Lindsey Halligan, a Trump loyalist with no prosecutorial experience, faces a Florida Bar investigation over her actions at the Department of Justice. The probe follows allegations that she falsely claimed to be a U.S. attorney and engaged in unethical behavior while working at the DOJ. Halligan, who previously served as an insurance lawyer, brought failed cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James before leaving the department in January. A bar official confirmed in a letter to the Campaign for Accountability that the Florida Bar has an ongoing investigation into Halligan. The nonprofit watchdog group had previously filed complaints with both the Florida and Virginia bars in November, alleging that Halligan violated ethical standards by misrepresenting her legal authority. The Campaign for Accountability followed up with the Florida Bar last month, citing findings from two federal judges who determined that Halligan operated without legal authority. One judge found she openly defied court orders, while another concluded she misled a grand jury. Halligan’s tenure at the DOJ ended after a federal judge ruled she unlawfully held the position of interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The judge’s decision led to the dismissal of the cases against Comey and James, as the court determined Halligan’s appointment was invalid. The New York Times first reported the Florida Bar investigation. A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term stated in January that Halligan had been “masquerading” as the district’s top federal prosecutor. However, the judge dismissed disciplinary proceedings against her, citing her lack of prosecutorial experience and the unusual circumstances of her appointment.#department_of_justice #lindsey_halligan #campaign_for_accountability #florida_bar #james_comey
Lindsey Halligan, a former U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, is facing an investigation by Florida’s bar association over her legal actions against individuals associated with President Trump. The probe, initiated by the Florida Bar, follows complaints filed by the Campaign for Accountability, a nonprofit organization that has scrutinized her conduct. The bar association’s letter to the group confirmed that an investigation is already underway, with Halligan, who left her position in January, being notified of the process. The Florida Bar’s inquiry could result in disciplinary measures, including potential disbarment, though the process is complex and typically spans years. The bar can initiate investigations and gather facts but must forward its findings to a grievance committee, which determines if there is probable cause to accuse an attorney of misconduct. If the committee finds evidence, the case would then be reviewed by state courts, which hold the authority to revoke a lawyer’s license. Halligan’s actions as a U.S. attorney drew criticism from career prosecutors, who opposed her efforts to pursue criminal cases against Trump’s political adversaries. Her work has been a focal point of legal and ethical debates, with judges and legal experts questioning the boundaries of her conduct. The ongoing investigation may serve as a deterrent for other attorneys accused of overstepping legal limits or misleading courts, a trend that has become increasingly common in recent months. The Justice Department, which has faced significant staff turnover due to resignations and firings, is actively seeking new hires to replace departed employees.#justice_department #u_s_attorney #lindsey_halligan #campaign_for_accountability #florida_bar
