The attorney discipline panel in Washington, DC has preliminarily decided that former Trump Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark could face sanctions, including disbarment, for attempting to cast doubt on Donald Trump’s electoral loss in 2020. This decision follows a several-day trial and indicates that Clark may face serious penalties as a lawyer due to his actions during the final days of the Trump administration. Clark is also facing criminal charges in Georgia related to these efforts.
The ethics charges brought against Clark by the DC Bar’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel allege that he was dishonest and attempted to interfere with the administration of justice following the 2020 election. It is important to note that the panel’s finding is not binding, as mentioned by the chair of the panel. Following the announcement of the finding, a lawyer for the disciplinary counsel confirmed that they would be seeking Clark’s disbarment.
During his time in the Trump administration, Clark came close to being appointed as the last attorney general as part of an effort to challenge his loss in battleground states. Clark rejected federal investigative findings that showed no widespread fraud had occurred in the election, believing instead that foreign-controlled smart thermostats could have interfered with votes. Despite his belief that he was acting on behalf of the then-president, witnesses testified that Clark’s efforts within the DOJ were inappropriate and out of line.
The attorney discipline trial began last week before a three-person disciplinary committee. A final recommendation will be made by the panel and sent to a professional responsibility board and the DC court for consideration. Clark has also filed lawsuits challenging the validity of the DC Bar’s disciplinary proceedings against him, leading to delays in the start of the proceedings.
Other individuals who worked for Trump after the election are also facing consequences in terms of attorney discipline. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been recommended for disbarment by a hearing committee in DC and had his law license suspended by a New York court. Additionally, ex-Trump attorney John Eastman has informed the DC Bar that his law license is inactive following a recommendation for disbarment by a California judge.
Overall, Clark’s actions during the final days of the Trump administration have led to potential disbarment and other serious consequences as he faces ethics charges related to his attempts to question the results of the 2020 election. The series of events surrounding Clark’s case highlight the ongoing legal battles and ethical challenges faced by individuals who worked for the Trump administration following the election. As the process continues, a final decision will be made by the panel and ultimately sent for consideration to relevant authorities.
