Former Trump Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark could face the loss of his law license following a preliminary ruling by a DC Bar panel. This panel has determined that Clark violated ethics rules in his attempts to reverse the 2020 presidential election outcome.
Upon the panel’s preliminary decision, DC Disciplinary Counsel Phil Fox stated his intent to pursue Clark’s disbarment. The committee revealed that Clark broke a minimum of one lawyer ethics rule by falsifying claims of supposed election fraud, in an effort to influence the election towards Donald Trump.
This preliminary and non-binding decision was made following a seven-day hearing. During these proceedings, Clark faced accusations of planning a Justice Department “coup” aimed to ensure Trump remained in office in the days leading up to the infamous Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Clark has fought back against these allegations, arguing in court filings that these attorney discipline proceedings are being used tactically against Trump’s allies. Harry MacDougald, Clark’s attorney, expressed in a final argument that the case was heavily politically charged.
The potential disciplinary measures Clark could face range from a written warning to complete disbarment. However, the disciplinary process still has several more steps to undergo before any punishment can be definitively presented.
Merril Hirsh, the panel’s chair, has announced a formal decision will be declared once complete briefings on the matter have been received from both sides. Thereafter, the case will be escalated to the Board on Professional Responsibility, and following that, the DC Court of Appeals.
Read more about the case here.