Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Apr. 7 that she co-led a coalition of 22 Attorneys General in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed Department of Justice rule that would limit state bar disciplinary proceedings involving DOJ attorneys.
The coalition’s action is significant because it addresses the standards for professional and ethical conduct expected from federal attorneys, which have traditionally been regulated by states. The letter argues that the new proposal could allow the Justice Department to request pauses in state investigations or disciplinary actions against its attorneys, and could lead to unspecified retaliatory measures if states do not comply.
“Attorneys must be held to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct, not because of where they work, but because of what they represent,” said Attorney General Davenport. “The Department of Justice is an institution built on the tradition that those who wield the power of the law must do so with unwavering integrity, independence, and fidelity to the truth. This proposed rule seeks to shamefully lower that standard. In New Jersey, we work every day to build public trust in the legal system.”
The regulation and licensing of lawyers has historically been managed by individual states since the nation’s founding. Federal law requires DOJ attorneys to adhere to state laws and rules just like any other attorney practicing within those jurisdictions.
Davenport was joined in leading this effort by her counterparts from Minnesota, Colorado, and Washington D.C., with additional support from Attorneys General representing Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington.
According to the official website of New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office the agency aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards statewide. The office extends its authority throughout all counties and municipalities according to its official site, influencing public safety through enforcement efforts across New Jersey. It holds statewide authority for law enforcement oversight under its statutory mandate as outlined online, offering services such as legal representation for state agencies; oversight for police departments; crime lab support; victim advocacy; consumer protection initiatives; as well as regulation activities focused on justice according to its website.
