DOJ Wants First Shot at Reviewing Its Attorneys' Complaints
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Justice wants to review complaints against its lawyers before state bar groups jump in. This means DOJ gets first dibs to check if any ethics rules were broken during federal work and can pause state investigations until they finish. Comments on this new plan are open until April 6, 2026, so everyone has a chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
DOJ Gets First Review of Bar Complaints
If a complaint alleges that a current or former Department of Justice attorney broke an ethics rule while doing federal work, the Attorney General (or designee) will have the right to review the complaint first. The Department will ask State, Territorial, or D.C. bar disciplinary authorities to suspend any parallel investigations that would require the Department attorney's participation until the Department completes its review.
State Bars Can Still Impose Disbarment
Even if the Department reviews a complaint first, State bar disciplinary authorities remain able to begin or resume their own investigations and may impose additional sanctions beyond Department discipline, including suspension or permanent disbarment. The proposed rule does not require State bars to accept OPR's findings.
OPR Named as DOJ's Reviewer
The proposed rule makes the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) the Attorney General's designee to review bar complaints and allegations against Department attorneys in the first instance. OPR will notify the State bar and the affected lawyer whether the Department intends to exercise that right and will notify the bar when its review is complete or if it decides not to complete the review.
Former DOJ Attorneys' Choice to Cooperate
Former Department attorneys can choose to cooperate with OPR if they want OPR to review allegations that relate to their time at the Department. If a former attorney declines to cooperate and OPR cannot complete its review, OPR may terminate its review and notify the State bar so the bar may resume its investigation, where the bar may have compulsory authority.
DOJ May Block State Interference with Its Review
If a State bar disciplinary authority refuses the Attorney General's request to suspend parallel investigative steps, the Department says it will take appropriate action to prevent that bar authority from interfering with the Department's review. The Department intends to notify bars of the results of its review when complete.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09160 — Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.
2026-09878 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comments Requested; New Information Collection: Title-Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements
The Department of Justice’s ATF wants to start collecting new info from businesses that handle cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. They’re asking for your thoughts on the paperwork and how much time it might take before finalizing the rules. If you’re involved in this industry, get ready to keep and report more records, with comments open until July 17, 2026.
2026-09789 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Title-Attorney General's Honors Program and Summer Law Intern Program Electronic Applications
The Department of Justice wants to improve how law students apply online for the Attorney General's Honors and Summer Law Intern Programs. They’re asking for public feedback on their electronic application process to make it easier and faster, with comments open until July 14, 2026. This update affects law students applying for these programs but won’t cost anyone extra money.
2026-09628 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Title-Semi-annual Progress Report for the Technical Assistance Program
The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women is asking to keep collecting semi-annual progress reports from groups getting technical help from their program. They want your feedback on how this info is collected and if it’s useful, with comments open until July 13, 2026. This keeps things running smoothly without adding extra hassle or costs for those involved.
2026-09627 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Title-Semi-Annual Progress Report for the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program
The Department of Justice is extending the deadline for the Semi-Annual Progress Report for the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program. This means tribal groups receiving support must keep sharing updates twice a year, helping the agency track progress and improve services. Comments on this process are open until July 13, 2026, and the goal is to keep reporting easy and useful without adding extra hassle.
2026-09522 — Privacy Act of 1974; Systems of Records
The FBI is updating its National Crime Information Center (NCIC) records to better explain what info they collect and how it’s used to help catch bad guys, find missing people, and keep everyone safe. This change affects law enforcement and the public, and you have until June 12, 2026, to share your thoughts. No new costs are involved, just clearer info and stronger protections.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04388 — Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans: Compliance Date Delay and Changes To Reflect Administration Policy
The EPA is pushing back the deadline for certain facilities to update their emergency plans for hazardous water spills. This delay gives businesses more time to understand new rules that support climate and environmental justice goals. If you run a facility that could harm water with hazardous spills, expect changes soon—but with extra time to get ready and possibly save money on compliance.
Next: 2026-04396 — Miscellaneous and General Requirements
The Federal Labor Relations Authority is hitting the pause button and withdrawing its 2022 proposal to change how federal employees can stop payroll deductions for union dues. So, no new rules or policy changes are coming right now, and employees can keep revoking dues assignments the same way as before. This means no extra costs or deadlines to worry about, effective immediately as of March 5, 2026.