As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, a fierce battle is unfolding in the legal arena, fueled by accusations of ethical misconduct surrounding lawyers associated with Donald Trump. In the wake of Trump’s previous unsuccessful attempt to overturn the 2020 election, a group called the 65 Project has emerged, targeting attorneys involved in his legal strategies. They have filed over 80 ethics complaints against these lawyers.
Now, with Trump poised to run again, his supporters have retaliated. The pro-Trump organization America First Legal has filed a bar complaint against Michael Teter, the chief attorney of the 65 Project, claiming he is intimidating conservative lawyers merely for representing Trump. Teter, however, argues that this complaint reveals the anxiety among those attempting to exploit the courts to undermine democracy.
The current climate highlights the pivotal role of legal professionals in the looming election, where Trump’s previous legal team faced significant consequences, including license suspensions and indictments, for their roles in promoting false claims of widespread election fraud.
Trump has voiced his belief that he can only lose the upcoming election if Democrats resort to cheating, hinting at a potential challenge to the results if Vice President Kamala Harris is declared the winner. The 65 Project, named after the number of unsuccessful lawsuits aimed at contesting Joe Biden’s election victory, asserts its mission is to deter lawyers from filing unfounded claims. They plan to spend a substantial amount on advertisements in legal publications warning attorneys of the risks to their licenses if they engage in similar misconduct.
America First Legal, established by former Trump aide Stephen Miller, has ramped up its election-related initiatives, including a recent lawsuit in Arizona to investigate thousands of voter registrations lacking proof of citizenship. A judge ruled against them, but they are appealing the decision.
Between 2022 and 2023, at least four lawyers named in complaints by the 65 Project faced disciplinary action, while others have either been cleared or continue their work in election-related litigation on behalf of Trump allies. Teter expressed frustration at the pace of investigations by bar associations, asserting that these delays do not hinder the 65 Project’s mission.
In a broader context, Trump’s allies have launched numerous lawsuits nationwide to modify voting procedures, yet their legal efforts have yielded mixed results. In the past month alone, they have suffered at least 11 defeats in crucial states. Nevertheless, some legal victories have surfaced, such as a judge extending the deadline for mail-in ballot requests in Pennsylvania.
One significant case involves lawyer Erick Kaardal, whose past attempts to challenge the election results have led to ethics complaints. His recent lawsuit in Pennsylvania, which sought to tighten overseas voting procedures, was dismissed by a judge who criticized it for relying on unfounded fears of fraud.
As the legal landscape shifts, lawyers like Kenneth Klukowski, who has faced complaints related to his past involvement with Trump’s efforts, find themselves embroiled in ongoing election challenges. Despite complaints against them, several lawyers remain active, representing Republican interests in current litigation.
With the election looming, the struggle for legal dominance continues, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the ethical responsibilities of those who navigate its complexities. The 65 Project maintains that their efforts are crucial in protecting democracy, while their critics claim they are merely engaging in a politically motivated witch hunt against conservative legal representatives.
