Then , West held several posts in the administration of Jimmy Carter : general counsel to the Navy ( 1977-1979 ) , special assistant to the secretary and to the deputy secretary of defense ( 1979 ) , and general counsel to the Department of Defense ( 1980-1981 ) . Then , West held several posts in the administration of Jimmy Carter : General Counsel of the Navy ( 1977 â `` 1979 ) , Special Assistant to the Secretary and to the Deputy Secretary of Defense ( 1979 ) , and General Counsel to the Department of Defense ( 1980 â `` 1981 ) .