Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Apr. 7 that he, along with attorneys general from 21 other states and the District of Columbia, opposes a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Justice that would restrict state bar disciplinary actions against DOJ attorneys.
The group argues that the federal proposal could undermine states’ authority to regulate legal ethics and accountability for lawyers, especially those working in public service roles. According to their comment letter, the new rule would allow the DOJ to ask state bar organizations to pause investigations or disciplinary proceedings involving its attorneys. States refusing such requests might face unspecified retaliatory measures from the federal government.
Raoul said, “The licensing and regulation of lawyers has been handled by the states since the nation’s founding. It is crucial that attorneys, especially those serving the public, are held to an unbiased standard of ethical and professional conduct without interference or retaliation from the federal government.”
Federal law requires DOJ attorneys to follow state laws and rules just like any other lawyer practicing in that state. The coalition’s letter aims to ensure this standard is upheld and resists efforts by the DOJ to bypass established procedures.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office advocates for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. Each year it handles thousands of consumer complaints according to its official website, offers services such as complaint filing for consumer fraud and civil rights according to its official website, protects consumers while promoting safer communities as well as environmental rights issues according to its official website, extends advocacy across Illinois according to its official website, and partners with law enforcement agencies in support of crime victims while promoting open government according to its official website.
Raoul was joined in submitting this comment letter by counterparts from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Virginia Washington as well as D.C., highlighting broad opposition among states.