Topline
Sidney Powell and Lin Wood, far-right lawyers, were sanctioned Wednesday in Michigan for their post-election lawsuit. They are now facing possible disbarment.
Sidney Powell, Attorney, leaves the federal courthouse at Washington, D.C., on June 24, ASSOCIATED PRS
The Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Linda Parker ordered Wednesday that Powell, Wood, and their co-counsel must each pay the defendants attorneys fees and undergo at least 12 hours legal education. They will also be referred by disciplinary boards to investigate and possibly suspend or disbar them. Tony Evers also requested a federal court to order Powell and her cocounsel to pay more $100,000 in attorney fees for their lawsuit in Michigan. However, those motions remain pending and no hearing has been set. Michigan Governor. Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Gretchen Whitmer filed separate complaints to the Attorney Grievance Commission of the State of Michigan. These complaints sought to disbar Powell and the other attorneys in the Michigan lawsuit. Arizona attorneys filed an ethics complaint against Powell, Wood, and the other lawyers involved in her case. They asked for an investigation which could lead to fees, suspension of law licenses, or disbarment. Wood is being investigated by the State Bar of Georgia for his conduct after his election, including his lawsuits against Powell and separate litigation that he led. He could also be accused of spreading conspiracy theories which could lead to his disbarment.
Important Quote
Parker ruled that despite the confusion, commotion and chaos counsel created by filing this lawsuit it is clear that the plaintiffs' attorneys violated their oaths, flouted the rules and tried to undermine the integrity and independence of the judiciary. The Court is therefore bound to grant the motions of sanctions.
Chief Critics
Powell, Wood, and other lawyers have not responded to inquiries for comment. Powell however has defended the allegations of election fraud and suggested during the hearing on sanctions that she didn't regret bringing the Michigan case. Powell expressed admiration for Powell and her co-counsel, saying that they have always practiced law to the highest standards. Wood has defended himself against the accusations against him. He also unsuccessfully sued Georgia's State Bar to stop the investigation. Wood, a far-right lawyer who tried unsuccessfully to distance himself from the Michigan lawsuit, and avoid sanctions by saying that he did not participate in the case, stated on Telegram Wednesday night that he would appeal the Michigan decision, saying that the entire order sanctioning him is absurd and based upon a lie.
Important Background
The battleground state lawsuits of Powell, a legal strategy that far-right lawyer referred to as releas[ing] the Kraken in 1981 film The Clash of the Titans, were part of a larger effort by the Trump campaign with its allies to overturn the election results in battleground states. This effort was ultimately unsuccessful and led to more than 60 failed court cases. Along with the debarment and sanctions against Powell and her counsel, Rudy Giuliani, an attorney, was also suspended in New York City and Washington, D.C., while plaintiffs, including former President Donald Trump, were forced to pay fees. Dominion Voting Systems is suing Powell and Giuliani for defamation for spreading false conspiracy theories about the machines. This was after a judge rejected Powell, Giuliani, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindells motions for dismissal of the Dominion lawsuits.
Continue reading
Sidney Powell and Kraken Attorneys sanctioned for bringing a Michigan election fraud lawsuit (Forbes).
Kraken Sanctions Hearing Lin Wood Blames Sidney Powell in Attempt to Evade Punishment as Judge Expresses Skepticism
Giulianis Law License Suspended. Here Are the Other Trump Lawyers Who Might Face Discipline Next. Forbes
Sidney Powell gets a $100,000 bill from Wisconsin: Governor Demands Legal Fees for Election Lawsuit (Forbes).
Lin Wood, a pro-Trump lawyer, loses a lawsuit over mental health evaluation (Forbes).
