The legal saga surrounding Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert continues with the county's hiring of an external attorney to take over efforts to unseat her. The county's Chief Litigation Attorney, Lee Whitwell, announced the employment of Robert Meyers from Glanker Brown, PLLC, due to an "ethical conflict" that has sidelined the County Attorney Marlinee Iverson from the case, Action News 5 reported. Whitwell provided this information stating that "Based on guidance from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, County Attorney Iverson has an ethical conflict that prevents her from involvement in this matter."
While the specifics of the ethical conflict have not been disclosed, Whitwell, tasked with handling the delicate situation, confirmed the development. This maneuver seems to have come on the heels of a previously dismissed ouster petition against Clerk Halbert by a Shelby County Judge on June 18. Despite the setback, the Shelby County Attorney's Office appears to be forging ahead with their attempt to have Halbert removed from her position, according to a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis.
As the case pushes forward with new counsel, the county remains tight-lipped on the pending litigation. Meyers' appointment signifies a renewed focus on the ouster proceedings, even as details surrounding the reasons for the ouster and the nature of the ethical conflict remain behind the curtain of pending legal proceedings. The shift in legal representation is seen as a necessary step given the circumstances presented by the ethical issue, and Whitwell noted his designations and actions taken to ensure the case continues without a hitch. "I was designated with the authority to refer the matter to outside counsel, and today I retained Attorney Meyers to proceed with the case," Whitwell told Local Memphis.
Other officials from the Shelby County Attorney's Office affirm Meyers' hiring but are restricted from commenting further due to the ongoing nature of the litigation. The case, which has its share of twists and turns, now proceeds under the guidance of a legal professional who steps into the fray amidst complex ethical considerations. As the case develops, more information may become available. However, currently, the community watches on as the storied case adds another chapter, leaving Clerk Halbert's tenure under continued scrutiny.
