Ethics Complaint

Jeffrey Clark Ethics Complaint Update

June 28, 2021

Editorial credit: Francis Chung/POLITICO

LDAD’s formation was based, in part, on the fundamental belief that people in this country believe in fairness. Accordingly, seeking accountability for lawyers who, in their public roles, fail to follow the rules of professional responsibility has been an important component of the work we do.

Nearly four years ago, LDAD filed an extensive complaint before the DC Office of Disciplinary Counsel against Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark – a complaint that was also signed by many prominent members of the DC Bar.  The complaint alleged that Clark’s post-election efforts sought to pressure Justice Department leaders to issue a knowingly false statement that there was evidence of significant fraud in the 2020 presidential election. 

In a comprehensive Report and Recommendation that demonstrates what accountability looks like, the DC Board of Professional Responsibility determined that Clark should be disbarred for his efforts to assist in undermining the integrity of that election. LDAD's analysis was substantially identical to the ruling by the Board. 

In its recommendation, the Board stated:

“Lawyers cannot advocate for any outcome based on false statements and they certainly cannot urge others to do so. Respondent persistently and energetically sought to do just that on an important national issue. He should be disbarred as a consequence and to send a message to the rest of the Bar and to the public that this behavior will not be tolerated.”

The Board's decision now goes to the DC Court of Appeals for a final decision.  Mr. Clark is automatically suspended from the practice of law while the Court of Appeals considers the matter unless he can obtain a reprieve from the Court. 

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