Lindsey Halligan Is Under Investigation by the Florida Bar
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/us/politics/lindsey-halligan-investigation-florida-bar.html
https://archive.ph/LVvZy
Lindsey Halligan Is Under Investigation by the Florida Bar
The actions of Ms. Halligan, who as a U.S. attorney brought criminal cases against President Trumps enemies, are under review by the organization that licensed her to practice law.
By Devlin Barrett and Jonah E. Bromwich
March 5, 2026, 2:47 p.m. ET
Lindsey Halligan, the former U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia who brought criminal cases against President Trumps enemies over the objections of career prosecutors, is under investigation by Floridas bar association, according to a letter the organization sent last month.
An investigation by Floridas bar association could lead to disbarment, but the process is rigorous and often takes years. Though the bar can open investigations and act as a fact-finder, its recommendations go to an organization called a grievance committee, which has to determine whether there is probable cause to believe an attorney is guilty of misconduct. That recommendation then goes to the states courts, which have the power to disbar lawyers.
Still, the prospect of Ms. Halligan losing her license could serve as a check on administration lawyers who have been accused by judges of pushing the boundaries of the law or intentionally misleading the courts, which has happened frequently in recent months. It could also deter attorneys considering working for the Justice Department, which is eagerly looking to hire to replace the many employees who quit or were fired last year.
On Wednesday, the administration posted a notice in the Federal Register that suggested it was seeking to intervene in state bar associations disciplinary proceedings.
The Justice Department has no apparent legal authority over state bar disciplinary organizations, and its proposal suggested that it would request that a state bar association suspend any parallel investigations until the department completes its own review. But legal experts said that even a request like that by the administration could be interpreted by bar associations as a threat.
...