A source close to embattled Trump-fixer Michael Cohen says he is likely to cooperate with an ongoing federal investigation of his law practice.
ABC News reports that the Chicago-based law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP will withdraw as Cohen’s counsel. No replacement counsel has yet been identified. Without legal representation, Cohen could well assist prosecutors going forward.
The New York Times confirmed the ABC report, claiming the firm is leaving Cohen over a longstanding fee dispute. According to the Times, Cohen has not yet resolved to collaborate with law enforcement, though his increased isolation increases the chances he will eventually flip.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is currently investigating Cohen for a range of possible white-collar crimes. Federal investigators raided his law office, home, and hotel room on April 9. Defense lawyers are racing to review some 3.7 million records federal agents seized in the course of those raids, some of which are believed to pertain to Cohen’s representation of President Donald Trump.
U.S. District Court Judge Kimba Wood set a deadline of June 15 for defense lawyers to complete review of these materials. (RELATED: Stormy Daniels Legal Fund In Jeopardy)
Vanity Fair reported Tuesday that Cohen expects to be arrested in the coming days. He has not yet been charged with any crime, though he is fighting in court to shield seized records he believes are protected by attorney-client privilege. Wood appointed a special master, retired Judge Barbara Jones, to review these claims and determine what materials, if any, are protected.
Cohen’s attorneys have not yet responded to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s inquiries.
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