A legal expert has suggested Alina Habba’s career could be at risk following her reaction to a question about the Allen Weisselberg perjury allegations.
An Odd Response
Lisa Rubin, an MSNBC legal analyst, says that Habba’s odd response to Judge Arthur Engoron’s question about Weisselberg, former CFO of the Trump Organization, is worth paying attention to.
Habba and Weisselberg
Habba, a lawyer representing former President Donald Trump, is a somewhat controversial figure; her courtroom conduct has come under fire in recent weeks. She also defended Weisselberg, who pleaded guilty to 15 charges including falsifying business records and grand larceny.
Weisselberg and Perjury
In Trump’s financial fraud trial, Engoron asked the former President’s legal team for clarification following the publication of an article saying Weisselberg committed perjury. It was Habba’s answer to this question that Rubin found odd.
Alina Habba’s Response
“We do not represent [Weisselberg] in connection with any criminal matters. I have not spoken with the New York District Attorney’s Office about any of the matters discussed in the New York Times article,” Habba wrote.
Habba’s Ethical Obligations
“Further, in an abundance of caution, I have conferred with my ethics counsel and have been advised that I am constrained by my professional ethical obligations from providing any further detail,” she continued.
Potential False Testimony
Rubin pointed out that Habba didn’t deny talking about plea negotiations with Weisselberg. Additionally, she didn’t deny the possibility that some of his statements during testimony could have been untrue.
Violating Rule 3.3
Rubin said this situation could — in a breach concerning her ethical obligations to all clients, not solely Trump — mean Habba violated Rule 3.3.
Unclear Ethical Obligations
“For now, it’s not clear what ethical obligations she’s referring to. After all, Engoron — in an emailed response to counsel Thursday — reaffirmed Habba’s duties under Rule 3.3,” Rubin said.
A Stern Warning
The analyst continued: “And he ended with a stern warning — ‘If someone pleads guilty to committing perjury in a case over which I am presiding, I want to know about it.'”
Harming Habba’s Career
Rubin went on to speculate about damage to Habba’s career: “But while l’affaire Weisselberg ultimately may not prevent Engoron from ruling soon, the episode — and not her actual courtroom antics — could be what causes the greatest harm yet to Alina Habba’s standing as a lawyer. Watch this space.”
Significant Financial Penalties
Rubin suggested that the issue could pose challenges for Habba, particularly as Engoron considers the significant financial penalties put forth by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Trump’s Fraudulent Activities
Weisselberg worked for the Trump family for nearly half a century, and Rubin noted that he’s long been an individual allegedly involved in the former President’s fraudulent activities.
A Reward for Loyalty
Weisselberg’s unwavering allegiance and loyalty to Trump is evident. Despite confessing to felony tax fraud in 2022, he was obliged to testify in court — and he steadfastly avoided betraying the former President. Rubin noted that he “appears to have been rewarded for his ‘service.’”
Weisselberg’s $2 Million Severance Deal
Rubin previously questioned Weisselberg’s $2 million severance deal because, as a condition to receive the sum in eight installments, he’s prohibited from assisting any parties with claims against the Company. Essentially, unless under legal obligation, he can’t support efforts to hold Trump accountable.
Trump and Weisselberg Are Both Defendants
Rubin’s analysis soon turned back to Habba and Trump’s fraud trial. It’s presided over by Engoron, and he’s expected to come to a decision regarding damages soon. Trump and Weisselberg are both defendants.
Lying Under Oath
Weisselberg is reportedly in the process of discussing another plea deal following allegations of lying under oath.
Evaluating the Credibility of Witnesses
Engoron, responsible for evaluating the credibility of witnesses, has requested that both parties disclose any information they have regarding Weisselberg’s alleged willingness to admit to perjury. He also asked them to provide their perspectives on how the alleged plea discussions could impact the timeline for his decision-making process.
Delaying the Decision
“Nothing in the responses suggests that Engoron should delay his decision, but that’s where they diverge,” Rubin said.
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