Former U.S. Attorney Jim Vines called 'weak' by senior Justice Department officials who are now under investigation
'Unexpected' career move for a man whose fate's been up-in-the-air for a year
Announcement follows lawsuit settlement -- Bush nominee's Senate hearing not yet set
Federal prosecutor's office has been without permanent leader since last September
Leading criminal defense attorney seen as possible replacement for Jim Vines, who resigned last month
Finds $4 million is owed, decides companies' ownership