Massachusetts AG Campbell accused of breaking professional conduct amid audit lawsuit

Fighting over the voter-approved legislative audit, AG Andrea Campbell called Diana DiZoglio's personal cell phone, which the auditor argues violates state rules.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:27pm

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Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is facing accusations of violating professional conduct rules after she called state Auditor Diana DiZoglio's personal cell phone amid an ongoing legal battle over a voter-approved legislative audit. DiZoglio's office argues that Campbell's attempt to call the auditor directly, without her legal counsel present, goes against Rule 4.2 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct. The two officials have been locked in a tug-of-war over the scope and constitutionality of the audit since voters approved it in 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tensions between the state's top law enforcement officer and the independent auditor over the legislative audit, which has become a contentious political issue in Massachusetts. The dispute raises questions about the boundaries of professional conduct for public officials engaged in high-profile legal battles.

The details

According to reports, AG Campbell called DiZoglio's personal cell phone a day after a state Supreme Judicial Court justice moved the legislative audit legal case to the full court. DiZoglio's office argues this violated Rule 4.2, which prohibits lawyers from communicating directly with individuals represented by other attorneys without consent. DiZoglio has accused Campbell of trying to have a "dark, shadow conversation" about the lawsuit without her legal counsel present, which she says is "unacceptable." Campbell's office has pushed back, saying there is "nothing unethical" about the call and that the auditor has made "false allegations" against the AG and other state officials.

  • On March 26, 2026, AG Andrea Campbell called Auditor Diana DiZoglio's personal cell phone.
  • In November 2023, Campbell last spoke with DiZoglio by phone to inform her of the AG's support for the legislative audit.

The players

Andrea Campbell

The Attorney General of Massachusetts and the state's top law enforcement officer.

Diana DiZoglio

The Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, an independently elected position responsible for auditing state agencies and programs.

Ron Mariano

The Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Karen Spilka

The President of the Massachusetts Senate.

Michael Leung-Tat

The Deputy Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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What they’re saying

“The Attorney General is our state's top law enforcement officer and should follow the Rules of Professional Conduct. I will not participate in dark, shadow conversations with the AG about this lawsuit.”

— Diana DiZoglio, Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

“If the Auditor is interested in a solution, the AG is available to speak with her or the Auditor's staff can speak with our office – but as it stands, her office refuses to engage with us directly on a path forward.”

— Andrea Campbell, Attorney General of Massachusetts

“I have only asked for financial receipts and state contracts. There is nothing unconstitutional about … getting access to that information.”

— Diana DiZoglio, Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Campbell's call to DiZoglio on her personal cell phone.

The takeaway

This dispute between the state's top law enforcement officer and independent auditor highlights the challenges of maintaining professional conduct and transparency in high-stakes legal battles over government oversight and accountability.