Reading Room Document

Propriety of Appearance of a Former Justice Department Attorney in a Condemnation Case

The document discusses the propriety of a former Justice Department attorney, Mr. A, representing a property owner in a condemnation case. It concludes that Mr. A is not prohibited from representing the property owner, as he did not have any personal involvement in the case during his tenure at the Justice Department. The document raises questions about the interpretation of the American Bar Association (ABA) Code of Professional Responsibility, specifically whether Mr. A's representation is barred by Disciplinary Rule 9-101(B) of the Code, and whether the entire law firm is disqualified if Mr. A is personally barred. The document also outlines factors to be considered in determining whether a former government attorney may properly represent a party in a matter that was under his official responsibility when he was with the government.

January 31, 1977