The controversy surrounding the former West Virginia Supreme Court Justice, Allen Loughry, has taken a new turn with the Wheeling law firm, Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor & Gordon, calling for a Texas-based lawyer to stop speaking about the case of suspended Supreme Court law clerk, Dan Hummel.
Hummel was suspended from his position in 2018, following allegations of inappropriate conduct with a Supreme Court Justice, identified in court filings as “Jane Doe.” The allegations against Hummel were never proven in court, but he later resigned from his position.
In recent months, Texas-based lawyer, Ty Clevenger, has been speaking publicly about the Hummel case, alleging that Hummel was the victim of a cover-up by the West Virginia Supreme Court, and that Justice Loughry was involved in the cover-up.
Clevenger has also made allegations about other West Virginia judges and public officials, including claims that former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin was involved in a scheme to cover up wrongdoing by West Virginia officials.
The Wheeling law firm, which represents Justice Loughry, has now called on Clevenger to stop speaking about the Hummel case, citing concerns about potential ethical violations by Clevenger.
The firm has sent a letter to Clevenger, warning him that his comments about the Hummel case could be considered a violation of the West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, and could result in disciplinary action against him.
The letter states that Clevenger’s comments about the Hummel case are “false and defamatory,” and that he has no basis for his allegations against Justice Loughry.
The controversy surrounding the Hummel case is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the West Virginia Supreme Court. Justice Loughry was suspended from the court in 2018 and later resigned after being convicted of federal charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements.
Implications of the Call for Clevenger to Cease Speaking About Hummel
The Importance of Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The call for Texas-based lawyer Ty Clevenger to cease speaking about the Hummel case has significant implications for the legal profession, particularly with regard to the importance of upholding ethical standards.
Lawyers are bound by a strict code of professional conduct that requires them to uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice. This includes refraining from making false or defamatory statements about other individuals, particularly when those statements are made in the context of ongoing legal proceedings.
When lawyers fail to uphold these ethical standards, they not only risk facing disciplinary action, but they also risk damaging the reputation of the legal profession as a whole.
The controversy surrounding the Hummel case underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in the legal profession. It serves as a reminder that lawyers have a duty to act with integrity and professionalism at all times, and that any breach of this duty can have serious consequences for both the individual lawyer and the profession as a whole.
In calling for Clevenger to cease speaking about the Hummel case, the Wheeling law firm is sending a clear message that ethical standards must be upheld, and that lawyers who fail to do so will be held accountable for their actions.
It is essential that the legal profession continues to uphold the highest ethical standards, not only to protect the reputation of the profession, but also to ensure that justice is served in every case, and that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect.