Peterson Trial Judge "Shocked" By Brodsky's Comments

By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 6, 2013 3:25PM

Former Drew Peterson lead attorney Joel Brodsky (center) with current lead attorney Steven Greenberg (front) during happier times. (Photo credit: Frank Polich/Getty Images)

Will County Judge Edward Burmila rejected a request from Drew Peterson’s legal team to muzzle former Peterson lead attorney Joel Brodsky Tuesday, but did say he was “shocked” by Brodsky’s post-trial public comments and would report Brodsky to the state agency that investigates Illinois attorneys.

Peterson’s attorney Steven Greenberg filed a motion in Will County Circuit Court requesting a gag order for Brodsky, claiming he broke attorney-client privilege in his attempts to deflect blame for losing the case. Brodksy filed a libel lawsuit against Greenberg and Tribune Co. last December over comments by Greenberg that Brodsky did, indeed, tank Peterson’s defense. (Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison last month and is serving the sentence at the Menard Correctional Center.)

Brodsky has maintained he’s allowed to defend himself publicly under the rules of professional conduct, however gauche his defense. Burmila agreed with Brodsky but not before he noted:

“I wish I could think of a word beyond, ‘shocked,’ that I could apply to Mr. Brodsky’s appearance on television,” Burmila said from the bench.

Burmila then said he would file Greenberg's motion and a transcript of Tuesday's hearing with the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission for review.