The NC elections board hired a lawyer who was also suing it

State elections director Sam Hayes hired one of North Carolina Republicans’ go-to lawyers to defend the state Board of Elections in a lawsuit this year, even though that lawyer was representing clients with active lawsuits against the board in four other cases in state and federal court.

Phil Strach represents Republican legislators, the Republican National Committee and the state Republican party in redistricting and election cases.

As Hayes sought to hire Strach, Strach asked Hayes to sign a waiver acknowledging that his firm was representing board adversaries in other cases.

“Your consent signifies a waiver of any and all conflicts on behalf of other Firm clients which may exist in present unrelated matters or could arise in future unrelated matters due to this representation,” Strach’s January 30 letter said. “You agree to not use our representation in the New Engagement as a ground for seeking our disqualification in such matters,” Strach’s letter said.



https://ncnewsline.com/2026/05/04/the-nc-elections-board-hired-a-lawyer-who-was-also-suing-it/