Leigh Francis Email and Phone Number

Researched and drafted advisory opinions, regulations, and legal memoranda relating to the Criminal Conflict of Interest statutes, the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, and the Executive Branch Standards of Conduct regulations. Reviewed OGE 278 Presidential nominee reports and Certificate of Divestiture applications. Provided advice to agencies regarding 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(1) criminal conflict of interest waivers, and President Obama’s Ethics Pledge (E.O. 13490). Taught courses on the Criminal Conflict of Interest Statutes and the Executive Branch Standards of Conduct regulations.

Oversaw the White House ethics review for all Presidentially-appointed officials, including those requiring Senate confirmation. Represented the White House Counsel’s Office in vetting decisions on candidates. Briefed Senior Administration officials on the Criminal Conflict of Interest statutes, the Ethics in Government Act, the STOCK Act, and the Executive Branch Standards of Conduct regulations. Provided guidance to Executive Branch agencies on President Obama’s Ethics Pledge (E.O. 13490) and White House ethics policies for senior officials. Analyzed and answered complex ethics questions arising within the White House Office. Managed the White House Ethics Program to ensure compliance with the Ethics in Government Act and all applicable laws and Office of Government Ethics regulations. Reviewed and certified financial disclosure reports of Administration officials. Provided Presidential Records Act and ethics training to all employees in the White House Office.

Analyzed the criminal conflicts of interest laws, the financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, the STOCK Act of 2012, and EO 13490 (President Obama's Ethics Pledge). Provided technical assistance to Members of Congress and their staff on proposed ethics legislation and information regarding the decentralized ethics program in the Executive Branch. Assisted OGE in drafting regulations and defending the agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board.

While attending law school, helped freshman Congresswoman--drafted constituent letters, and assisted in the formulation of legislative initiatives.

Researched and drafted memoranda of law in the areas of communications law, telecommunications law, and administrative law. Assisted partners in preparing for depositions and helped draft an appellate brief challenging the FCC’s Newspaper-Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule.

Researched and drafted case briefs, bench memoranda, and judicial opinions dealing with fraudulent transfers and changes to the federal exemptions after the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. Sat in on all trials and hearings associated with those memoranda and opinions.