WASHINGTON — Ted Olson, a prominent former U.S. Solicitor General known for his conservative legal expertise, passed away on Wednesday. He was recognized for his influential role in high-profile legal battles, including his landmark support for same-sex marriage. The announcement of his death was made by the law firm Gibson Dunn, where Olson had practiced law since 1965, although no specific cause was provided.

Olson’s legal prowess was evident in several significant cases over the years. Notably, he successfully represented George W. Bush during the contentious 2000 Florida presidential election recount, which was ultimately settled by the United States Supreme Court. Following this high-profile victory, Bush appointed Olson as Solicitor General, a position he held from 2001 until 2004. His previous experience included serving as an assistant attorney general within the Justice Department during President Ronald Reagan’s first term in the early 1980s.

Throughout his career, Olson argued 65 cases before the Supreme Court, according to the firm he worked for. His commitment to civil rights became particularly apparent in one of his most notable cases, which diverged from traditional conservative stances. After California enacted a same-sex marriage ban in 2008, Olson teamed up with David Boies, who had previously represented Al Gore in a Supreme Court battle, to advocate for the rights of California couples wishing to marry.

In 2010, a federal judge in California ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, and this decision was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2013. Reflecting on the impact of this case, Olson described it as “the most important thing I’ve ever done, as an attorney or a person,” in a documentary discussing the marriage equality movement. In a previous interview, he emphasized the significance of the case, noting its implications for millions across the United States and beyond, stating that it extended to “tens of thousands” of people in California.

Barbara Becker, the managing partner at Gibson Dunn, praised Olson for his creativity, principle, and fearlessness in his legal endeavors. She described him as “a titan of the legal profession” and recognized him as one of the most exceptional and articulate advocates of his time in a heartfelt statement.