Topline
Jeffrey Clark, the former Justice Department lawyer whom Donald Trump sought to appoint as attorney general, faces accusations by the Washington D.C. bar that he violated rules of professional conduct by attempting to send a letter to Georgia state officials with false statements and interfere with justice after the 2020 election.
Jeffrey Clark faces disciplinary charges from the DC Bar due to alleged interference with the 2020 … [+]
Key Facts
The 10-page report, signed by the bar’s disciplinary counsel Hamilton Fox, said that Clark attempted to send a “Proof of Concept” letter to Georgia state officials which unfairly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
According to the Friday filing, the letter included “misleading” statements about an “alternative slate” of electoral college electors pledged to Donald Trump, which Fox wrote were never approved by the state of Georgia.
The statements made in the Proof of Concept letter were false, according to the Friday filing, which noted that the DOJ was aware of “no allegations of election fraud in Georgia” that would have affected the presidential election.
The letter also included false statements that the DOJ had authorized the Georgia state legislature to convene a special session without the Governor’s approval, according to Fox.
DC Bar assistant general counsel Monica Page wrote in an email to Forbes that disciplinary actions are handled exclusively by the attorney discipline arm of the DC Bar.
According to the DC Bar, consequences for disciplinary violations can include probation, suspension or disbarment.
Key Background
According to the DC Court of Appeals, which oversees the proceedings, Clark must file an answer to the charge within 20 days with a denial, a statement in exculpation or a statement in mitigation of the alleged misconduct. Then, Clark will be entitled to a hearing with a lawyer and the chance to present evidence. Clark has appeared before the Congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. capitol insurrection, where protesters attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, but he repeatedly pleaded the Fifth Amendment.
Crucial Quote
“The Proof of Concept letter stated that the Department of Justice had ‘identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple States, including the State of Georgia.’ This statement was false. The Department was aware of no allegations of election fraud in Georgia that would have affected the results of the presidential election,” wrote Fox in the Friday filing.
Further Reading
“Ex-Trump DOJ lawyer Jeffrey Clark hit with legal ethics charges over post-election role” (The Hill)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobstrier/2022/07/22/former-doj-lawyer-jeffrey-clark-faces-ethics-violations-charge/