Balch & Bingham partner Joel I. Gilbert was found GUILTY ON ALL 6 counts and so was Drummond’s executive David Roberson. Justice, Justice! As Pulitzer prize-winning journalist John Archibald tweeted: Now that the bribers and the bribee has been brought to justice, it is time to look at so many others involved in this case who looked the other way or were complicit in the travesty. It should not end here.

The CDLU was in the courtroom this afternoon. It was empty except for a handful of reporters and other observers. Soon the defendants, family members, legal teams, and representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office arrived. Even U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town was there. The jury entered. Members of the jury were happy and it appears there is congeniality among the group. The judge dismissed the jury for the day, speaking to them at eye-level just below and near the witness stand, without a robe. A veteran ex-prosecutor has told us it may take until Monday before verdicts are reached in…

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin gave the final rebuttal this morning and it was powerful. Even U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town was in the courtroom for the final discourse. Kyle Whitimire of AL.com tweeted: AUSA George Martin now up to give the second half of the government’s closing. He says he has 47 minutes and he’ll take half of that. (Jurors smile.) Martin showing again Government’s Exhibit 1: A draft letter Gilbert had written and edited for Oliver Robinson to send to the AEMC, in which Gilbert added the words “as a state legislator.” Martin: “This was bribery whether that…

With the Alabama Media Group posting this morning a thorough and in depth profile of North Birmingham residents titled “We are a Forgotten Community,” the criminal bribery continued with closing arguments from Henry Asbill, defense attorney for David Roberson, the indicted Drummond executive. Keeping to a united defense strategy, Asbill shredded bought-and-paid-for politician Oliver Robinson and dismissed the criminal charges asserting that Roberson was acting in “good faith” and just doing his job. Asbill also pointed out that Roberson relied on Balch’s legal advice. Lauren Walsh of ABC 33/40 tweeted: Asbill now stressing; “Evidence of good character (ALONE) may create…

Good morning! Today we will hear from indicted Drummond executive David Roberson’s defense team who will make closing arguments. Yesterday, Joel I. Gilbert’s defense attorney made a strong case against Oliver Robinson observers say, but will it be enough? The question in some people’s mind is: Will Roberson’s team continue to shred Oliver Robinson or will they also separate themselves from Gilbert’s alleged unsavory and dishonest conduct? Will they argue that Balch provided bad legal advice that was not properly vetted by the firm? The government will provide a closing rebuttal which could heavily focus on the details that cannot…

Is there an emoji for this? Joel I. Gilbert’s defense attorney, Brandon Essig,  argued that the defendants could conceal the contract with bought-and-paid-for defendant Oliver Robinson as a First Amendment right. Essig for the most part attempted to put Oliver Robinson and the Oliver Robinson Foundation on trial today, trying to shred Robinson’s credibility as a witness. Covering the closing arguments by Gilbert’s defense attorney, Kyle Whitmire of AL.com tweets: Essig now arguing that lack of disclosure is a First Amendment issue — that it was their right to hide Robinson’s contract with Balch and Drummond. Essig calls Robinson the…

Balch & Bingham partner Steven McKinney has been acquitted. From Kyle Whitmire of AL.com: There’s been a lot of activity. The judge has yet to rule on a Rule 29 motion for dismissal for defendant Steve McKinney. We shall see. Jury’s back. Judge says, “Steven McKinney is no longer a part of this trial.” Judge tells the jury that his absence should not affect how they look at the other defendants. And now Roberson’s defense will begin. What is a Rule 29 motion? Rule 29. Motion for a Judgment of Acquittal. (a) Before Submission to the Jury. After the government closes its…

[Post Updated Below] Could it get any worse for indicted Balch & Bingham partner Joel I. Gilbert? Kyle Whitmire of AL.com opines this morning about the not-believable testimony from Gilbert: Like I said yesterday, Gilbert has staked his freedom to the argument that, when they paid the Oliver Robinson Foundation, they had no idea that Robinson was benefiting personally from that. This is a hell of the thing to ask the jury to believe, and yesterday a couple of jurors were smirking when they heard this argument. Emails and other docs don’t help the defense on this point. Confirming the…

Good morning! Joel Gilbert, the indicted Balch & Bingham partner will be questioned this morning by the attorney for his former boss, Steven McKinney, the other indicted Balch partner whose legal team has claimed he was not involved in the bribery conspiracy. Although McKinney’s attorney has repeatedly demonstrated in court that his client had no meetings or communications with Oliver Robinson and others, McKinney was carbon-copied on all communications. Gilbert will most likely also be interrogated by indicted Drummond executive David Roberson’s legal counsel therafter. The great rift between two Balch & Bingham partners and their former client may appear…

The 13th day of the trial was bad luck for defendant Joel I. Gilbert, a Balch & Bingham-made millionaire, according to court testimony. Having had weeks of horrible testimony against him, Gilbert had to testify on the stand. After Gilbert laid out his autobiography, his defense lawyer threw him softballs questions in which Gilbert denied the bribery charges or even knowing that Oliver Robinson was being paid by his own foundation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin grilled, skewered, and then demolished Gilbert on the witness stand The jury was at full attention. Kyle Whitmire of AL.com tweeted the devastating exchange:…