Florida Bar Investigates Former Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan

Florida Bar Opens Investigation into Former Interim U.S. Attorney

Lindsey Halligan, the former interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is under investigation by the Florida Bar, according to a letter from the organization confirming the probe. The letter was addressed to parties including Halligan and followed complaints about her conduct in federal investigations.

Complaints Trigger Professional Conduct Review

The nonprofit organization Campaign for Accountability filed complaints with both the Virginia and Florida Bars concerning Halligan’s conduct in investigations involving former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director of Campaign for Accountability, stated that the complaint outlined alleged violations of professional rules of conduct in Virginia and Florida related to Halligan’s work on those matters.

The first complaint was submitted in November to the Virginia State Bar and the Florida Bar. The Virginia State Bar responded that it could not initiate a disciplinary investigation based on potential violations of disciplinary rules. Its letter indicated that it would require a determination from a court, such as sanctions for false statements, or that Halligan be charged and convicted of a crime, before proceeding.

Court Ruling on Halligan’s Appointment and Case Dismissals

In November, U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and a federal law governing U.S. attorney vacancies. As a result of that finding, Judge Currie ordered the criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James to be dismissed. The Justice Department appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit but did not request that the appellate court freeze Judge Currie’s decision while the appeal is considered.

Halligan’s Departure from the Justice Department

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in January that Halligan left the Justice Department after a federal judge barred her from referring to herself as a U.S. attorney in court filings. The judge found that her continued use of the title ignored a binding court order that disqualified her from the position in 2025.

Second Complaint and Florida Bar Response

In February, Kuppersmith submitted a second complaint to both the Virginia and Florida Bars, again requesting an investigation into whether Halligan had violated Rules of Professional Conduct, noting that Halligan had been forced out of the position of U.S. Attorney. Within days, the Florida Bar replied in writing that it was aware of recent developments, had been monitoring them closely, and already had an investigation pending. Halligan was copied on that correspondence.

Context of Justice Department Rule Proposal

The Florida Bar’s ongoing investigation coincides with a recent proposal by the Justice Department for a rule that would allow the attorney general to review state bar investigations into alleged misconduct by Justice Department lawyers. Kuppersmith said this proposal contributed to the decision to make the complaints public, with the stated aim of encouraging state bars to continue carrying out their duties.

Official Responses and Non-Responses

A communications director for the Florida Bar stated that the organization does not provide comment on active cases. Halligan did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the Florida Bar’s investigation.