News Summary
The San Diego U.S. Attorney’s Office is facing a significant operational crisis as 10 federal prosecutors have left under acting U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. This exodus raises concerns over morale and capacity, with claims of demotions and recruitment struggles. The ongoing issues reflect a troubling trend in the Southern District of California, where many senior prosecutors have resigned amidst allegations of ineffective leadership and increased focus on immigration cases. The situation calls for urgent action as the office strives for stability.
San Diego – In a significant exodus, as many as 10 federal prosecutors have departed from the San Diego U.S. Attorney’s Office under the leadership of acting U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. This departure has raised concerns about the operational capacity and morale within the office, as high-ranking attorneys have reportedly faced demotions amid ongoing controversies regarding the office’s leadership and restructuring efforts.
The Southern District of California is currently experiencing what some refer to as a “DOJ brain drain,” a phenomenon that reflects a broader issue affecting the main Department of Justice in Washington. Reports suggest that around 80% of the senior and most competent prosecutors have vacated their positions, which includes notable departures such as a veteran chief of the national security section and a former U.S. attorney.
Gordon has faced scrutiny for allegedly demoting at least one attorney tied to former U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath and another involved in prosecutions related to the January 6 insurrection cases. This has contributed to an atmosphere of fear within the office, with many alleging that these actions have negatively impacted the operational efficiency of the office.
The resignations include prominent figures such as Valerie Chu, Mark Conover, Sarah Goldwasser, and Katherine “Katie” Parker, each leaving behind varying lengths of service and significant accomplishments. This trend has led to struggles in filling vacancies as the office has posted job openings to recruit assistant U.S. attorneys but has reportedly found it challenging to attract qualified candidates.
Current staff members have expressed grave concerns regarding the office’s capacity to manage the increased workload primarily focused on immigration-related prosecutions. Many likened the pressures of prosecution work in San Diego to that of an emergency room doctor, given the high-paced nature and constant crises faced by the attorneys.
As the situation evolves, attention is also drawn to Andrew Haden, the two-time acting U.S. Attorney, who is now handling basic appeals cases after several individuals declined positions offered by Gordon. Additionally, the demotion of Dr. George Manahan, a medical professional and attorney recognized for his contributions to healthcare fraud, points to the disruption within the ranks.
The San Diego office, which previously employed around 140 attorneys, is reportedly struggling with talent retention and recruitment amidst allegations of poor morale and stress levels tied to focusing on immigration cases. Investigators who were previously engaged in critical national security and fentanyl abatement efforts have been noted to spend decreased time on these matters in light of the shift in case focus.
The departure of Tara McGrath in February 2025, who has since transitioned to a role at Perkins Coie, a law firm involved in litigation against Trump, has only compounded the challenges for the office. This turnover is believed to be linked to substantial resignations from controversial past prosecutions, including the notorious “Fat Leonard” Navy bribery case.
Under federal law, Adam Gordon is eligible to serve as acting U.S. Attorney for a maximum of 120 days, a time limit approaching in early August. The current vacancies and reshuffling suggest a pressing need for appointing someone to fill the U.S. Attorney position definitively. Until then, district judges will lead interim selections, further complicating the dynamics within the office.
As the San Diego U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to grapple with these challenges, Gordon aims to cultivate an ethical and entrepreneurial culture among trial attorneys through ongoing recruitment efforts, despite the setbacks evidenced by the ongoing “brain drain.” The results of these changes and departures remain to be seen as the office works to establish stability and continuity in its functions.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Open Retribution Alleged as San Diego’s DOJ Office Hit by Resignations, Demotions
- Google Search: San Diego U.S. Attorney Office
- Daily Journal: Perkins Coie Adds Former U.S. Attorney as San Diego Partner
- Wikipedia: United States Attorney
- NBC San Diego: San Diego U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath Terminated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Department of Justice (United States)
- KOGO: Pam Bondi Fires U.S. Attorney Named by NJ Judges to Replace Alina Habba
- Google News: San Diego U.S. Attorney Resignations
