Virginia Judges Name James Hundley New U.S. Attorney After Lindsey Halligan's Controversial Exit

James W. Hundley, a lawyer with over 35 years of experience, has been appointed as the new U.S. Attorney in Virginia by federal judges. This follows the departure of Lindsey Halligan, whose appointment was ruled unlawful.
By Newsroom | Law, Politics |

Recent events in the Eastern District of Virginia have seen federal judges appoint a new U.S. Attorney, James W. Hundley, following the departure of Lindsey Halligan. Halligan's tenure was marked by legal challenges regarding her appointment and her subsequent actions. This situation has brought attention to the process of selecting federal prosecutors and the role of the judiciary in overseeing such appointments.

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Background of Lindsey Halligan's Appointment and Departure

Lindsey Halligan, who had no prior experience as a prosecutor, was appointed to head the U.S. Attorney's office in the Eastern District of Virginia. President Donald Trump nominated her for the position in September 2025, a move that occurred shortly after Trump reportedly pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue cases against political opponents. Halligan's appointment was for a 120-day term.

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  • During her time, Halligan sought criminal indictments against James Comey and Andrew McCabe. Both individuals have stated their innocence.

  • However, her appointment was met with legal objections. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled that Halligan's appointment was unlawful.

  • Despite this ruling, Halligan reportedly continued to use the title "U.S. Attorney," leading U.S. District Judge David Novak to order her to explain why this did not constitute making false statements to the court. Novak, who was appointed by Trump, also reportedly rebuked her for ignoring court orders and undermining the rule of law.

  • Halligan officially left her post after these judicial pressures, with Attorney General Pam Bondi stating her 120-day appointment had expired and attributing her departure to "multiple, unnecessary legal obstacles."

Federal Judges Appoint James W. Hundley

In the wake of Halligan's departure, federal judges in the Eastern District of Virginia took action to fill the vacant U.S. Attorney position.

Read More: Judge Questions Justice Department Over Search of Reporter Hannah Natanson's Home

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  • The judges unanimously appointed James W. Hundley to the role.

  • Hundley is described as a longtime litigator with over 35 years of legal practice in Virginia.

  • His prior experience includes serving as an assistant prosecutor in Fairfax County for six years and subsequently working in criminal defense law in Northern Virginia.

  • Hannah Lauck issued an order announcing Hundley's appointment.

Judicial Scrutiny and Questions Surrounding Halligan's Actions

The circumstances surrounding Lindsey Halligan's time as U.S. Attorney have raised questions about the legality of her appointment and her conduct in office.

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  • One federal judge referred to her use of the U.S. Attorney title as a "charade."

  • The ruling that Halligan's appointment was unlawful was a significant factor in her departure. This ruling also led to the dismissal of cases initiated during her tenure, such as those against Comey and McCabe.

  • Judge Novak's order for Halligan to explain her continued use of the title suggests a belief that her actions may have been in direct contravention of judicial directives and potentially misled the court.

Halligan's Departure and Official Statements

Following the pressure from the federal bench, Lindsey Halligan exited her position.

  • Her departure was announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who noted that Halligan's "120-day appointment… had expired."

  • Bondi also stated that Halligan "will continue to serve her country in other ways."

  • Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released a statement acknowledging Halligan's departure, noting that a federal judge had ruled her appointment unlawful.

Hundley's Experience and the Eastern District of Virginia

The appointment of James W. Hundley brings an attorney with extensive experience in the Virginia legal system to the U.S. Attorney position.

  • The Eastern District of Virginia has a reputation for handling significant national and international cases, including those involving national security, public corruption, and cyber intrusions.

  • Hundley's background as a prosecutor and a defense attorney provides him with a broad understanding of the legal landscape within the district.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was appointed as the new U.S. Attorney in Virginia?
Federal judges in the Eastern District of Virginia unanimously appointed James W. Hundley as the new U.S. Attorney. He has over 35 years of legal experience in Virginia.
Q: Why did Lindsey Halligan leave her position as U.S. Attorney?
Lindsey Halligan's appointment was ruled unlawful by a federal judge. She also faced judicial pressure for continuing to use the U.S. Attorney title after the ruling.
Q: What was the controversy surrounding Lindsey Halligan's appointment?
Lindsey Halligan, who had no prior prosecutor experience, was appointed by President Trump. A U.S. District Judge ruled her appointment unlawful, leading to dismissed cases and her eventual departure.
Q: What is James W. Hundley's background?
James W. Hundley is a longtime litigator with over 35 years of legal practice in Virginia. He previously served as an assistant prosecutor in Fairfax County and worked in criminal defense law.
Q: What happened to the cases Lindsey Halligan tried to pursue?
Cases initiated by Lindsey Halligan, including those against James Comey and Andrew McCabe, were dismissed after her appointment was ruled unlawful by the court.
Q: Who announced Lindsey Halligan's departure?
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Lindsey Halligan's departure, stating her 120-day appointment had expired and citing "multiple, unnecessary legal obstacles".