In a significant move that has raised eyebrows within legal circles, three Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of New York have resigned, citing ethical concerns over Department of Justice directives. Celia Cohen, Andrew Rohrback, and Derek Wikstrom announced their decision to step down, emphasizing their commitment to the principles of justice and integrity.
In a statement highlighting their dedication to the values of their institution, they noted, “There is no greater privilege than to work for an institution whose mandate is to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons. We will not abandon this principle to do our jobs. We resign.”
This dramatic departure underscores the tension between the DOJ’s directives and individual principles, according to the New York Law Journal. The attorneys’ resignation letter pointedly critiques the overarching demand for obedience over principled legal practice.