in January 2017 when, as acting attorney general in the early days of the Trump administration, she directed Justice Department attorneys to not defend the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's refugee and immigration ban. She was swiftly fired, with Trump accusing her of betrayal and insubordination.

Yates also generated headlines when it emerged that, in a conversation days before her departure, she had expressed alarm to the Trump White House about contacts that Trump's new national security adviser, Michael Flynn, had had with the Russian ambassador during the presidential transition period. Flynn was later fired.

Yates has been in private practice since her departure from the Justice Department. Her practice at the King   Spalding law firm includes conducting independent investigations for outside organizations and companies.

Among her investigations was a high-profile inquiry into alleged abuse and misconduct, including claims of harassment and coercion, at the National Women's Soccer League. The investigation concluded in 2022 with a finding of systemic abuse.