5 Ethics and State Attorneys General: Feb. 9, 2026 5 Ethics and State Attorneys General: Feb. 9, 2026

5.1 Introduction and Speaker 5.1 Introduction and Speaker

At the outset of class, we will be joined by the PA AG, David Sunday, for 20 minutes of zoom questions. Do your due diligence and come prepared with questions.

Ethics present uniques issues for state attorneys general. On the one hand, the model rules drafted with private practitioners in mind often are not a good fit when the AG's "client" is not only the state or a state official but also the public interest. On the other hand, representation of the public interest may also impose higher standards on state lawyers than on private practitioners who are taught to focus on zealous advocacy for their clients.In an increasingly polarized world, bar rules and ethical charges are increasingly being leveled against AGs for the official actions they take.

5.2 Ethical Rules and Government Lawyers 5.2 Ethical Rules and Government Lawyers

5.3 Attorneys General Ethical Dilemnas 5.3 Attorneys General Ethical Dilemnas

5.3.1 Evolving relationship between AL AG Pryor and AL Chief Justice Moore 5.3.1 Evolving relationship between AL AG Pryor and AL Chief Justice Moore

5.5 Supplemental Reading 5.5 Supplemental Reading

5.5.2 State AGs Taking Lavish Trips, Who's Paying? CNN (April 2, 2025) 5.5.2 State AGs Taking Lavish Trips, Who's Paying? CNN (April 2, 2025)