The retention by Attorney General Letitia James, in her official capacity, of one of the premiere defense lawyers in America, Abbe Lowell, who has strong ties to the Washington establishment, suggests that she is taking seriously the possibility of facing criminal jeopardy. New Yorkers, though, could be the ones paying Mr. Lowell’s bills.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has tapped criminal defense attorney Abbe Lowell — who previously defended Hunter Biden against federal tax and gun charges — as she fights mortgage fraud allegations.