Look — I get that pretty much only the “bottom of the barrel” is now willing to risk both reputational, and financial harm… by choosing to represent one Martin Shkreli. [Almost all his prior, and competent counsels have eventually withdrawn, when he welshes on paying them. Or flat out runs out of funds — which seems to frequently transpire in these matters. I can document that list, if anyone cares / insists.]

But this morning, one Jonathan Gross — out of Maryland — filed his appearance to represent Martin in the FTC orders / violation / contempt matter.

He has previously said he has only ever practiced as a general civil attorney (primarily on First Amendment / religious freedoms cases), and has never handled a criminal case, of any kind. [This case presents the potential at least, to send Martin back inside, BTW. But oddly enough, Mr. Gross had signed on at DoJ, and then shortly after — resigned — as a special counsel for “DoJ civil rights” — under the odious Harmeet Dhillon.] Odd choice.

Moreover, as a practicing Orthodox Jew, he drew a sitting USDC Judge’s ire, a few years ago — in representing a J6 felony defendant (one with a well-known, previously scheduled weeks-long trial sitting) — by saying he would not appear at all, in court during the longish Passover holidays. That was after a capable criminal defense co-counsel had resigned, BTW.

Attorneys in felony matters well-know that when they sign on — for a case with a trial date already scheduled — it is their responsibility to be sure the client will be well-represented, even during the highest Orthodox holidays.

And that holds true — whether or not the client is paying at the moment.

So — if nothing else… this FTC matter could get… spicy. It likely morphs into a DoJ criminal matter, under Kiyo Matsumoto’s Brooklyn orders, re the SEC fraud convictions, as well — when Martin is found guilty of violating his prior (FTC) release orders.

Should be good… street theater, if nothing else.

Onward.