Don't have the transcript or exhibits yet, but this is looking even worse for Trump AND for Costello. I can't imagine how nuts Costello would have to be to volunteer publicly to testify at this trial knowing the emails he sent and was going to be examined on. This is ego, zeal (he's still chasing Trump work, apparently), and an inability to objectively analyze his own conduct. The dude needs a lawyer!
Repeated emails providing highly conflicted legal advice to a prospective or actual client. Costello is going to be investigated (if he isn't already). Specifically, NY bar should investigate these email statements:
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"Our issue is to get Cohen on the right page without giving him the appearance that we are following instruction from Giuliani or the president. In my opinion, this is the clear correct strategy." [WTF?]
"He’s [Cohen] playing with the most powerful man on the planet.”
"friends in high places"
"I told you my relationship with Rudy which could be very useful to you." [This is a clear lawyer ethics violation to suggest anything like this as beneficial to a client]
"I have been authorized to contact Rudy Giuliani as counsel to President Trump and tell him I will be representing Michael Cohen."
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Does Costello's law firm know how he was playing a prospective, if not ACTUAL client? Really bad look for Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. They may want to consider giving Stink-eye Costello his exit papers.
