Our observers confirmed that during opening statements that an attorney for Joel Gilbert, one of the indicted Balch & Bingham partners, stated, “Gilbert, along with McKinney and Roberson, are being prosecuted because they ‘stood up to the government,’ and Robinson lied to investigators about the conspiracy,” as reported by AL.com.

Bull!

According to some long-time leaders, Balch appears to have never stood up to the government, but instead navigated easily through the halls of power, be it in Washington or Montgomery.

But the biggest laugh from observers is the notion Balch would have never hired Robinson if they knew he was a liar.

More bull or can we say, what a lie!

Balch partner Schuyler Allen Baker, Jr. lied about us in a court of law. Former Balch partner Clark A. Cooper allegedly lied about and defamed Burt Newsome. Balch & Bingham lied to Politico.com about their lobbying relationship with Black Hall Aerospace. And Balch lied about their billing practices in Mississippi until they were forced to correct an embarrassing billing error.

Balch & Bingham appears to be suffering from an overdose of habitual liars.

The worst observation is that McKinney’s attorney appears to be throwing Gilbert under a bus.

AL.com reports:

Craig Gillen, one of McKinney’s lawyers, said that not one of the over one million documents in the case mention McKinney meeting with Robinson or communicating with him. He said there’s no proof McKinney ever entered into a conspiracy with anyone to break the law.

In other words, Gilbert is the point man and fall guy, while McKinney knew nothing.

Gilbert has the most to lose, and observers agree. He should join Oliver Robinson and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as a federal witness.

Gilbert’s once loyal friends, law firm, and clients look like they have deserted him. Even Balch announced recently that they have hired a new energy practice lawyer.

Arrivederci Joel!