Bob Menendez hired high-profile Democratic lawyer Marc Elias and Hunter Biden’s firm, spending a significant amount of money
Democratic Super Lawyer Marc Elias and Senator Bob Menendez
Many of Bob Menendez’s longtime Democratic allies have soured on the New Jersey senator amid his federal bribery case. But not Marc Elias, the controversial Democratic super lawyer whose firm took nearly $50,000 from the embattled senator’s legal fund.
The Legal Fund and Contributions
Menendez’s legal defense fund paid $46,464 to Elias Law Group, according to disclosures obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. Between October 1 and December 31, Menendez received $195,000 in contributions to his legal fund. The fund also paid $70,000 to Winston & Strawn, a white shoe law firm that represents Hunter Biden. Additionally, $128,000 was paid to Schertler & Onorato, a firm representing Menendez’s wife, Nadine Arslanian, according to the disclosure filed with the Senate Ethics Committee.
Elias’s Hypocrisy and Controversial Actions
Elias’s work for Menendez is the latest example of the campaign lawyer’s hypocrisy. Despite portraying himself as a staunch defender of democracy through his organization “Democracy Docket,” Elias has been involved in the Democratic Party’s attempts to influence elections through propaganda and disinformation. As Hillary Clinton’s campaign attorney in 2016, Elias commissioned the Steele dossier, which falsely accused former president Donald Trump of conspiring with Russia. Democrats used the dossier to sway public opinion about Trump.
Last year, Elias called on former Rep. George Santos (R., N.Y.) to resign following federal campaign finance charges, labeling him a “crook” and criticizing Republicans who didn’t force him out of office. The House voted to remove Santos from office last month, while Senate Democrats have resisted calls to do the same with Menendez.
This is not the first time Elias has represented Menendez in corruption cases. He previously represented the senator during a 2007 investigation into a Menendez-connected lobbyist and after the senator was charged in 2015 with doing favors for Democratic donor Salomon Melgen. The case against Menendez was dropped in 2018 after a jury deadlocked.
Supporters and Allegations
While most Democrats stood by Menendez in previous investigations, the recent case against him has led to calls for his resignation. Senator Cory Booker (D., N.J.), a longtime Menendez ally who donated to his legal fund in 2015, called on him to resign after his latest indictment, citing “shocking allegations of corruption.”
Federal prosecutors allege that Menendez performed political favors for a New Jersey real estate developer and the Egyptian intelligence services in exchange for cash, gold bars, a Mercedes Benz, and other gifts. He is also accused of trying to influence the U.S. attorney’s office in New Jersey in a case involving businessman Fred Daibes. Prosecutors charged Menendez with providing sensitive information to Egyptian spies to assist his associate Wael Hana. Additional charges were filed this month for allegedly lobbying on behalf of the Qatari government.
Many longtime Menendez supporters contributed to his legal defense, including New Jersey lawyer Donald Scarinci and Spanish-language media mogul Raúl Alarcón, who each gave the maximum contribution of $10,000. Murray Kushner, the estranged uncle of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, also contributed $10,000 to Menendez.
In the third quarter of last year, Menendez raised $274,500 and paid $55,000 in legal expenses to Schertler & Onorato.
Both Menendez’s office and Elias Law Group declined to comment on the matter.
Why does Elias continue to support Menendez despite the federal bribery charges?
Ntos from office, despite the fact that he had not yet been convicted of any crime. However, when it comes to Menendez, Elias remains supportive, despite the senator being indicted on federal bribery charges.
Elias’s controversial actions go beyond his involvement in the Menendez case. He has a long history of using aggressive tactics in court battles, often challenging election laws and attempting to change the rules to favor Democratic candidates. This includes his efforts in the 2020 election, where he played a crucial role in the legal battles over mail-in voting and ballot counting.
Furthermore, Elias has been a vocal advocate for expanding access to abortion, even filing lawsuits on behalf of Planned Parenthood to challenge restrictions on abortion rights. While he may present himself as a champion for democracy, his actions suggest a willingness to use legal loopholes and questionable tactics to achieve his preferred political outcomes.
Questionable Ethics
While it is not uncommon for lawyers to represent clients who have been accused of crimes, Elias’s continued support for Menendez raises questions about his own ethical standards. Menendez is facing serious charges of bribery and corruption, allegations that should concern any lawyer who claims to uphold the rule of law.
Additionally, Elias’s acceptance of payments from Menendez’s legal defense fund raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. As a super lawyer who has represented high-profile Democratic clients, Elias has a reputation to uphold. By accepting funds from a client who is embroiled in a federal bribery case, Elias risks damaging his own credibility and casting doubt on the legitimacy of his other legal endeavors.
Conclusion
Marc Elias’s continued support for Senator Bob Menendez, despite the serious charges against him, raises questions about his own ethics and credibility. While Elias portrays himself as a defender of democracy, his actions suggest a willingness to engage in questionable tactics and support clients who face serious legal accusations.
As a high-profile Democratic super lawyer, Elias should hold himself to a higher standard. His association with Menendez and acceptance of payments from the senator’s legal defense fund undermine his claims of championing the rule of law and democracy.
If Elias truly wants to be seen as a principled advocate for justice, he should thoroughly consider the clients he chooses to represent and the ethical implications of his actions.
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