# Trump having trouble finding lawyer **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 20, 2022, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975 "2022-08-20T01:46:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/21 "2022-08-20T20:39:37Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > More like something he’d want to force _the RNC_ to do, and _they_ really can’t because, surprise surprise, the ~~rubes~~ base will donate instead to _what they think are “defense funds” directly under him_ but which are just grifts. Yep, his great “Stop the Steal” con. He can get the money, but will anyone competent take it? > [@dtilque](#): > > They threatened to stop doing that if he declared his candidacy for 2024, which may be the only thing that’s kept him from doing so already. Yeah, according to a poll article i read, only something like 45% of Republicans want him to run again. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/22 "2022-08-20T20:40:08Z")
I’m pretty sure that the major factor here, at least among the kinds of big-name lawyers and firms that Trump would want to recruit, is damage to their hard-earned reputations. Most of the other potential factors can be managed, but being known for representing a clownish con man puts you in the same league as Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/23 "2022-08-20T20:43:36Z")
And potentially in the same orange jumpsuits as Giuliani and Powell. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/24 "2022-08-20T21:09:52Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > And potentially in the same orange jumpsuits as Giuliani and Powell Now that’s a law firm advertisement I’d pay money to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/25 "2022-08-20T21:15:55Z")
He doesn’t need a criminal lawyer; he needs a _criminal_ lawyer. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/26 "2022-08-20T21:23:04Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > He doesn’t need a criminal lawyer; he needs a _criminal_ lawyer.   He has those, but unfortunately lawyers who are criminals aren’t allowed to practice. AIUI, Giuliani’s law license has been suspended in New York and it appears that due to reciprocal arrangements with other states may not be able to practice anywhere else, either. Powell has been sanctioned and disciplined and may yet be disbarred. Sometimes, life can be hard for a con-man and his lawyers. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/27 "2022-08-20T21:35:18Z")
Perhaps a judge could have the law firm of Ben Dover and Takette assigned to take his case. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/28 "2022-08-20T21:36:21Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Sometimes, life can be hard for a con-man and his lawyers And expensive. > **[Sidney Powell, team ordered to pay $175,250 in fees for Michigan election case](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/12/02/sidney-powell-team-ordered-pay-175-250-fees-michigan-case/8843056002/)** > > U.S. District Judge Linda Parker of Michigan's Eastern District said the penalty was "an appropriate sanction." ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/29 "2022-08-20T21:51:44Z")
Given how much money there is in representing the MAGA crowd and assorted hangers-on and wannabees, there have been [plenty of lawyers](http://politico.com/news/2022/07/05/trump-maga-lawyers-00043917) willing to take that on at the (snerk) risk to their reputations. “In total, at least 16 lawyers who represented plaintiffs in five federal lawsuits promoting Trump’s baseless election fraud claims in the key battlegrounds of Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin and Arizona remain in good standing or have no record of disciplinary action with their respective bar associations or licensing authorities, according to a POLITICO review.” “Fourteen of them have since engaged in additional work in support of the election fraud conspiracies or conspiracists behind Trump’s attempt to remain in power despite losing the election to President Joe Biden. These include defending accused Jan. 6 rioters, consulting for partisan election “audits” or partaking in advocacy or legal cases sowing doubts about the integrity of the nation’s elections, POLITICO found.” If it comes down to defending Trump against serious criminal charges, he should be able to amass a formidable legal team, especially if they can get sizable retainers up front. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/30 "2022-08-20T22:00:31Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > The problem he would have would be KEEPING a lawyer, because he seems to be constitutionally::::snerk::: unable to to take advice, especially when the advice involves shutting the fuck up. My dream scenario is that lawyers’ attempts to talk sense into him piss him off to the point where he insists on defending himself _pro se_. After all, he knows better than all those stupid eggheads… ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/31 "2022-08-20T22:03:59Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > My dream scenario is that lawyers’ attempts to talk sense into him piss him off to the point where he insists on defending himself _pro se_. After all, he knows better than all those stupid eggheads… > **['Nobody Knows More' Than Trump About Anything: A Supercut | ‘Nobody knows...](https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/videos/nobody-knows-more-than-trump-about-anything-a-supercut/3186474844750556/)** > > ‘Nobody knows more about’ anything than Trump does (a supercut) ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/32 "2022-08-20T22:13:56Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > I suspect if he’s actually charged with a crime, he will be able to find a lawyer, because everyone IS entitled to a defense. Even Trump. The problem he would have would be KEEPING a lawyer, because he seems to be constitutionally::::snerk::: unable to to take advice, especially when the advice involves shutting the fuck up. “I know he can _get_ the job, but can he _do_ the job?” ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2022, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/33 "2022-08-20T22:49:35Z")
Where is Saul Goodman when you need him? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/34 "2022-08-21T11:40:31Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > If it comes down to defending Trump against serious criminal charges, he should be able to amass a formidable legal team, especially if they can get sizable retainers up front. Well, that’s the problem with having Trump as one’s employer. He infamously doesn’t pay the hired help, making vague promises of riches later. Then, when the outcome doesn’t meet his expectations, he stiffs them, citing “They didn’t do what I wanted them to do” as a reason for non-payment. ---
**Author:** ![Scutcheon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scutcheon/32/11781_2.png) [@Scutcheon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scutcheon)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/35 "2022-08-21T12:18:59Z")
Thank you for this coffee-spewing hilarious montage! The hot air blown is seemingly endless. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/36 "2022-08-21T12:29:07Z")
@Jackmannii Your key words are “sizeable retainers.” It has been demonstrated over the years that much of Trump’s wealth is an illusion. His property values grow and shrink to suit his needs, and he regularly robs both Peter and Paul and stiffs John and James, so he can walk away with their money. And he promises an answer next week. A formidable legal team means shyrocketing billing hours. Trump could try to pay with deeds to properties, titles to vehicles, appraisals for Melania’s jewelry, tips on investments, access to overseas accounts, or any other flaky money soutce. A formidable legal team would demand cash on the barrelhead, and a dirty sock to stuff in his mouth. Otherwise, his legal team will consist of kids who have recently passed the Bar exam, who have bought the whole MAGA/BIG lie package, who will work round the clock to try to present Trump with brilliant legal arguments that should be carved on a mountaintop. ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2022, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/37 "2022-08-21T15:52:48Z")
> [@Steve\_MB](#): > > After all, he knows better than all those stupid eggheads… Just like he did with ‘his’ generals. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/38 "2022-08-22T14:20:09Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > It has been demonstrated over the years that much of Trump’s wealth is an illusion. He has cash rolling in by the truckload from his current primary grift namely extracting donations from his mailing list of gullible fools. Speaking as someone with a couple of decades of experience running a legal practice, I very much doubt Trump’s difficulties with getting a lawyer are financial. If his reputation as a bad payer were the only problem there would be plenty of lawyers out there who would take him on. They’d just demand money up front, knowing they’d make plenty before he stiffed them a little on the final invoice. I suspect his real problem is that he is now so toxic only the fringes of the profession will touch him. And he is savvy enough to know that they are lightweights. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/39 "2022-08-22T20:00:07Z")
Could a defense attorney just charge a big flat fee - say, $15 million - that he gets to collect **regardless** of case outcome, and is paid up front in cash - and then retire for life on that money, never practicing law again? Little concern to be had about reputation if you won’t be doing law again. And it is surprising nobody wants him. You’d think that, out of the thousands of federal defense attorneys in America, at least 1% of them would ascribe to MAGA-ism. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2022, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975/40 "2022-08-22T21:04:16Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Could a defense attorney just charge a big flat fee - say, $15 million - that he gets to collect **regardless** of case outcome, and is paid up front in cash - and then retire for life on that money, never practicing law again A flat fee is permitted, but all fees must be “reasonable.” I suppose you could make a case that $15 million is a reasonable fee under the circumstances. Note: A fee contingent on the outcome is not permitted in criminal cases. (In jurisdictions I’m aware of, maybe there are exceptions), so it would have to be an hourly fee or a flat fee. All criminal lawyers I know who are not public defenders get a hefty retainer up front. As my old boss used to say “I’m your lawyer, not your banker.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-having-trouble-finding-lawyer/969975.md?page=3)