Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown is once again under scrutiny after a previously dismissed bar complaint against him was reopened for review.
The complaint, which alleges a conflict of interest involving Brown’s support for a legal action against former President Donald Trump, will now be reviewed by a three-member Review Committee of the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) Disciplinary Board.
Complaint Revived After Dismissal Disputed
Originally dismissed in October by WSBA Senior Disciplinary Counsel Henry Cruz, the complaint is now active again after the dismissal was formally challenged. The WSBA has assigned the case to its Review Committee, which includes two attorneys and one non-lawyer. This panel will determine whether to:
- Uphold the original dismissal
- Call for a deeper investigation or public hearing
- Issue an admonition to Brown
While WSBA investigations are typically confidential, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has been communicating with the Bar using public email, making parts of the process publicly accessible through records requests.
Allegations Involving Conflict of Interest
The complaint was filed following Nick Brown’s decision to sign an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie, a private law firm that had filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) after President Trump cancelled the firm’s federal contracts and revoked its security clearance.
The complaint argues that Brown’s support for Perkins Coie represented a conflict of interest, as the firm had active contracts with the Washington AGO at the time — a fact allegedly not disclosed to the court. Internal emails, obtained by The Center Square, also show that AGO attorneys had helped draft the brief and offered legal guidance on the timing and venue for the TRO filing.
Brown’s Response and Missed Deadlines
When asked about the complaint during a press conference on January 20, Brown dismissed the issue, calling it “a pretty laughable bar complaint.” However, documents show that Brown failed to respond to the WSBA’s request for a formal reply, despite being threatened with an interim license suspension.
Emails later revealed that Brown’s executive assistant Angie Adams received the WSBA letter while on vacation and failed to recognize its urgency. Solicitor General Noah Purcell eventually responded to the Bar on Brown’s behalf, explaining the delay and defending the AGO’s actions.
WSBA Silent on Inquiry Into Its Process
The Center Square also reached out to the WSBA to ask how it handles complaints and whether disciplinary counsel apply consistent standards. The WSBA has not responded to those requests.
What’s Next in the Review Process?
The Review Committee will now assess whether the initial dismissal was justified or if further action is warranted. If they uphold the dismissal, the case will be closed permanently. If they determine that the complaint merits further scrutiny, Brown could face disciplinary consequences, ranging from a warning to a possible public hearing.
