Overview
- Disciplinary Counsel Hamilton P. Fox III alleges Martin used his government position to coerce Georgetown Law to change its teaching on DEI, violating constitutional protections and legal-ethics rules.
- The complaint cites improper ex parte contacts with D.C. Court of Appeals judges after Martin was notified of an inquiry, including a request for a face-to-face meeting and copying White House counsel.
- Court filings made public on March 10 detail two counts before the Board on Professional Responsibility, with possible sanctions ranging up to suspension or disbarment if misconduct is found.
- The filings say a subsequent letter from Martin warned Georgetown that its federal funding and nonprofit status could be affected, expanding on his initial hiring freeze threat.
- The Justice Department denounced the action as partisan, and the charges were filed days after DOJ proposed a rule to constrain external bar investigations into department lawyers.