1. United States
2. R.I.
3. Letter

Hello, I am writing as a constituent to urge you to oppose the Department of Justice’s proposed rule titled “Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys.” This proposal would allow the DOJ to review ethics allegations against its own current and former attorneys before state disciplinary authorities can take investigative steps, and it would allow the Department to seek suspension of state bar investigations while DOJ conducts its own review. In practice, this would weaken independent oversight and make it harder to hold government lawyers accountable for professional misconduct. Lawyers representing the United States should be held to the highest ethical standards, not shielded from the same disciplinary process that applies to every other attorney. State disciplinary bodies and courts exist precisely so that lawyer misconduct is not judged solely by the lawyer’s own employer. The Justice Department should not be placed in a position to police itself when questions of professional responsibility are at stake. I am especially concerned that this proposal could undermine public confidence in the rule of law by creating the appearance, or the reality, of special protection for federal attorneys. Accountability is not “weaponization.” Independent review is a basic safeguard in any justice system worthy of public trust. I urge you to do three things: First, publicly oppose this proposed rule and call for its withdrawal. Second, conduct vigorous congressional oversight of the Department’s attempt to interfere with independent state disciplinary processes. Third, defend the principle that government lawyers must remain fully subject to independent ethics enforcement just like every other member of the bar. Please let me know what actions you will take in response.