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Blago Lawyer Walks Off the Job

After dispute over closing argument, Sam Adam Jr. departs

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 26, 2010 6:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – Rod Blagojevich's lawyer left a federal courthouse in Chicago today without delivering his closing argument after the judge threatened to cite him for contempt of court, the Tribune reports. Sam Adam Jr. wanted to tell jurors about witnesses the government didn't call and planned to contend that their testimony would have bolstered the former Illinois governor's case. "You cannot argue against the law," the judge, James Zagel, told him. "It doesn’t do your client any good to have his lawyer held in contempt."

Asked whether he was no longer representing Blagojevich, Adam replied, "He's the best client I've ever had, is an innocent man. I just want to do the best I can for him." For more on Adam, whose courtroom demeanor is anything but dull, click here.

This courtroom sketch shows Rod Blagojevich with his wife, Patti, and daughter Annie, who is sleeping, during closing arguments in federal court in Chicago, July 26, 2010.
This courtroom sketch shows Rod Blagojevich with his wife, Patti, and daughter Annie, who is sleeping, during closing arguments in federal court in Chicago, July 26, 2010.   (AP Photo/Verna Sadock)
Attorneys for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Sam Adam Jr., left, and Sam Adam arrive at the Federal Court building, Monday, July 26, 2010, in Chicago. Blagojevich and his brother are accused of scheming to sell or trade President Obama's old Senate seat. Judge James Zagel dismissed the panel Monday...
Attorneys for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Sam Adam Jr., left, and Sam Adam arrive at the Federal Court building, Monday, July 26, 2010, in Chicago. Blagojevich and his brother are accused of...   (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
JoeQ
Jul 27, 2010 11:24 AM CDT
The rule of law in a place like Chicago is probably pretty strange.
sailor86
Jul 27, 2010 7:47 AM CDT
Maybe he's just going back to his beer-brewing business.
Cher
Jul 27, 2010 12:12 AM CDT
Sam Adam, Jr.'s action probably will cause Blago to get a new trial. And he could be disbarred. Carefull there Mr. Adam, you could get into alot of trouble.
 

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