Reading Room Document

Litigation Involving a Corporation Owned by a Government Attorney

The document discusses a potential conflict of interest involving Mr. A, an attorney in the Land and Natural Resources Division, who is the sole stockholder of a corporation that leases boatyard premises from the Department of the Interior. The leased property is the subject of a quiet title litigation handled by the General Litigation Section of the Division, but not within Mr. A's area of responsibility. The conclusion reached is that Mr. A's ownership of stock in the corporation does not create any real or apparent conflict of interest with his duties and responsibilities, as he does not intend to participate in the litigation on behalf of the United States or act as an agent or attorney on behalf of the corporation. The document raises questions about the potential conflict of interest, the financial interest of Mr. A in the outcome of the quiet title action, and whether his ownership of stock in the corporation could affect his duties and responsibilities.

January 28, 1977