Lindsey Halligan under investigation by the Florida Bar
Lindsey Halligan, the former interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is currently under investigation by the Florida Bar. This inquiry follows complaints lodged by the Campaign for Accountability regarding her conduct in cases involving notable figures such as James Comey and Letitia James.
The Florida Bar confirmed that it has an investigation pending into Halligan’s actions, which were called into question after two federal judges determined that she operated without legal authority. One judge ruled that her appointment violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, leading to the dismissal of cases against Comey and James.
The initial complaint against Halligan was filed in November with both the Virginia and Florida Bars. Michelle Kuppersmith, representing the Campaign for Accountability, stated, “We filed a complaint pretty fulsomely outlining all the ways that we thought her conduct around Mr. Comey and Ms. James’ investigations had violated the professional rules of conduct both of Virginia and Florida.”
Halligan, described as a Trump loyalist with no prior prosecutorial experience, left the Justice Department in January after being barred from referring to herself as a U.S. attorney. Her actions have drawn scrutiny, particularly after one federal judge found that she openly defied court orders, while another concluded that she misled a grand jury.
The investigation by the Florida Bar was first reported by The New York Times, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding Halligan’s legal conduct. Kuppersmith emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “That is part of what prompted us to make this public, because we want to encourage state bars to continue doing their duty where they see fit.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Florida Bar has refrained from commenting on active cases, leaving many details unconfirmed. Halligan had previously practiced law in Florida before her appointment to the federal prosecutor’s office, raising further questions about her qualifications and the legitimacy of her actions as an attorney.
