Reading Room Document

Application of Conflict of Interest Laws and Department of Justice Standards of Conduct to Agreement Between U.S. Attorney and Former Law Firm Partner

This document discusses a conflict of interest issue regarding Mr. A, a U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Texas. The first inquiry is about A's agreement with his former law partner to rejoin the firm after leaving office, which may pose a conflict of interest under 18 U.S.C. § 208. The second inquiry pertains to A's ownership interest in the building where the law firm is located, which may violate the Department's standards of conduct prohibiting private practice of law. The conclusion reached is that A's agreement with his former partner does not violate conflict of interest laws, but he may need to disqualify himself from official action and comply with the Department's standards of conduct.

July 3, 1979