Defense IG Official Caught Up in 'Zero Dark Thirty' Dispute Lands on Her Feet

The former Pentagon acting inspector general who was dragged into the “Zero Dark Thirty” dispute involving oversharing of information with Hollywood has landed a Washington private-sector job.

Lynne Halbrooks, who left the watchdog’s office on April 17 without announcing career plans, has joined the law and lobbying firm of Holland & Knight as a partner in its global litigation practice, the firm announced on May 12. “I will have the opportunity to be an immediate contributor to its highly regarded government contracts and white-collar defense and investigations practices," Halbrooks said in the firm’s release.

The circumstances of her hiring were explored in detail by the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight, which places her squarely in the cross-hairs of its long-standing crusade against the “revolving door” accessed by government executives. POGO has also been at the center of transparency advocates who believe the Defense Department IG’s office may have softened a report on whether former CIA Director Leon Panetta and others revealed classified details of the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

“Halbrooks’ movement through the revolving door means she is unlikely to be held accountable for her role in the Zero Dark Thirty affair,” wrote POGO investigator Michael Smallberg on Friday. “But that’s not all. As a recent government official, she may be able to provide an advantage to defense contractors represented by her new firm.”

Halbrooks told POGO that she will advising “clients on inspector general and other federal investigations, enforcement defense and compliance matters.” And Defense IG spokeswoman Bridget Serchak said that Halbrooks went through the full consultation on the ethics of post-employment, has voluntarily disqualified herself from work on behalf of some prospective employers, and will be prohibited from contacting the government in regard to issues on which she worked as a federal official.