How to Submit Comments on the New DOJ Proposed Rule Regarding Attorney Discipline | TFAD Training

Описание: On March 5, 2026, the Justice Department filed a Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys: https://www.federalregister.gov/docum....

The proposed rule has a public comment period that concludes on April 6, 2026.

The proposed rule seeks to establish a process for reviewing bar complaints and allegations against its attorneys. Under the proposed rule, before a current or former Department lawyer may participate in any investigative steps initiated by the bar disciplinary authority of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia in response to allegations that a current or former Department attorney violated an ethics rule while engaging in that attorney's federal duties, the Department will have the right to review the allegations in the first instance and shall request that the bar disciplinary authority suspend any parallel investigations until the completion of the Department's review.

This rule would circumvent the long-standing regulation of the practice of law governed by the States.

Hear from our experts on the current regulatory scheme on attorney discipline at the state level, how this rule will affect the current regulatory framework, and strategies and tips on submitting comments.

Speakers:
Sterling Howard, Senior Vice President, Development and Engagement, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG)
Trish Rich, Partner & Co-Chair, Legal Profession Team, Holland & Knight
Lauren Stiller Rikleen, Executive Director, Lawyers Defending American Democracy
Julia Szybala, Senior Director of Oversight, Regulatory Affairs, and Strategic Initiative, Democracy Forward

Introduction:
Mary Smith, President and CEO, Task Force for American Democracy

Learn more about the Task Force for American Democracy at https://www.democracy-taskforce.org.