Blagojevich looking for new lawyer
DEFENSE | Needs leader for his criminal case
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is accepting applications.
And the job he's looking to fill is nothing to sneeze at. He needs a lead criminal defense lawyer.
(Scott Stewart/Sun-Times)
After one top Blagojevich lawyer quit, there's just one attorney officially representing him now -- his longtime friend Sheldon Sorosky.
With a massive indictment due in April, he's looking for more. So Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, met with Chicago lawyers over the weekend about adding to their legal team. One possibility for team leader is defense lawyer Tom Breen, lawyers involved in the case say. He has vast experience in federal court and at the criminal courts at 26th and California.
The ex-governor finds himself without a chief lawyer two months after being hit with federal corruption charges because defense attorney Ed Genson quit amid Blagojevich's talk-show blitz. Genson disagreed with that strategy.
Sam Adam Sr. and Sam Adam Jr. handled some of Blagojevich's impeachment issues. But the father-son team hadn't committed to the federal case as of Monday, said attorney Michael Ettinger. He represents Robert Blagojevich, the ex-governor's brother, who oversaw the governor's campaign fund. He has not been charged. "No decision's been made yet," Ettinger said.
Another issue is money. It's no secret the former first family is broke. And Blagojevich's once-bountiful campaign fund is under scrutiny by federal authorities.
Breen knows that drill. He represented the Citizens for Ryan campaign fund, which was indicted under former Gov. George Ryan. Breen declined to comment Monday, but was said to be interested in taking the case if the Adamses drop out.
Other lawyers to be added to the team include Alan Brunell, who once represented Ryan chief of staff Scott Fawell. James Graham and Judith Dobkin were slated to represent the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund, Ettinger said.