122 Comments
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Tom Twain's avatar

Federal court practice is not for the timid, or for the unprepared. Many experienced lawyers refuse to handle a case in federal court because the rules are more strict and in general unforgiving than state court practice. LTK is right, Trump and his cabal of incompetents aren't serious people, all Trump can do is rule by dictat which will collapse eventually.

Donald Nathan's avatar

Over the years I practiced law, I’ve tried to go to federal court as often as possible. The ceilings are 30 feet high. The tables have marble tops. The chairs are plush leather. The walls are mahogany. It stinks of money.

Yes, the rules are more stringent. The judges tend to be more scholarly. Even the magistrates are a step above state court quality and a case based on diversity of citizenship has to involve at least an arguable $75,000.

However, I would never have thought to take on a federal prosecution even though I worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney during my first year of practice in Chicago. Halligan has to be relying on her good looks and T-Rump clout to insulate her from attorney discipline. It seems clear enough that she hasn’t more than a clue what she is doing.

Robot Bender's avatar

Halligan should be fired and disbarred. She's an idiot who is way out of her depth. 🙄

Adam's avatar

An idiot of the arrogant stripe no less. She essentially forged a critical document and got busted.

bitchybitchybitchy's avatar

Look for the new reality TV series " Trump's Hottest Lawyers", featuring Lindsay Halligan.

Janice D Stearns's avatar

Or a stint on Law & Order for Dummies!

Leigh Van Lydegraf's avatar

The Lawyers of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...Bunny....Precious...Sweetcheeks...et al!!!

bitchybitchybitchy's avatar

Having pillow fights whole wearing skimpy yet expensive lingerie

Bill Smith's avatar

On the other hand, I have a hard time not hoping that she will continue to be a key component of all of Trump’s legal efforts all the way to the end.

Leigh Van Lydegraf's avatar

Today's Mushroom Tender is...

David Hope's avatar

That might well happen.

Donald Nathan's avatar

Not necessarily disbarred. Just being subject to discipline is bad enough. More likely than not, she will be suspended from the practice for violation of one or more of the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Leigh Van Lydegraf's avatar

She was a daily Epstein diversion..no more..no less!

David Hope's avatar

Yes, I think that is so.

At the same time we still do not know the full seriousness of the misconduct alleged. We do not even know the full extent of the misconduct. That should unfold to us in the days to come.

Since she is a young lawyer — giving her the benefit of the doubt — I think a 2 to 3 year suspension, not unlike what was given to Jenna Ellis, might be under consideration by the court.

Linda Fulcher's avatar

Pissing off any judge is never a smart thing to do. Pissing off a Federal judge and essentially lying to his face is incredibly stupid. Halligan is headed for disbarment. Tyler Lemons is probably looking at sanctions. Incompetent, ignorant, and arrogant indeed.

Joseph Smith's avatar

Trump bullied a few law firms, but I knew when he decided to take on the Legal Profession he had, to use an old southern expression, pissed in his whiskey…

Linda Fulcher's avatar

Never heard that one before. I'll have to use it.

Dick Montagne's avatar

Me neither and I have lived in the south since ‘64. 🤷‍♂️

Peter westre's avatar

If not criminal charges. There quite likely is a case to be made arguing fraudulent behaviors. Specifically an intent to defraud the people of the United States. If not a form of perjury.

Linda Fulcher's avatar

A consummation devoutly to be wished. Lock 'em all up!

Donald Nathan's avatar

Not necessarily disbarment. Stupidity is generally an accepted defense to a charge based on a violation of the canons of ethics. In a situation like hers, the best defense is to throw herself and the mercy of a disciplinary commission stressing her lack of experience.

Linda Fulcher's avatar

She may well be too arrogant and too ignorant to do so and will think that somehow Trump will protect her. If the case gets booted, she may be surprised to find herself out in the cold. Trump doesn't tolerate failure.

Christina Johnson's avatar

Oh wow! The Trump Trifecta: Incompetence, Ignorance, Arrogance! Brilliant as always and a joy to follow.

Terrence Goggin's avatar

As an old criminal defense lawyer this is actually hilarious, except it’s so serious. Of course if the 14th amendment means nothing there is no due process so “minor” errors are of no consequence. See someone who speaks Spanish, wearing a straw hat, bluejeans and a beige shirt, HE’S AN ILLEGAL and before you know it he’s in Sudan. This MF has to be shut down. Now in the Courts; in a year Zero budget ICE and the DOH Secretary and order their funds frozen by the GAO. If we control the House we can tie them in knots.

Charles G.'s avatar

There are only a few reasons to explain why anybody would work for a man like Donald Trump. Either you have low morals, limited intelligence, are power hungry, or want to enrich yourself. It appears that at least the first two are operative here.

Gail (Chicago)'s avatar

Or no one else will hire you. Which validates your descriptor words.

shee-rah's avatar

Or she’s the only attorney who accepted Trump’s job offer.

Karen Simmons's avatar

This was a pleasure to read! You manage to make the incompetence so amusing.

Dwight Jon Zimmerman's avatar

The takeaway for me here is that the judge is aware that the impact of his decision has a ripple effect far beyond this case given the many lawsuits filed against the Trump administration. I expect a highly detailed and lengthy decision forthcoming.

Leslie Goodman-Malamuth's avatar

Highlights before torts, pouts Lindsay.

Carol-Ann Dearnaley's avatar

As I have said before, Lindsey could be a doppelganger for the ogre's former heart throb, Hope Hicks. She wasn't hired for her intellect and abilities, she was hired for her looks. Time for her to go snap her chewing gum back in some insurance office. Hope at least knew when to fold. Not sure the doppelganger does.

Runfastandwin's avatar

I'm conflicted. Comey deserves every horrible thing that happens to him. But so does DOJ...

Adam's avatar

Hah! Without him we likely wouldn't be in this mess!

Joseph Smith's avatar

I think you’re right about that, bud. Timing couldn’t have been worse. The country wasn’t crazy about Hillary, too smart for her own good, but saw Trump for the crass blowhard that he was and I think ready to take a chance on the first woman president and then boom. Now here we are.

Susan Burgess's avatar

When is the expression “too smart for her own good” going to fade away? It’s applied to women (and children) by those who see intelligence as a bad look for both groups.

Terry's avatar

Exactly - sexist and patronizing! Same shit, different decade...

bitchybitchybitchy's avatar

No, Comey doesn't deserve this. I strong disagreed with his actions before the 2016 election.

Comey was an experienced, reasonable choice for FBI director. He acted on

principle in refusing Trump's demands after Trump took office.

Runfastandwin's avatar

There has never been a Democrat in charge of the FBI. Comey is gop through and through. Why Obama felt the need to keep him I swear to pete...

bitchybitchybitchy's avatar

Did Comey's appointment as FBI director predate Obama? Prior to the Orange menace FBI directors have 10 year appointments.

Runfastandwin's avatar

Obama appointed him, but there's no reason he had to appoint or keep a gop.

Terry's avatar

Obama had talent and I believe good intentions but he was inexperienced and a compromiser...

Joseph Smith's avatar

By then it was too late, the horses had long left the barn…

daien | nyc's avatar

trump hates Comey so much he makes your excellent point easy to forget.

Gail (Chicago)'s avatar

Piggy hates everyone so much. That is proven with every despicable choice he makes.

Terry's avatar

except murderous dicktators...

Vickie Berry's avatar

Why do you think Comey deserves every horrible thing that happens to him? Because he spoke about the Clinton emails?

Have you read his book?

We all make mistakes and that doesn’t make a person deserving of everything that happens to him.

Have you ever made a mistake?

I hope you rethink your statement. ✌🏽

Joseph Smith's avatar

Problem is, I’m afraid the mistake he made is going to be generational…

Runfastandwin's avatar

I've never made a "mistake" with those consequences.

T_Allen's avatar

He didn't make the 'mistakes' in a vacuum.

Terry's avatar

A mistake that has nearly destroyed our country - not too many folks have done that!

Susan Burgess's avatar

What about anyone who voted for the Destroyer?

Leigh Van Lydegraf's avatar

Don't forget....Comey from OLD MONEY...he's safe!

William Sarokin's avatar

Robert Bender, Actually, I disagree. Don't fire her, let her handle all the suits trump faces. The more the merrier

Patricia Nevin's avatar

She went from Making the Smithsonian Great Again to this—so much talent.

Adam's avatar

She makes EVERYTHING great again. Just add her and stir!

BG Pete Chiefari's avatar

Thank you Lucian! A good read! Legal reporting can be very dry but you made it accessible and enjoyable. Too bad you can't report the ending yet but I have a suspicion that you've given enough information that we can easily foresee what the ending will be!

Shelby Schneider's avatar

Superb! Precise! Love it!!!!!

Susan Travis's avatar

I'm hoping that all the abysmal corruption will eventually completely smother this lying SOB.