One of Donald Trump’s lawyers representing him amid his mounting legal cases is a registered Democrat and once served New York state Senate Majority leader Pedro Espada in 2010, according to The New York Post. Susan Necheles, along with Joe Tacopina and Todd Blanche, is defending Trump as he faces criminal charges related to alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Espada was a Democrat who was defended by Necheles in a campaign finance case. She won him an acquittal although he served five years in prison for stealing from his Southview Health Center. Necheles, 64, also voted for Hillary Clinton but is reportedly respected in legal circles.
She comes from a Puerto Rican and German-Jewish background. After graduating from the University of Rochester with a degree in history in 1980, she attended Yale law school. She went on to become an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn and then went on to work with Frederick Hafetz. Hafetz hired Necheles as an associate of his firm and eventually made her a partner, citing her intelligence and creativity.
The three lawyers are now orchestrating a solid defense, each split into three parts. Blanche is reportedly the “maestro” of the team who will oversee the arguments. Necheles will work on dismissing the case against Trump and researching the case law that supports such a move. Tacopina will assist Blanche.
Tacopina has a rough history, according to The Post. His demeanor when it comes to the press is reportedly brash. A legal insider told the outlet that he is surprised Trump has not vetted him and made aware of his reputation. He suggests that Tacopina stop being so antagonistic.
Trump vociferously denies the allegations. Critics of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accuse him of investigating Trump for politically motivated reasons, arguing that he is neglecting a city riddled with crime.
