Federal Prosecutors Authored Guest Article on Legal Ethics

Kimberley Crockett and Eleanor Hurney explored the roles of integrity and civility in the legal profession.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement

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Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberley Crockett and Eleanor Hurney authored a guest article on professional civility and ethics for The West Virginia Lawyer. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberley Crockett and Eleanor Hurney recently contributed a guest article to The West Virginia Lawyer. The piece examines the ethical responsibilities of legal practitioners in upholding the rule of law.

Why it matters

The article emphasizes that integrity and professional civility are essential components of the legal system. It reinforces the duty of attorneys to maintain ethical standards while serving the public within the Northern District of West Virginia.

The authors, who serve the Northern District of West Virginia, hold 12 years of state prosecutor experience and a 24-year legal career. Their current professional standing remains subject to the ongoing ethical requirements set by the state bar.

The players

Kimberley Crockett

She is an Assistant United States Attorney who serves as the president-elect of the West Virginia State Bar.

Eleanor Hurney

She serves as the Appellate Chief for the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.

The details

The article, titled The Rule of Law Begins with Lawyers - Why Civility and Integrity Still Matter, focuses on the core obligations of attorneys. It was published in the Autumn 2026 edition of the statewide legal publication.

Timeline

  1. Kimberley Crockett joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in 2018.

  2. Eleanor Hurney joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in 2020.

  3. Kimberley Crockett became a WV Bar Foundation Fellow in 2024.

  4. The article was published in Autumn 2026.

Legal Context

The publication aligns with ongoing professional discourse regarding the West Virginia State Bar professional conduct standards. This contribution reflects a broader trend of practitioners emphasizing integrity to maintain public trust in the judicial system.

The publication provides transparency into the ethical expectations placed upon federal prosecutors operating within the local community. It serves as a reminder to the public of the professional standards expected of those in the Northern District of West Virginia.

The takeaway

Legal professionals are encouraged to view civility as a foundational element rather than an optional characteristic of their practice. Practitioners can implement these ethical standards by prioritizing transparency and cooperation in their daily interactions with the court.

Further reading

For more on the regulatory and ethical standards governing the legal profession, visit Law Enforcement.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.