Rudy Giuliani, the former attorney for Donald Trump, might lose his license to practice law in Washington, D.C. after a disciplinary panel recommended disbarment over his false claims regarding the 2020 election.
The three-member panel issued a 38-page decision centered around a Pennsylvania lawsuit Giuliani filed post-election. He argued there was “massive election fraud” and tried to get thousands of votes dismissed.
“He claimed massive election fraud but had no evidence of it. By prosecuting that destructive case, Mr. Giuliani, a sworn officer of the Court, forfeited his right to practice law,” the decision read. “His utter disregard for facts denigrates the legal profession.”
Friday’s review said Giuliani argued his opinion of a widespread conspiracy to steal the election from Trump instead of presenting facts. A judge denied the former New York City Mayor’s argument days later.
The DC Bar Committee’s recommendation follows a previous decision by an appeals court to suspend Giuliani’s license to practice law in New York. The review panel’s recommendation will now move to a D.C. appeals court for a final decision.
The panel members said they “considered in mitigation Mr. Giuliani’s conduct following the September 11 attacks as well as his prior service in the Justice Department and as Mayor of New York City.” However, the report noted that those acts took place long ago.
“The misconduct here sadly transcends all his past accomplishments. It was unparalleled in its destructive purpose and effect,” they continued. “He sought to disrupt a presidential election and persists in his refusal to acknowledge the wrong he has done. For these reasons, we unanimously recommend that Mr. Giuliani be disbarred.”
