US Attorney Planning To Step Down After Wife’s Appointment as Federal Judge

U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh announces resignation as wife takes federal judge position, highlighting potential conflicts of interest in the justice system.

At a Glance

Chris Kavanaugh, U.S. Attorney for Western Virginia, to step down by year’s end
His wife, Jasmine Yoon, appointed as U.S. District Court judge
Temporary measures implemented to avoid conflicts of interest
Yoon becomes first Asian American federal judge in Western District of Virginia

Kavanaugh’s Resignation Amidst Wife’s Judicial Appointment

Chris Kavanaugh, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, has announced his resignation effective by the end of the year. This decision comes in the wake of his wife, Jasmine Yoon’s, appointment as a U.S. District Court judge. Kavanaugh, who has served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district since 2021, described his tenure as “the highlight of my professional life.”

The couple’s situation has prompted careful consideration of potential conflicts of interest within the federal court system. To address these concerns, temporary measures have been put in place to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.

US Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said he would resign as the top prosecutor in Western Virginia at the end of the year, after President Biden appointed Jasmine Yoon, his wife, to serve as a federal judge in his district https://t.co/LTslPoQqut pic.twitter.com/1dpZifJjm6

— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) August 29, 2024

Measures to Prevent Conflicts of Interest

During the brief overlap between Kavanaugh’s departure and Yoon’s commencement of duties, special arrangements have been made. Chief Judge Elizabeth Dillon has issued an order outlining these precautions. It’s been reported that during the overlap, cases involving the US will be assigned to different judges.

Judge Yoon will initially handle only civil cases to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest. This arrangement has been approved by all judges in the district. The duration of Yoon’s limited caseload remains unspecified, but it is expected to be temporary.

Historic Appointment and Future Implications

Jasmine Yoon’s appointment has noteworthy historical significance. She becomes the first person of color and the first Asian American judge in the Western District of Virginia. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March with a 55-41 vote, previously served as vice president of corporate integrity, ethics, and investigations at Capital One.

Yoon’s appointment also brings a full-time sitting judge to Charlottesville for the first time in about two decades, potentially improving access to justice in the region. As the judicial landscape evolves, the legal community will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the administration of justice in Western Virginia.