Story perspectives

Justice Dept Claims D.C. Bar Partisan, Seeks Clark Disbarment

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Department accused D.C. Bar of being a blatantly partisan arm of leftist causes.
Jeffrey Clark praised the lawsuit on X, calling it an important step to vindicate the separation of powers.
The department argued that punishing Clark would chill executive-branch attorneys from providing candid legal advice.
The D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility recommended Clark’s disbarment, naming him vice president of the conservative watchdog group Oversight Project.

History

Historical Context

In July 1974 the Supreme Court issued an 8-0 ruling in United States v. Nixon, ordering President Richard Nixon to surrender the Oval Office tapes and curbing executive privilege. That decision gave the Justice Department authority to enforce subpoenas, a precedent the 2024 lawsuit by Attorney General Merrick Garland’s DOJ against the D.C. Bar relies on, showing Watergate’s lasting impact on checks of professional power.

1 of 2

Story summary

Justice Department accused D.C. Bar of being a blatantly partisan arm of leftist causes.
Jeffrey Clark praised the lawsuit on X, calling it an important step to vindicate the separation of powers.
The department argued that punishing Clark would chill executive-branch attorneys from providing candid legal advice.
The D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility recommended Clark’s disbarment, naming him vice president of the conservative watchdog group Oversight Project.

1 / 2