James Comey Faces Bar Complaints Over Alleged Congressional Obstruction

Former FBI Director James Comey is under scrutiny following the filing of bar complaints against him in both New York and Virginia. These complaints, submitted by the Center to Advance Security in America (CASA), allege that Comey obstructed a congressional proceeding and made false statements while testifying before Congress.

Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 to 2017, was indicted on September 25, 2023, on federal charges related to these allegations. The complaints call for bar authorities to investigate Comey’s conduct as an attorney in both states, emphasizing the importance of honesty and trustworthiness in legal practice.

The complaint states, “Misrepresentation, honesty, and trustworthiness are all factors that the Rules of Professional Conduct expressly factor when weighing whether to discipline an attorney.” It asserts that Comey’s actions raise significant questions about his integrity and urges a prompt investigation.

On October 8, 2020, Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of lying during his testimony regarding whether he authorized someone at the FBI to act as an anonymous source for news reports. The indictment does not specify which leak is in question, but Comey has previously acknowledged asking Daniel C. Richman, a law professor, to share details of a memo concerning his interactions with Donald Trump with a journalist from The New York Times.

Despite the absence of a criminal conviction, the complaints assert that sufficient evidence exists to warrant disciplinary action. The Virginia State Bar requires “clear and convincing evidence,” while New York’s Attorney Grievance Committee operates under a standard of “preponderance of evidence.”

“Because Comey has proven willing to say false statements, under oath, during a congressional hearing, he cannot be trusted to be truthful in the practice of law,” states the New York complaint. It further argues that his credibility as an attorney is now in serious doubt.

CASA’s Director, James Fitzpatrick, criticized Comey’s actions, labeling them as a politically motivated attempt to undermine Trump and damaging to the integrity of federal law enforcement. Fitzpatrick remarked, “James Comey’s disgraceful actions while serving as the Director of the FBI were nothing but a failed attempt to politically destroy President Donald J. Trump.”

A report from the Office of the Inspector General in 2019 had already indicated that Comey set a “dangerous example for the over 35,000 current FBI employees” through his leaking of sensitive information.

Comey’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the charges on October 20, 2023, claiming he is a victim of “vindictive and selective prosecution” and contesting the legitimacy of the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who secured the indictment shortly after her appointment.

While Comey’s attorneys did not respond to inquiries for further comment, the ongoing developments highlight significant implications for his legal career and reputation. The outcome of the bar complaints and the federal indictment will likely shape discussions surrounding accountability and integrity within the legal profession.