Finding a lawyer to represent the former president has been more difficult for the Trump team than they ever thought. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Criminal defense lawyers dream of such a fateful role representing a former president facing his first federal indictment. Donald Trump on the eve of his court appearance was ultimately unsuccessful.
Some of the state's top criminal minds are believed to have turned down the offer due to concerns that the 45th president is “uncontrollable”, that representing him is a “headache” and, importantly, what their others might think. clients.
Mr. Trump, who turns 77 on Wednesday, is facing federal court in Miami in a landmark case in which he faces 37 charges of possessing classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
There was a chaotic scene as Mr. Trump's convoy left the court. The former president could be seen giving a double thumbs up from an SUV to chanting supporters on the street.
A man dressed in a striped prison suit then ran ahead of the convoy before being grabbed and arrested by officers.
It wasn't just Mr. Trump who struggled to find a legal representative in Florida. Walt Nauta, his co-defendant, was unable to plead guilty at Tuesday's hearing as he needed a local lawyer to sponsor him.
James Trusty and John Rowley stepped down as Trump's lawyers last week. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
This all comes after James Trusty and John Rowley, two key Trump lawyers, resigned last week.
On Monday, the team struggled to find an attorney who is or is sponsored by a member of the Florida Bar.
Furious rallies took place at Trump's Doral estate after the Republican leader flew in from his golf course in Bedminster and his team spoke to some of the state's most powerful lawyers to no avail.
One of the court's insiders said The Telegraph: “I know they [Trump's team] have been calling trying to find lawyers,” but this role is a “poisoned bowl” for anyone with a “diverse group of clients.”
And despite this that defense lawyers have been “a bit hungry lately because there haven't been many serious allegations,” they added.
The source said some of the names mentioned are “very good lawyers”, including Howard Srebnik. However, he runs a law firm with Roy Black, who describes himself as a “proud” Liberal Democrat.
But they said they were sure “someone will take the bait.”
John May, a local lawyer, said he thought “the Trump team could find a lawyer in South Florida.” >
However, those who refused “don't want to represent a client they can't control,” Mr. May said.
“If you can't keep a client from shooting himself, you know, it's very difficult to protect him . The lawyers who turned down Trump made a calculation,” he said, adding that “being one of Trump’s lawyers is short-lived.”
Mr. May added: “To the extent that anyone, anyone can think that this is the work of a lifetime, or that it will benefit their practice, or that it will lead to some, you know, brilliance or more prestige…represented, Mr. Trump”—for now.
According to The Washington Post, among those who turned down the lead role was David O. Marcus, who last month defended Andrew Gillum, the gubernatorial candidate of Florida for the Democratic Party, who was acquitted by a federal jury of lying to the FBI.
“Some lawyers who have a stellar reputation and made a name for themselves just don't need a headache,” added Mr. May.
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“Anyone who wants someone to take on this case wants to win it. You know, and, you know, the client can, you know, the client can do things that can make that impossible.”
Toxic environments are off-putting
Some may also have reservations about the vitriol they will use . be exposed, a court insider said.
“The death threats are just…it’s going to be just awful,” they said. “We've always had big cases here, especially during the days of big drug trafficking, but nothing that would draw that much attention.”
Obviously a toxic environment of infighting and dominance within the legal team. is also a deterrent to potential recruits.
Last month, Timothy Parlatore refused to represent Trump before launching a vicious attack on Boris Epstein, one of Trump's current lawyers.
He accused G Epstein on “obstructive” behavior, “attempts to undermine and block” other lawyers, and his inexperience and arrogance. wrong.
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