The ABA issued a formal ethics opinion stating that government attorneys have a professional obligation to report colleagues who engage in unlawful conduct or serious ethical violations. The guidance emphasizes that lawyers working for the government remain bound by professional responsibilities even when facing pressure from supervisors or political officials. Legal experts say the opinion reinforces accountability and ethical standards within public service. Although not directly focused on collective bargaining, the guidance has important implications for workplace ethics, employee responsibilities, and professional conduct within government agencies.
See "American Bar Association Says Government Lawyers Must Report Colleagues Unlawful", Karen Sloan, Reuters, July 22, 2026