The unanticipated online sensation taking the legal Twitter space by storm is none other than Alina Habba, attorney for Donald Trump. Habba’s recent dealings in the second E. Jean Carroll trial have stirred a whirl of reactions and comments from legal professionals on the internet, with many amused over her role in reviving the long-lost camaraderie among online legal pundits.
The previous era before Twitter had become the purview of billionaire Elon Musk was one where lawyers like George Conway and Ken White could rise to stardom, sharing legal news and insights throughout the day. However, now all that remains is a longing for those days and an audience with strained attention spans. Habba, however, in her role as Trump’s attorney, has managed to reignite discussions among online attorneys, even if unintentionally.
In the recent trial, Habba had renewed her request for a postponement under sensible yet controversial reasons. This move immediately drew the attention of the online legal community, with live updates provided by Matthew Russell Lee of Inner City Press.
Habba’s performance throughout the trial has been a subject of ridicule for several legal Twitter members. She is reported to have misrepresented facts about Trump’s whereabouts, endured criticism for her handling of direct examination, and even called for a mistrial under tenuous circumstances. On these points, many online commentaries expressed equal parts amusement and concern over her legal prowess, or lack thereof.
While Habba’s conduct may raise eyebrows among seasoned legal professionals, her antics have inadvertently brought the once vibrant community of online legal commentators back together, evoking the spirit of pre-Musk Twitter, albeit for unusual reasons. Some key moments and reactions from the trial can be found on both Bluesky and Threads.
For those interested in following the trial, the dockets are available on Court Listener under Carroll v. Trump I and Carroll v. Trump II.