Advisory Concerning Recusal Motions in Burge Litigation
Summary
On February 5, 2025, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) sent a notification to the City of Chicago Department of Law (DOL) raising questions and encouraging increased public transparency regarding DOL and outside counsel’s pursuit of motions to recuse United States District Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings in two federal lawsuits in which the City is a defendant.
Executive Summary
OIG requested that the DOL provide the public with an explanation for its course of action in these matters, which involved a significant use of City resources and concern matters of significant public interest.
In particular, OIG noted (1) the potential equity concerns arising from the City’s litigation strategy in these matters; and (2) that government attorneys owe a broader duty than private attorneys to act in the public interest.
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