Key Takeaways

• Two top Justice Department prosecutors lost their jobs in a Trump administration purge.
• They worked on high-profile cases, including the 2020 election conspiracy and Mar-a-Lago documents.
• Now they have launched a new law firm focused on fighting public corruption.
• Their firm will also help clients in congressional probes and other investigations.

Why Public Corruption Matters Now

Two former Justice Department lawyers have started a new law firm after leaving government service. Molly Gaston and J.P. Cooney helped lead major cases against a former president. Then, they were fired in a political purge. Now they aim to defend the public interest from outside the DOJ. They say that public corruption cases are weaker since the purge gutted the department’s integrity unit. Therefore, private firms must step in to fill the gap. Their new practice will offer both prosecution and defense work. It will also guide clients through congressional and other major probes.

The Rise of a New Law Firm

After their DOJ careers ended, Gaston and Cooney wasted no time. They announced “Gaston & Cooney” as an eponymous firm. From day one, they set clear goals. First, they want to pursue high-impact corruption cases. Second, they plan to defend people under investigation. Third, they will advise organizations on compliance and ethics.

They chose a name that signals commitment to justice and transparency. Their work will mirror what they did in government. However, they now have more freedom to choose clients. They can take on cases in any state and at any court level. Moreover, they can partner with other experts on specialized issues.

The Team Behind the Firm

Gaston and Cooney bring decades of combined experience. They both worked in the Justice Department’s Public Integrity section. That unit formed after Watergate to handle high-level corruption. For years, it boasted dozens of skilled prosecutors. These lawyers built cases against public officials at all levels. However, after the 2024 election, the unit almost disappeared.

Gaston led the team on the election conspiracy case and the classified documents matter. Cooney handled key evidence gathering and witness interviews. Together, they won praise for thorough work and fair play. Now, they have recruited former colleagues to join their firm. Their new staff includes trial attorneys, investigators, and compliance experts.

The DOJ Purge and Its Effects

When a new administration took office, it quickly reshaped the Justice Department. Many lawyers tied to special counsel Jack Smith lost their roles. Gaston and Cooney were among the most experienced public corruption prosecutors. Therefore, their departures left a deep gap in federal oversight.

According to a review by former DOJ staff, the Public Integrity section now has only two full-time attorneys. This is far fewer than in past decades. As a result, many complex corruption cases face delays or simply end. Meanwhile, state and local offices struggle to pick up the slack.

By launching an outside firm, Gaston and Cooney hope to revive interest in public corruption probes. They argue that strong, independent work is vital. Otherwise, harmful practices can spread unchecked.

Services Offered by the New Firm

Gaston & Cooney will offer a range of legal services:

• Public corruption prosecution – They will seek justice in courts and grand juries.
• Defense in investigations – They will protect clients in DOJ and congressional probes.
• Compliance counseling – They will help organizations set up ethics rules and review policies.
• Training programs – They will teach lawyers and executives how to avoid corruption.

Additionally, the firm will act as a neutral adviser to government agencies. They plan to work on task forces and special projects. By doing so, they hope to rebuild trust in public institutions.

What This Means for Future Cases

The return of these prosecutors signals a shift in the fight against corruption. First, it shows that private practice can bolster public enforcement. Second, it highlights the need for more trained lawyers in integrity work. Third, it may inspire other former officials to open similar practices.

Moreover, having a dedicated firm may speed up corruption cases. It frees government lawyers to focus on tasks they cannot outsource. It also gives companies and leaders a go-to resource when they face tough investigations.

Finally, this move underscores the importance of institutional memory. Gaston and Cooney know how to build a case from scratch. They can train new teams to handle complex evidence and witness interviews. Thus, they can preserve best practices in public corruption work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded the new law firm?

Two former Justice Department prosecutors, Molly Gaston and J.P. Cooney, started the firm after being fired in a department purge.

What is public corruption?

Public corruption involves the misuse of government power for private gain. It can include bribery, fraud, or abusing office.

Why did they leave the Justice Department?

They were part of a special counsel team investigating high-profile cases. A new administration replaced many prosecutors linked to that work.

How will the firm help clients?

The firm will handle both prosecuting and defending public corruption cases. It will also offer compliance advice and training to prevent wrongdoing.