Federal prosecutors are pushing to speed up a pivotal ruling in the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey — a move that could determine whether his longtime friend and lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, can stay on his defense team. The Justice Department has asked the court to quickly approve a “filter protocol” to review seized materials that may include privileged attorney–client communications, citing the need to avoid delays and potential ethical conflicts.

Comey, indicted last month on charges of making false statements and obstructing justice, has pleaded not guilty and called the case politically motivated. But the government’s latest filing raises new questions about Fitzgerald’s role and possible conflicts tied to communications from Comey’s time as FBI director. Legal experts say the judge’s upcoming decision could shape how evidence, privilege, and fairness are handled — and ultimately determine how this historic prosecution of a former FBI chief unfolds.