Denny Case Lawyer Fired by Law Firm

In the midst of Tuesday’s preliminary hearings for the three defendants charged with attacking motorists at Normandie and Florence avenues, the lead lawyer for Damian Monroe (Football) Williams, the main defendant, was abruptly fired by his law firm.

The Center for Constitutional Law and Justice said it had fired Dennis Palmieri after a review of his work and resume.

Judge Larry P. Fidler called all the attorneys into in his chambers and ordered them not to discuss the firing with reporters, according to a source close to the case who asked not to be identified.

In a press release issued before Fidler’s order was imposed, the center said its review of Palmieri’s resume and work “showed highly questionable behavior and poor judgment.”

Palmieri disputed the center’s characterization.

“I have done a damn good job considering all that was going on in this case,” he said Tuesday night. “I believe in Mr. Williams, and I will stand by him.”

Although Palmieri drew praise for some of his arguments Tuesday, his handling of other aspects of the case has come under fire from both prosecutors and defense attorneys. In particular, some of the other defense lawyers were critical of a motion he filed accusing Fidler of bias and asking the judge to remove himself from the case.

Georgiana Williams, Williams’ mother, said late Tuesday that she had not decided whether to continue retaining Palmieri.