James (Jimmy) LaRossa, one of New York City's top criminal defense lawyers, died recently.  LaRossa, according to the New York Times obituary, see here, was "'the last of the gladiators' — his characterization of defense lawyers."  He was an old-fashioned criminal trial lawyer who tried big case after big case, often with little time for preparation.  For him, cooperators were snitches and cooperation akin to treason.  He was an extremely talented lawyer — with great courtroom presence and a lightning quick mind.  He was probably the best cross-examiner I have ever seen in a courtroom.

Although not the "last" of the "gladiators," LaRossa was one of a dying breed — the "warriors" who were combative, never brought their clients to the prosecutor's office to make a proffer, and fought the government at every turn.  The criminal defense bar and the practice of criminal law have in many ways changed in the last decade.  Defense lawyers today are, as a rule, less experienced and therefore less skilled at trial, less antagonistic toward the government, and more willing to make cooperation deals so that their clients — and they themselves in a sense — become part of the prosecution team.  LaRossa's death marks not only the loss of a "gladiator" but hastens the end of an era.

(goldman)