.
"They know more about the Trump campaign than anyone who ever worked there," Mr Caputo said.
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Since Mr Trump declared last month that he was "VERY happy" with his lawyers, the team has been overhauled.
Mr Flood, a Republican lawyer, is tipped to take a more combative approach to the Mueller investigation.
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Emmet Flood is replacing Ty Cobb as the White House Lawyer under Donald Trump
Mr Cobb, who joined the White House team last August, was said to have been advising Mr Trump to co-operate fully with the Mueller investigation.
He had reportedly urged the president to allow himself to be interviewed by Mr Mueller in order to hurry along the inquiry that is overhanging his presidency.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told the BBC that Mr Cobb has been discussing retirement for several weeks and he has done "a terrific job".
Mr Cobb's departure emerged just hours after he told ABC News that Mr Trump facing Mr Mueller was "certainly not off the table".
Mr Trump's previous lead lawyer on the case, John Dowd, quit in March, reportedly because he felt his client was ignoring his legal counsel.
source:www.bbc.com
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