Trump Ally Under Investigation
A former federal prosecutor appointed during President Donald Trump’s administration is now facing scrutiny from legal regulators.
Lindsey Halligan, who previously served as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is currently under investigation by The Florida Bar following complaints about her conduct while pursuing high-profile cases involving political figures.
According to a letter obtained by The Hill, Florida Bar officials confirmed that a review into Halligan’s actions is already underway.
Florida Bar Confirms Investigation
The February 4 letter from Florida Bar counsel Carlos Leon was sent to the executive director of Campaign for Accountability, a watchdog organization that filed ethics complaints against Halligan in both Florida and Virginia.
In the letter, Leon confirmed regulators are actively reviewing the matter.
“We are aware of these developments and have been monitoring them closely,” Leon wrote. “We already have an investigation pending.”
Halligan, who stepped down from her federal prosecutor role in January, was copied on the correspondence but did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Officials with The Florida Bar declined to provide additional details, citing policies that prohibit discussion of ongoing disciplinary cases.
Legal experts note that bar investigations can take years to complete and, in serious cases, could ultimately lead to disciplinary action—including the possibility of suspension or disbarment.
High-Profile Cases Sparked National Attention
Halligan drew national headlines after bringing federal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of whom have been outspoken critics of President Trump.
The prosecutions came after Halligan’s predecessor reportedly left the position following disagreements over whether charges should be filed against the two political figures.
However, the cases took a dramatic turn when a federal judge ruled Halligan had not been lawfully serving as U.S. attorney at the time the indictments were issued.
As a result, the charges against Comey and James were dismissed.
The Justice Department has appealed the ruling.
Watchdog Group Filed Ethics Complaints
Campaign for Accountability filed formal ethics complaints against Halligan last November, alleging potential violations of professional conduct rules.
The group argued that her actions during the prosecutions may have breached ethical standards governing attorneys in both Virginia and Florida.
During proceedings in the Comey case, a federal magistrate judge criticized the investigation, describing what the court called a troubling pattern of investigative errors.
The judge also stated that Halligan allegedly made at least two major misstatements of law while presenting information to a grand jury.
In February, the watchdog group renewed its request for disciplinary review.
Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of Campaign for Accountability, said the organization hopes regulators take a careful look at the allegations.
“We hope the Florida Bar takes its responsibilities seriously and conducts a thorough investigation,” Kuppersmith told The Hill.
How Florida’s Attorney Discipline Process Works
While The Florida Bar can launch investigations into attorney conduct, it does not make final disciplinary decisions.
If investigators determine a violation may have occurred, the case is forwarded to a grievance committee that reviews the evidence and determines whether charges should move forward.
If the committee recommends discipline, the case then goes before Florida courts, which conduct hearings and ultimately decide whether penalties should be imposed.
DOJ Proposal Could Affect State Bar Investigations
The investigation into Halligan also comes as the Justice Department considers a new policy that could impact how disciplinary reviews involving federal attorneys are handled.
Earlier this year, the DOJ published a notice in the Federal Register outlining a potential rule allowing federal officials to review allegations against government lawyers before state bar associations proceed with their own investigations.
Under the proposal, the Justice Department could request that state bar organizations temporarily pause their inquiries until the department finishes its internal review.
However, state bar associations would not be required to halt their investigations and could continue independently if they choose.
For now, Florida Bar officials say the review into Halligan’s conduct remains ongoing, and the outcome could take significant time as the legal process moves forward.
