The ethics complaints against Todd Blanche contain allegations, not findings of misconduct, according to a letter to the Grievance Committee of New York State.
As of now, no state bar has determined that Blanche violated the rules of professional conduct. The complaints ask disciplinary authorities to investigate his conduct, according to the Ethics
Summary of the principal allegations
1. Conflict of interest
The complaints argue that Blanche participated in matters involving his former client, President Donald Trump, after joining the Department of Justice. The complainants contend he should have recused himself from decisions where his prior attorney-client relationship could create an actual or apparent conflict of interest.
2. Failure to provide independent legal judgment
The complaints allege Blanche placed the personal and political interests of President Trump ahead of the independent interests of the United States, contrary to the ethical obligations expected of Justice Department attorneys.
3. Misuse of prosecutorial authority
The complainants allege Blanche directed or approved investigations and prosecutions for political retaliation rather than legitimate law enforcement purposes. They argue this conduct would be prejudicial to the administration of justice if proven.
4. Epstein files handling
One complaint argues Blanche’s supervision of the Department of Justice’s handling of records concerning Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell was:
- incomplete,
- influenced by conflicts of interest,
- harmful to victims,
- and inconsistent with his ethical duties.
These are allegations made by the complainants and have not been proven in disciplinary proceedings.
5. Conduct involving the Abrego Garcia case
The Campaign for Accountability complaint alleges Blanche improperly pursued criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia after Garcia challenged his removal from the United States. The complaint argues the prosecution was retaliatory and asks the New York Attorney Grievance Committee to investigate whether Blanche violated multiple Rules of Professional Conduct.
6. Candor and fairness
The complaints contend Blanche engaged in conduct that was:
- deceptive,
- prejudicial to the administration of justice,
- and inconsistent with a lawyer’s duty of honesty and fairness before tribunals and the public.
These allegations have not been adjudicated by a disciplinary authority.
7. Competence and diligence
The complaints argue Blanche failed to exercise the competence and diligence required of attorneys representing the United States in several high-profile matters, including his handling of DOJ decisions and investigations.
Rules the complaints cite
The complaints argue Blanche may have violated provisions of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct relating to:
- Conflicts of interest.
- Competent representation.
- Diligent representation.
- Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
- Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
- Assisting another person in violating the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Blanche’s position
Publicly, Blanche has defended his actions and has consistently maintained that he has acted lawfully and appropriately in carrying out his duties. At this stage, the ethics complaints are requests for investigation, not disciplinary findings or determinations of misconduct.