CORRECTION: Updated to correct that Judge James Zagel is a U.S. District Court judge.
The father-son team that defended former Gov. Rod Blagojevich in his first trial will not be there for the second.
On Thursday, lawyers Sam Adam Jr. and Sam Adam Sr. filed a motion to withdraw as the ex-governor’s counsel in his political corruption trial.
“As a result of much discussion and collaboration,” the motion said, “it has been agreed to by both Former Governor Blagojevich and the entire defense team, that attorneys Samuel F. Adam and Samuel E. Adam, not represent Former Governor Blagojevich at trial, but shall remain in an advisory position assisting with strategy and preparation for trial, in concert with his remaining trial counsels, Attorney Aaron Goldstein and Sheldon Sorosky.”
The Adam’s departure had been anticipated since a verdict had come back in Blagojevich’s first trial last month. Although Adam Jr. and Adam Sr. were listed as the governor’s co-lead counsel, Sorosky and Goldstein ultimately did more of the work in court. Adam Jr. gave fiery opening and closing arguments, but also made a key faux pas when promising the jury that Blagojevich would take the stand. The former governor ultimately opted out of testifying in his own defense, leaving Adam Jr. to explain the discrepancy to jurors and the media.
Nevertheless, the case could be viewed as a success for the attorneys, considering that Blagojevich was only convicted on one count – lying to the FBI – while jurors were hung on 23 others. Provided that, it was the opinion of most legal observers that there wasn’t much to be gained by the attorneys to stay on the case.
In the motion filed with U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel, the Adam lawyers said their withdrawal was done “only in the best interest” of Blagojevich. The retrial is expected to commence in January.
Uh … Zagel is a District Court judge, not a Circuit Court judge. But I’m sure he appreciates the promotion.