DOJ sues DC Bar over ‘blatantly partisan’ attempts to disbar Jeffrey Clark, discipline others
The Department of Justice is taking legal action against the DC Bar for what they claim is a biased effort to disbar and discipline current and former Trump administration attorneys, including former official Jeffrey Clark. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward filed a complaint in federal court alleging that the DC Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the DC Court of Appeals Board on Professional Responsibility were unfairly targeting Clark and others.
The DOJ argues that the DC Bar is “punishing” Clark and others in a partisan manner, using state bar discipline as a weapon against them. Woodward stated in the complaint that allowing these proceedings to continue would give state bar authorities control over the Executive Branch, which is not permissible under the law. The DOJ is seeking to nullify the bar’s findings against Clark, issue an injunction against the disciplinary board, and have federal attorneys’ fees paid.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the lawsuit against the DC Bar is in line with President Trump’s promise to end the politicization of the legal process. He stated that federal attorneys should be able to provide candid legal advice without fear of being targeted by partisan entities like the DC Bar.
Jeffrey Clark, who served as assistant attorney general at the DOJ in 2020, faced disciplinary proceedings from the DC Bar for providing advice to President Trump regarding potential voter fraud in the 2020 election. The bar suggested suspending Clark’s law license for two years, a decision that was appealed to the DC Court of Appeals.
Former US attorneys general, including Bill Barr, submitted a brief in support of Clark, arguing that punishing him for his legal suggestions would set a dangerous precedent. The DOJ’s filing also named Hamilton Fox and Jack Metzler, members of the DC Bar who were accused of displaying bias and poor judgment in their handling of disciplinary cases.
The DOJ’s complaint highlighted statements made by Metzler, including claims that it was unethical to engage with anti-vaxxers and individuals questioning birthright citizenship, issues that were addressed by the Trump administration. Ed Martin, a former interim DC US Attorney, was also targeted by the DC Bar for advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at Georgetown University Law School.
The DC Bar has not yet responded to the DOJ’s legal action. The lawsuit underscores the ongoing battle between the Trump administration and perceived partisan entities within the legal system.
