Jan. 8, 2024

Ashleigh B. Merchant, a lawyer for one of the defendants in the Georgia election interference case, charges in a court filing that Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, engaged in a “clandestine” relationship with Nathan J. Wade, a lawyer she hired to help manage the prosecution.

Jan. 14

At a church service in Atlanta dedicated to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ms. Willis says racism is a factor in the scrutiny of her hiring of Mr. Wade. She describes Mr. Wade’s credentials as “impeccable” and says they are being questioned only because he is Black.

Feb. 2

Ms. Willis acknowledges in a court filing a “personal relationship” with Mr. Wade, but denounces the allegations of a conflict of interest as “fantastical theories and rank speculation” and argues there is no reason to disqualify her or her office from prosecuting the Trump case. She adds that neither of them gained any financial benefit from the relationship. An affidavit from Mr. Wade asserts that the romantic relationship started only after he was hired.

Feb. 15

The first day of witness testimony begins in a series of hearings examining the relationship.

A former friend of Ms. Willis, Robin Bryant-Yeartie, says she has “no doubt” the two started a romantic relationship earlier than they have said. But Mr. Wade, testifying for several hours, firmly denies Ms. Bryant-Yeartie’s claim.

Ms. Willis also takes the stand and forcefully rebuts suggestions she benefited financially from the relationship.

Feb. 16

On the second day of witness testimony, defense lawyers question Terrence Bradley, a former law partner of Mr. Wade who also served as his divorce lawyer. He is questioned for more than two hours, but defense lawyers are unable to draw out anything establishing that Mr. Wade was dating Ms. Willis when she hired him.