Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, experienced a notable legal setback when a judge ruled that her office could not partake in ongoing discussions about attorney fee reimbursements requested by former defendants in the dismissed racketeering case involving President Trump and 13 associates.
The former defendants are pursuing around $16.85 million in legal fees, with Trump seeking over $6.2 million for himself. These claims arise from a Georgia law passed in 2025, designed to allow defendants to recover costs when a prosecutor is disqualified and the prosecution is dismissed.
Willis’ team aimed to intervene in this fee dispute, arguing that the law shouldn’t apply and contesting the validity of claimed expenses. They also raised concerns about the statute’s constitutionality.
Judge’s Ruling Against Willis
On Wednesday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee denied Willis’ request to intervene, citing her office’s complete disqualification due to a conflict of interest. The judge permitted Fulton County employees to represent taxpayers in the matter instead.
This ruling marks a procedural setback for Willis, though it does not resolve whether payments will be mandated or what amount may be involved. The dispute continues in the legal arena, with future appeals possible.
Background of the Case
In December 2024, the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis and her office amid claims of a conflict of interest related to a romantic relationship she allegedly had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. This issue, coupled with lavish payments to Wade and vacations they took together, raised serious concerns.
Following the disqualification, Pete Skandalakis was appointed as the new prosecutor but faced significant delays, eventually leading to the case’s complete dismissal last month.
