The legal saga of Erik and Lyle Menendez, accused of the 1989 shotgun slayings of their parents, captured national attention. Central to Erik’s defense was Leslie Abramson, a lawyer known for her aggressive style. The question of how much Leslie Abramson made from this high-profile case is complex, intertwined with legal battles and ethical considerations. This article delves into the financial aspects of Abramson’s involvement, examining her fees, contracts, and the challenges she faced securing payment for a second trial.
Abramson’s representation of Erik Menendez began with a contract stipulating her services for both “guilt and penalty phase trials.” According to court records, she received $740,000 for this agreement. Judge Cecil Mills pointed out that this was “anything but insubstantial,” however, with the depletion of the $14-million Menendez estate, the question of funding a second trial arose.
When Judge Mills denied Abramson taxpayer money for the retrial, citing her existing contract, she expressed her intent to withdraw from the case. She stated, “I cannot afford to go bankrupt,” despite her loyalty to Erik Menendez. This situation highlights the financial strain a lengthy and complex case can impose on a lawyer.
Abramson’s request for $100 per hour, up to $250,000, for the second trial was denied due to a new county policy implementing flat fees for death penalty cases. This policy, designed to control costs, allocated fees ranging from $60,000 to $200,000 depending on the case’s complexity. The Menendez case was projected to fall within the $90,000 to $125,000 range under this system.
The judge emphasized that the original contract between Erik Menendez and Abramson remained valid. When Erik Menendez voiced his desire to retain Abramson as his attorney and pleaded with the court to compensate her, Judge Mills affirmed that Abramson was still his attorney. This underscored the ethical dilemma Abramson faced: her obligation to her client versus her financial limitations. The ethical rules often prevent a criminal defense lawyer from withdrawing from a case simply because the client runs out of funds, especially when the client wishes to continue the representation.
The financial breakdown of the Menendez brothers’ defense reveals the significant costs associated with such high-profile trials. The estate of Jose and Kitty Menendez paid $755,000 for Erik Menendez’s defense and $740,000 for Lyle Menendez’s defense. Additionally, taxpayers contributed $499,562 in lawyers’ fees. Robert Shapiro received $15,000 for arranging Erik Menendez’s surrender to the police.
Ultimately, the question of how much Leslie Abramson “made” from the Menendez case is nuanced. While she initially received $740,000, the prospect of a second trial without compensation placed her in a challenging position. Whether she would earn more from the case remained uncertain. The judge’s final statement was that his “ruling will stand”.
In conclusion, Leslie Abramson’s financial compensation from the Menendez case was initially substantial, but the denial of additional funds for a second trial created a complex ethical and financial predicament. The case illustrates the challenges and financial realities faced by lawyers, even those involved in high-profile cases that bring national attention.
