Judge Approves Withdrawal of Reed Smith Firm from Case after Show-Cause Order against Partner

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A federal judge in Maryland has granted four Reed Smith lawyers to withdraw from the representation of former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby following possible contempt proceedings against one of them. U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby allowed the withdrawal during a virtual hearing on Friday and appointed the federal public defender to represent Mosby. Two other lawyers were also allowed to withdraw.

Mosby is facing accusations of lying to make a hardship withdrawal from her retirement account and filing false mortgage applications to purchase two homes in Florida. She had previously lost in the Democratic primary when she sought re-election.

Griggsby has ordered Reed Smith partner A. Scott Bolden to show cause why he shouldn’t be sanctioned for criminal contempt. The charges stem from the disclosure of confidential jury questionnaire responses in a court filing and the use of profanity during a press conference. 

  

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During the hearing on Friday, Griggsby stated that the show-cause order might cause Bolden to “pull punches” if he continues to represent Mosby. Additionally, the other Reed Smith lawyers could be witnesses or potential witnesses as Bolden responds to the show-cause order.

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Defense lawyers stated in a court filing that Bolden’s use of profanity during the press conference was “aberrational” and was related to the government’s “specious argument in seeking an 11th-hour continuance.” Griggsby had also criticized Bolden for a press conference statement regarding Black politicians being at risk of prosecution. The defense lawyers argued that these comments were a “10-second sound bite” during a four-minute press conference.

Bolden has argued that the confidential information consisted of anonymous quotations from jury questionnaires and was used to respond to government arguments and show that pretrial publicity had tainted the jury pool. Griggsby also stated that Bolden had filed a court document without the signature of a Maryland lawyer, which was necessary as Bolden is an out-of-state lawyer appearing with the court’s permission in the case.

This situation highlights the complex and delicate nature of legal representation and the responsibilities that come with it. Lawyers must navigate ethical considerations, client interests, and court orders while upholding the law and protecting their clients. In this instance, the withdrawal of the Reed Smith lawyers and appointment of the federal public defender allows for a fair representation of Mosby in light of the ongoing proceedings against Bolden.

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Lawyers must maintain professional conduct and adhere to ethical standards to maintain the integrity of the legal system. The court’s decision to appoint the federal public defender ensures that Mosby will receive proper representation. At the same time, the possibility of contempt proceedings against Bolden serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold these standards.

In conclusion, this legal news highlights the importance of ethical considerations and professional conduct in law practice. The withdrawal of the Reed Smith lawyers and appointment of the federal public defender ensure a fair representation of Mosby. At the same time, the show-cause order against Bolden serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold ethical standards.

REFERENCES:

Citing show-cause order against Reed Smith partner, judge allows firm to withdraw from case

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