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Hot on the heels of the news that Paul Manafort was subjected to a predawn raid at his home, with a search warrant suggesting that the special counsel questions whether Manafort can be trusted to properly turn over subpoenaed documents, Manafort is now switching up his legal representation.
Manafort is saying goodbye to Biglaw, giving Reginald Brown and WilmerHale the boot. It’s not clear why — Reg Brown, head of the firm’s congressional investigations practice, is an experienced and highly regarded lawyer — but it’s worth noting that WilmerHale is the former firm of special counsel Robert Mueller.
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Manafort has decided to go with the boutique firm of Miller & Chevalier, as reported by Politico:
A spokesman confirmed the change. “Mr. Manafort is in the process of retaining his former counsel, Miller & Chevalier, to represent him in the office of special counsel investigation. As of today, WilmerHale no longer represents Mr. Manafort,” Jason Maloni said in a statement.
Kevin Downing will be heading the legal team. Downing has experience at the Department of Justice in cases involving tax fraud, Bank Secrecy Act violations, money laundering, mail and wire fraud, mortgage fraud, and securities fraud. Sounds like the Manafort team expects the heat to be turned up even higher.
Manafort switching legal team as feds crank up heat on him [Politico]
Paul Manafort Splits with Wilmer Lawyers in Russia Probe [National Law Journal via Morning Docket]
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Kathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).