US EditionReport: CIA Deputy Director Temporarily Takes Over as General Counsel
Michael Ellis, CIA deputy director, assumed acting general counsel after demoting the prior lawyer amid Senate confirmation of Joshua Simmons, raising ethical concerns over legal independence.
- Michael Ellis, the CIA's deputy director, abruptly demoted the agency's acting general counsel and temporarily installed himself in that position, as reported on Monday.
- This action followed the January departure of Kate Heinzelman when the Biden administration ended, leaving the general counsel post vacant.
- Ellis's self-appointment, approved as a temporary measure by agency attorneys, meant he remained in both roles while the Senate considered President Trump's nominee Joshua Simmons.
- Legal ethics professor Stephen Gillers called the arrangement 'rather bizarre' and noted, 'he can't advise himself' on matters needing independent counsel.
- Concerns persist about conflicts of interest until the Senate holds Simmons's confirmation hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
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10 Articles
C.I.A. deputy director replaces agency's top legal official with himself, the New York Times reports
Deputy Central Intelligence Agency Director Michael Ellis has replaced the agency's general counsel with himself, the New York Times reported Monday citing people familiar with the matter.
CIA deputy director replaces agency’s top lawyer with himself | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
WASHINGTON >> Michael Ellis, the deputy director of the CIA, has abruptly demoted a career lawyer who had been serving as the agency’s acting general counsel since January and installed himself in that role, according to people familiar with the matter.
Report: CIA Deputy Director Appoints Himself Top Lawyer
The CIA's deputy director has unexpectedly demoted the agency's top lawyer and temporarily appointed himself to the role, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest, reports the New York Times . Michael Ellis will continue to act as the CIA's No. 2 leader while also serving as chief legal officer, per...
CIA deputy director has replaced agency’s top legal official with himself - Hawaii Tribune-Herald
WASHINGTON — Michael Ellis, the deputy director of the CIA, has abruptly demoted a career lawyer who had been serving as the agency’s acting general counsel since January and installed himself in that role, according to people familiar with the matter.
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