The Trump hush money trial that has already stretched for four weeks of testimony is no longer just a financial records case, but a trial of character judgement, primarily owed to the testimony of adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The trial proceedings are not being televised, posing a challenge for those without access to court transcripts to stay abreast. The testimony of Daniels, however, has stood out due to details revealed about her alleged affair with Donald Trump. These revelations hold significance as Trump’s attorneys had previously asserted that no such relationship existed between the two.
While allegations and defenses continued to fly, the account of one particular cross-examination caught public attention due to its inappropriate undertone. Susan Necheles, Trump’s attorney during the cross-examination, questioned Daniels in a manner that has been widely criticized as disrespectful and degrading, implying that Daniels’ career in the adult film industry discredited her from being a victim. Daniels’ resilience paired with quick comebacks did little to salvage the situation which resulted in Necheles contributing negatively to Trump’s face in the court.
This was not the only challenge for Necheles, who faced rejection from Judge Juan Merchan after an application for a mistrial based on the content of Daniels’ testimony. He pointed out the lack of objections raised by Necheles during the trial.
The performance seems to have caused a dent in Necheles’ online reputation. Her Google reviews have dramatically shifted as pointed out by Above the Law founder, David Lat. From harsh one-star reviews berating her for representing Trump to others joking about her defending dictators, Necheles’ reputation seems to be taking the brunt for her controversial role in the case.
As cross-border legal professionals, it is crucial to acknowledge the implications of such cases. These events are not just about winning or losing, but about maintaining the integrity and ethics of the profession, even under high-pressure, highly-publicized cases.