Judge James Burke approved the swap after questioning Weinstein to ensure it was what he wanted and getting the new lawyers to promise they won't seek to delay the trial from its scheduled Sept. 9 start.


One lawyer had already bolted amid public backlash. Now Jose Baez, known for representing high-profile clients such as Casey Anthony, is out after saying he and Weinstein just can't get along. Donna Rotunno, a #MeToo critic specializing in defending men accused of sexual misconduct, and Damon Cheronis are in.



Weinstein engaged in behavior that made representing him "unreasonably difficult to carry out effectively" and insisted on taking actions "with which I have fundamental disagreements," Baez wrote.

Bounding out of the courtroom Thursday after getting sprung from the case, Baez said: "I feel like I won the lottery. Just kidding."

Rotunno has espoused a philosophy that the #MeToo movement, spurred by revelations about Weinstein's alleged behavior, is overblown and that women are "responsible for the choices they make."

"I chose to represent Harvey Weinstein because I think these are the types of cases that lawyers that do what I do live for," Rotunno said outside the courthouse after the hearing.


Gloria Allred, who represents one of the accusers in the criminal case, offered a different perspective, saying: "I agree that women are responsible for their own choices, but when will Mr. Weinstein be held responsible for his?"

Rotunno and Cheronis practice in Chicago.


The lawyers and prosecutors said they'll work out a schedule for exchanging witness lists and for prosecutors to turn over evidence, such as emails from Weinstein's movie studio that pertain to potential witnesses.

Baez is the latest defection from what was once seen as a modern version of O.J. Simpson's "dream team" of attorneys. Harvard law professor Ronald Sullivan left in May amid backlash about his involvement.

Sullivan's involvement in the case drew protests from some students and faculty members on the Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus. Buildings were defaced with graffiti that included the slogans "Down w Sullivan!", "Your Silence is Violence" and "Whose Side Are You On?"



Later, he called all the lawyers to the bench for a 10-minute discussion of how they'll proceed when it comes time for jury selection. Again, there was no court reporter to make a record of the conversation.

Aidala appeared perturbed by what he called the judge's "extended private conversation" with Baez. He asked whether he could also approach the bench, but Burke waved him off.


