; and (3) under the circumstances, it would be in the public interest to appoint an outside Special Counsel to assume responsibility for the matter. (b) Recusal The Attorney General who has been confirmed to that position by the Senate or, in the case of the vacancy, absence, disability, or recusal of the Attorney General, the most senior Senate-confirmed officer of the Department listed in section 508 who is not recused from the matter shall exercise the authority under this chapter. 599K–2. Alternatives available to the Attorney General (a) In general When matters are brought to the attention of the Attorney General that might warrant consideration of appointment of a Special Counsel, the Attorney General may— (1) appoint a Special Counsel in accordance with this chapter; (2) direct that an initial investigation, consisting of such factual inquiry or legal research as the Attorney General determines appropriate, be conducted in order to better inform the decision; or (3) conclude that under the circumstances of the matter, the public interest would not be served by removing the investigation from the normal processes of the Department, and that the appropriate component of the Department should handle the matter. (b) Additional direction If the Attorney General reaches a conclusion described in subsection (a)(3), the Attorney General may direct that appropriate steps be taken to mitigate any conflicts of interest, such as recusal of particular officials. 599K–3. Qualifications of the Special Counsel (a) In general An individual named as Special Counsel under this chapter shall be— (1) a lawyer with a reputation for integrity and impartial decisionmaking, and with appropriate experience to ensure both that the investigation will be conducted ably, expeditiously, and thoroughly, and that investigative and prosecutorial decisions will be supported by an informed understanding of the criminal law and Department policies