2 Of R. Kelly’s Lawyers Request to Be Taken Off Case Ahead of Federal Trial

Two attorneys from R. Kelly’s legal team are asking to be removed from the singer’s case ahead of his federal trial. Steven Greenberg and Michael Leonard asked to be removed from Kelly’s case, however, approval hasn’t been granted as of Monday (June 7). According to the lawyers’ statement to the court, “Our reasons for withdrawal are significant and it is impossible, in our belief, for us to be able to continue to properly represent Mr. Kelly under the current circumstances.” Greenburg wrote to U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly that he and Leonard are, “willing to (serve) as effective stand-by counsel” if the court deems necessary. Greenburg and Leonard told TMZ they were unable to do their jobs with other attorneys on the team who they say, “don’t have the appropriate level of experience and skill because that is not in the client’s best interest.” Douglas Anton, Thomas Farinella, and Nicole Becker, the other attorneys on Kelly’s case, tell TMZ that Greenburg and Leonard were fired prior to the motion being filed. R. Kelly’s federal trial is set for August 9th.