Virginia’s new attorney general fired the University of Virginia’s counsel, who was on leave from his post to investigate the Jan. 6 riot.
Attorney General Jason Miyares, one of the Republicans who took statewide office along with Gov. Glenn Youngkin last week, fired UVA lawyer Tim Heaphy along with other staffers in his first week.
“The decision had nothing to do with the January 6th committee or their investigations,” Miyares spokeswoman Victoria LaCivita told the Washington Examiner in a statement. “It is common practice for an incoming administration to appoint new staff that share the philosophical and legal approach of the Attorney General. Every counsel serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General.”
Heaphy, a Democrat, was employed by UVA for three years but was on leave to serve as lead investigator for the Jan. 6 committee.
“Our decision was made after reviewing the legal decisions made over the last couple of years,” LaCivita told the Washington Post. “The Attorney General wants the university counsel to return to giving legal advice based on law, and not the philosophy of a university. We plan to look internally first for the next lead counsel.”
University spokesman Brian Coy confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the attorney general removed Heaphy, saying that “university leaders are grateful to Tim for his outstanding service to our community and disappointed to see it come to an end.”
Heaphy said in a statement that he was “disappointed” at the decision.
“Serving as University Counsel for the past 3 years has been a tremendous honor and privilege,” he said. “As a two-time graduate of the University, the parent of a current student, and a longtime resident of Charlottesville, I love the University and have been privileged to contribute to its aspiration to be both great and good. … While I’m disappointed that my time as University Counsel has come to an end, I’m confident that the office will continue to provide quality service as the University continues to thrive in the days to come.”
George Mason University’s counsel was also fired.
Heaphy had held his position at UVA since 2018, before which he worked at law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth and, at the request of the Charlottesville City Council, helped investigate local law enforcement’s response to the 2017 Unite the Right rally that left one dead.
