Parker stated that they also presented pleadings which were not supported by existing law, by a nonfrivolous argument to extend, modify, reverse or establish new law, and contained factual contentions without evidentiary support or likely have evidentiary support.
Parker, a President Barack Obama appointee who is based out of Detroit, held a six hour sanctions hearing in July where plaintiffs lawyers, such as Wood downplayed the role they played in the case.
Julia Haller and Emily Newman, both of whom served multiple roles in Trump's administration, were also included in the Wednesday announcement. Sanctions were also applied to seven other attorneys involved in litigation, including Scott Hagerstrom, and Stefanie Lynn Junetila.
The pro-Trump lawyers were also required to continue education in election law. They also had to pay the costs and fees incurred by the State Defendant as well as the City of Detroit for this defense action. The defendants have two weeks to submit time and expense records.
The Court also stated that due to the inconsistencies in the pleadings (which claim violations of Michigan's election law without a deep understanding of the law) and the number unsuccessful election-challenge suits that Plaintiffs lawyers have filed, it was clear that mandatory continuing legal education should be included in the sanctions.
The judge also recommended that each attorney's bar association investigate the possibility of suspension or disbarment. This was because their participation in the litigation indicated that they were not fit to practice law.
