A conservative legal advocacy organization filed a formal bar complaint this week against New York County Democratic district attorney Alvin Bragg. The complaint alleged racially biased hiring practices.
Dan Epstein, vice president of America First Legal, said that Bragg’s website makes it clear that his office encourages hiring practices that prefer applicants with certain backgrounds.
“We have gathered evidence that when it comes time to hire attorney talent, his office is very clear in its requirements for diversity — whether that’s called ‘racial balance’ or ‘quotas’. Epstein told an interviewer on Wednesday that “there’s evidence” that more steps can be taken.
Epstein, the leader of Epstein’s group, said that such hiring practices not only run afoul of federal law but also violate New York Bar Association professional conduct standards.
America First Legal announced the complaint in a press release. It said that a state regulation on professional conduct prohibits “unlawful” discrimination. They also alleged Bragg’s office violated New York Human Rights Law by using racially or sexually discriminatory hiring methods.
On Bragg’s site, for example, it says that his office “seeks a legal team that reflects diversity in the community we serve.”
Epstein argued that this puts policy before constitutionality.
He said: “That’s exactly the opposite of what attorneys, and especially law enforcement lawyers should do.”
America First Legal added in its statement that it is “both false and true” to give attention to diversity, while also stating that the office will not discriminate on such characteristics.
America First Legal announced the complaint in a press release. It said that a state regulation on professional conduct prohibits “unlawful” discrimination. They also alleged Bragg’s office violated New York Human Rights Law by using racially or sexually discriminatory hiring methods.
On Bragg’s site, for example, it says that his office “seeks a legal team that reflects diversity in the community we serve.”
Epstein argued that this puts policy before constitutionality.
He said: “That’s exactly the opposite of what attorneys, and especially law enforcement lawyers should do.”
America First Legal added in its statement that it is “both false and true” to give attention to diversity while stating that the office will not discriminate based on such characteristics. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the complaints in March.
Epstein rejected the criticism that America First Legal “targets” Bragg. Bragg has been maligned in conservative circles for his pursuit of former president Trump.
Epstein stated that America First Legal was “on the lookout”, as a general watchdog, for evidence of bias in any government prosecutor’s office.
Stephen Miller, former Trump speechwriter and top aide of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), founded America First Legal in 2021.
New York Bar declined to comment on this story. It noted that it is a voluntary organization and does not play a role in discipline. Bragg’s Office did not respond when asked for comment.
