Archive · 30 Oct 2025
Judge Rules Acting California U.S. Attorney Unlawfully Serving
A judge said that a top lawyer in California, Bill Essayli, was not allowed to do his job anymore.
This is because he was acting as the U.S. Attorney for too long without the Senate saying it was okay.
The law says acting U.S. Attorneys can only serve for 120 days unless they are approved by the Senate.
Even though the judge took him off three cases, Bill Essayli can still work as the main assistant lawyer in the office.
This means he can still do most of his job.
The judge also said the cases he worked on are still okay because other lawyers signed the papers.
Bill Essayli said he is not leaving his job.
Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright ruled acting California U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli was unlawfully serving.
Essayli was disqualified from three Justice Department cases due to serving past the legal 120-day limit without Senate confirmation.
The judge allowed Essayli to continue as first assistant U.S. attorney, leaving him as the office's top prosecutor.
The ruling is seen as a setback for the White House's use of handpicked acting U.S. attorneys.
Essayli stated he is not leaving his position and that 'nothing is changing'.
- Who
- Federal Judge J. Michael Seabright and acting California U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli
- What
- A federal judge disqualified acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli from three Justice Department cases, ruling he was unlawfully serving past the legal limit without Senate confirmation.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- California
- Why
- Essayli was serving past the 120-day limit for acting U.S. attorneys without Senate confirmation.
Judge's Ruling
Essayli's Stance
Legality of Service
Judge's Ruling
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli was 'unlawfully serving' past the 120-day limit without Senate confirmation.
Essayli's Stance
Essayli stated 'nothing is changing' and he is not planning to leave his role.
Impact on Cases
Judge's Ruling
Essayli disqualified from three Justice Department cases he worked on.
Essayli's Stance
Judge Seabright noted that the cases were lawfully signed by other government attorneys and showed no signs of due process violations.
Role in Office
Judge's Ruling
Essayli is disqualified from serving as acting U.S. Attorney.
Essayli's Stance
Essayli can continue to serve as first assistant U.S. attorney, effectively leaving him as the office's top prosecutor.
- Judge
- J. Michael Seabright
- Acting U.S. Attorney
- Bill Essayli
- Ruling Date
- Tuesday
- Location
- California