Linda Kenney Baden calls it quits
Friday, October 22, 2010 at 6:27PM According to a WESH-TV news report, Linda Kenney Baden filed a motion in Orange County Court today to withdraw from the Casey Anthony defense team.
She was hired to do most of the forensic work, but Dorothy Sims will more than foot the bill. My guess is that we are seeing Cheney Mason at work. He tried to cash in his chips at the courthouse in April, when he filed a motion for Judge Stan Strickland to step down. This time, he’s shuffling attorneys around. There is no doubt he is well known in Florida and the two newest attorneys to join the team, Sims and Ann Finnell, hail from Ocala and Jacksonville, respectively.
No reason for Baden’s resignation was cited in the motion. Todd Macaluso resigned this past April stating that he is on “involuntary inactive status with the California State Bar…for an undetermined period of time.” Andrea Lyon resigned at the end of June. She blamed costs that the JAC would not pay, such as travel expenses.
See: WESH
Dave Knechel | in Andrea Lyon, Ann E. Finnell, Ann Finnell, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Dorothy Clay Sims, Judge Stan Strickland, Linda Kenney Baden, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Todd Macaluso, marinadedave | Share Article | 1 Reference 
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Reader Comments (99)
I can honestly say that I am not surprised by this. She really hasn't been mentioned lately or really done anything much so far in this case. Thanks for keeping us informed on all of this, Dave. This case has had so many twists and turns that you never know what will be next.
I am kind of mixed. I figured she'd hang, but I'm not surprised. JAC won't pay her travel expenses.
And, one by one, they all fall down! All the queens horses and all the queens men will not be able to save her, again and again!
Long-time Casey Anthony defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden has left the defense team citing financial limitations in continuing to represent her.
Kenney Baden's motion to withdraw as counsel in the high-profile case was filed in court this afternoon.
The New York City based attorney cited financial reasons for her departure and state rules surrounding Casey Anthony being declared indigent for costs in the murder case.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-casey-anthony-lawyer-leaves-20101022,0,558773.story
Dave,
On a serious note, it appears to me that working 'pro bono" to help "save a defendant, or their life" would look very good on a resume or "what ever it is called when it applies to a lawyer", However, when the defendant is generally regarded to be guilty beyond a doubt, and the lead attorney is considered to be, (how can I put this)......oh, yes, scuzzy, I think it might detract from an attorney''s overall reputation and how they are percieved by the public.
Never gave a thought as to attorneys coming or going. Attorneys spend years and it cost bunches to become an attorney so to work gratis is not a task most are in a position to do. The Anthony case in my opinion, has lost its sparkle. The long list of characters are known, atty's personalitys are known and most people can see the writing on the wall. There may be a disagreement betwenn the DP or LWOP but for me that is the only question left.
Linda Baden gave Casey Anthony the advantage of herself. Lets see if Casey or her attorneys does anything with this in the future.
Dorothy Sims expertise is cross examining medical experts. She may also be very useful in the penalty phase. Maybe Ann Finnell will ask for Dorothy's advice. Here is a short clip about Sims.
Dorothy Sims
Here, in a little more detail is why Linda Baden made her exit....
Amplify’d from www.orlandosentinel.comBy Anthony Colarossi, Orlando Sentinel
5:38 p.m. EDT
October 22, 2010
Long-time Casey Anthony defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden has left the defense team citing financial limitations in continuing to represent her.
Kenney Baden’s motion to withdraw as counsel in the high-profile case was filed in court this afternoon.
The New York City based attorney cited financial reasons for her departure and state rules surrounding Casey Anthony being declared indigent for costs in the murder case.
She noted that the defense team must comply with Justice Administration Commission rules in this case.
“As out of state counsel I have been traveling to Florida and elsewhere to properly represent Ms. Anthony,” she wrote in her motion. But, she added, it is her “understanding that the JAC prohibits payment of such costs to out of state attorneys even though they have rendered and are rendering their services free of charge.”
Kenney Baden goes on to say she cannot continue representing Casey Anthony “in the absence of substantial funds to cover the costs of travel and reimbursement for expenses, which she anticipates will increase as trial approaches…”
She added that like Andrea Lyon, who also withdrew from the case as an out of state counsel earlier this year, she has worked hundreds of hours on the case.
“I believe in the client’s innocence to the charges and do not wish personally or professionally to withdraw from this case,” she wrote. “Nonetheless, because the state of Florida fails to reimburse out of state pro bono attorneys for expenses, I am forced to make this application…”
She says she cannot represent Casey Anthony “from afar without the necessary interactions and appearances in Florida.”
Casey Anthony, 24, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Marie. Her trial is expected to start in May. She faces a possible death sentence if convicted.
Read more at www.orlandosentinel.com
Source~~
Linda Baden Makes Her Exit from Casey Anthony Case
What happens now when Judge Perry and JAC refuse to pay for new costs? Do the new ones walk?
I'm glad she's gone. The sound of her voice grates on my last nerve! Didn't her hubby make a big boo boo on national TV about the evidence about a year ago?
Money has nothing to do with Linda Badens withdrawl from the case.Pro Bono is supposed to be a charitable act.Almost two years on the case an seven months before show time the reality of another big loss on her resume has set in.She has seen the evidence from the entomoligists an oakridge an realised she has nada to refute it with.At least with Phil Spectre she was getting well paid for takeing a beating..Thanks for the post Dave,
Diana~~that voice was grating all right. She believes Casey is innocent. She said that trying to save face. She and her hubby were writing a book. I wonder if it ever got published.
Hi Ecossie across the Atlantic~~I agree with your comments 150%. I wonder is Dr Henry Lee will be the next to bow out. Linda sure didn't need another loss for sure. I am not sure that Dorothy Sims has the qualifications to replace Kenny Baden. I thought she was more into the medical evidence than bugs and plant growth.
Margaret~~I believe that JAC will fund the new experts who live in the state of Florida. JAC does not want to pay for out of town experts, if the same caliber of expert can be found in Florida. They will make allowances for experts who have already put alot of hours into the case. I heard Judge Perry mention that to Baez. I don't think Linda Kenny Baden left due to lack of finances. The same with Andrea Lyon. I believe they both wanted out and possibly Cheney Mason's presense had a lot to do with them leaving.
If Ann Finnell does not get her funding from JAC, she may just quietly slip out the back door. I expect she will get something but definitely not what she is asking for. Maybe she asked for $10 hoping to get $5. We will know more at the hearing on Friday, the 29th.
HI snoops dont know about Dr Henry Lee.jumping ship.I suppose he might if the crate of oranges C Masons paying him with are yelllow an sour..
Ecossie~~I had forgotten about Mason paying with oranges. I have a feeling Mason is running the whole defense team, behind the scenes. Remember he said that it would be fun. He is so arrogant.
cali patti~~they may as well rig up a conveyor belt and put all the defense attorneys on it...Casey can grab the ones she wants and fire the rest away. When Terry Lenamon wanted to go for a mental plea, Baez did not like that and Lenamon made his exit. It is hard to keep track of who has come and gone.
Sherry~~putting links in here is the same html code as in the WP blogs with one exception... you have to use " instead of ' ....just peek at the HTML allowed below the comment box.. "url pasted here"
Dave - Has Baez already gone to NY? If not there is really no reason to now. I think Lee will stay on the case. He is getting some money plus his oranges and I think he wants to regain his status. He really got hit in his last trial.
Snoops Casey is getting through lawyers at the same rate she dated men thats eight so far an counting,,,Michel Walsh Tod Macaliuso Jose Garcia Gabriel Adam Terrence Lenamon Andrea Lyon Jonathan Kasen Linda Kenny Baden Maybe Baez thinks he can get more funds from the J A C if orders in bulk?
Nika1~~Dave crashed early tonight. The defense had to depose Tony Lazarro who is in New York and I am assuming Baez and Mason went to NY as they had planned. Dave may be able to tell us tomorrow when he is bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Ecossie~~I love the 'ordering in bulk.' That is quite a few attorneys... Cindy and George had a couple leave, as well. Judge Perry will be shaking his head and I am not sure what JAC will do about funding.
I think the book her and her husband wrote has been published. I think they went on one of the morning news shows and talked about their book and about Casey's case. I might be wrong though.
My friend Google just told me that the book titled, Remains Silent, was published and is available on Amazon.
Did it say how well it was selling on Amazon?
Mary Jo, I didn't bother to read much about the book. I believe it is a mystery novel and didn't notice how sales were going. Frankly, I don't care how it does, LOL
Hi Snoopy,
I have read Remains Silent and Skeleton Justice written by Linda K Baden and Dr. Baden. They were both fiction mystery stories featuring an up and coming defense attorney and her "friend", an older forensic /medical examiner.
I read a lot of fiction and non-fiction murder/mysteries and I really enjoyed these 2 books. I think a lot of LKB true self came out in these books. In fact it gave me a little different slant on her. She seems more likeable after reading the books. And I really don't think she would give up on KC if she really believed that she was innoccent.
Carole~`~I am glad you got to read, Silent Witness and get to see another side of LKB. We see the attorney, not the real person. This is how I feel about Judge Strickland, he is a very kind caring person FIRST and then he is a judge.
I really took note of your, "And I really don't think she would give up on KC if she really believed that she was innocent." I do not think money was the issue why Linda made her exit but I could be wrong.
I don't think that's it either, Snoopy & Carole. But I do think Casey's going to end up with "budget" versions of most of the "players", 'ceptin' Baez, who I do think sees this as making his name. How much will he be able to save on local TV adverts and Yellow Pages ads? And I gather with this he would be considered DP qualified- if it goes that far- and I think he'll do everything he can to make it so.
BTW, Dave, I had this of course bookmarked, but that connection is app. gone- I had to get here via clicking from the "old" blog. Thought there was something wrong with SquareSpace this am. So others might have a hard time getting here too, if they're using a bookmark...
Yeah, the two bookmarks are diff- the "old" bookmark for this reads "MARINADE DAVE" and has the SquareSpace B&W double paperclip-thing logo- the "new" one for this says "David Knechel- Front Page- (etc.)" with your pic. Just so's you know...
I know when I woke up this morning my blog was down. The message said Squarespace was down for scheduled maintenance and it didn't come back on until just after 9am. I don't know what you mean about the difference. I guess because I'm the administrator and logged in, I can't see any change from the outside.
I feel like I'm watching a remake of "The Crash of the Hindenberg". I remember seeing a lot of passengers jumping ship before it went down in flames.
I am still wondering why Baez hired out of state lawyers to begin with. Was there truly no FL lawyers who would be just as qualified who would help? Now since Cheney Mason has come on the case they seem to be available. I'm with the person who thinks Mason is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
I'll have to look for those books by her and her husband. So I'm wondering if they would use Casey's case to create another fictional work or based on fact?
Hi, Connie - I don't think it has anything to do with jumping ship. Attorneys aren't known for having weak backbones and because of their very nature, they are not quitters when faced with challenges. On the other hand, how many poor attorneys have you ever met? The whole thing comes down to bucks. Big bucks. While the ABA expects lawyers to offer a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono work per year, that does not include out-of-pocket expenses like airfare and hotel stays. This latest resignation came down to one thing: money. To work for free is one thing, but to have to PAY to work for free is another.
Personally, I feel that Mason is getting his ducks in a row by filling the team with attorneys he's worked with before and vice versa; ones he knows he can dance with.
Dave- either way works fine now, just checked.
Dave,
I was not aware of, nor did I even consider the fact that working "pro bono" did not include expenss other than "lawyering". I didn't take into consideration their flights, food and lodging. I am sure that attorneys of the stature of LBK do not travel any other way but first class, and the "no tell" motel will not do for them. I did sort of feel that believing that someone was innocent would bring out the "anything goes" as far as the expenses were concerned. I am not so sure about Mason running the show......if he is then I think he needs to school his student that silence is sometimes golden.
Snoopy,
When I first started reading LKB books I was not prepared to like them. I did not really care for her when seen in court with the defense team and when she was on the morning shows with Baez I thought I saw horns and a forked tail on her. It really did take me aback to start seeing her in a different light. I really need to keep from jumping to conclusions so fast. But, it was the association with the defense team that was the catalist for my initial views..
Yup, Karen, the main thing is it still brings you here. I would worry if you couldn't access the blog.
Carole - es, pro bono work is part of the package, although it's not a requirement. Most attorneys feel obligated to do so anyway; to hlp out the little person. At the same time, that attorney may tell you (s)he'll work for free, but someone's got to pay postage and other costs incurred. In other words, time is free, but expenses are not. The JAC has made it clear they are not going to pay travel and lodging expenses, and you'll notice that Baden resigned after the JAC filed a motion objecting to those expenses Ann Finnell wants them to pay. Baden realized then that no money will pay her to fly down here, and the costs would be very high come trial time. It became a matter of fiscal responsibility more than anything else.
Well I for one am glad the JAC is curtailing the expenditures. It doesn't look like it's harming the defense so far. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you're indigent legally you can't have a defense that the wealthy have. You get bare bones. I loved it when Judge Perry told them they'd have to fly coach.. why not.. they should have been doing that all along. Yes, I know they went to school for years and years and we're paying for their knowledge but I feel that if you stick with a case when it becomes pro bono you should be ready to live bare bones.
I just can't get over how many lawyers have already gone through the Casey swinging door so far. There has to be more to this than what we're seeing. True, they each had their reasons but I think what we're hearing is only part of the real reason. It could just be that Cheney Mason is so experienced that they just don't need as many lawyers. The longer he works with Baez the more Baez looks like a trainee.
I can't say that I am surprised. I would not spend my hard earned money to fly to Florida to help Casey. Now that things are slowing down there is not as much interest in the case, so in the long run would they really get their money back? I doubt there is deals lined up for all these lawyers. I say it is a good financial move for Linda. Hope you are well Dave. Thanks for the update.
You know, Connie, LKB and Andrea Lyon knew what they were getting into,for sure. Maybe not everything, but I wonder if Baez offered them more than he could ever deliver? Here's the deal the way it works in my mind: Mason is setting up the team that works best for him. Right after he came on board, Lyon bowed out, citing expenses, yet she knew for months that the defense would file a motion for indigence. Something tells me that one of the requisites for bringing Mason on the team was to be able to set up the existing team to meet his fancy. Baez agreed. Of course, that's just my opinion.
I must say, Tony, I was a bit surprised because I didn't think money would be a factor for her. Either she lost interest because of out of pocket expenses or Mason gave her a little nudge. I lean toward the latter. Besides, what would really be her incentive to stay? A book deal? I don't think she'd be interested in it.
Yes, all is well, thank you. I hope to continue with updates throughout this case.
Hi Dave - I remember at the hearing for indigent status Baez said all his experts knew and agreed to the requirements of JAC and the State of Florida. I believe Lyon was at that hearing. This is why I can't understand them stopping. It has to be more than money. There are more documents that Baez has not released after holding them for quite some time. They are from the FBI. Do you think Baden has seen them and decided to quit now. She maybe felt she does not need to lose another big case.
Hi, Nika1 - Yes, Andrea Lyon was at that hearing and so was Linda Kenney Baden because I spoke to both of them at the end of the press conference outside of the courthouse.
I am really of the belief that Mason is pulling the strings when it comes to legal experts. I sensed it as soon as I met him that first day. Baez had to do some wining and dining to get Mason on board. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he offered him the power to build the team that he felt would work best for him. After all, Mason has a long and distinguished career and he has plenty of connections.
Personally, I feel it has more to do with that than anything else. No lawyer ever expects to lose, and they don't normally bail when it gets tough. They look at impossible cases as challenges. Baez and Mason didn't hire Sims and Finnell ever expecting Lyon and Baden to stay on.
If anyone has a few moments to spare, I suggest you check out the website of Dorothy Sims. You will see the human/humane side of this attorney. I was very impressed with what I read and I am sure you will be too.
Dorothy Sims, Attorney
I will have to do that! Thank you, Snoopy.
Dave~~you will find out that Dorothy was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her mother, a recovering alcoholic, brother with Downs Syndrome etc. She paid her own way to get where she is today. I am glad that I got to know her by reading at her website.
Central Florida News 13 saw it as “a major shakeup for Casey Anthony’s legal team.”
It was Linda Kenney Baden’s resignation from the team. “This is the most significant departure we’ve seen thus far,” WFTV-Ch. 9 legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said.
Do you agree?
Sheaffer predicted that the other attorneys — including “very, very experienced and good” Cheney Mason — would have trouble making up for Kenney Baden’s forensic expertise.
Kenney Baden, who had been on the Anthony team since 2008, cited financial reasons for leaving the case of indigent client Anthony. Kenney Baden could no longer afford to work on the case for free, Central Florida News 13 said, citing her as a key member of the team. Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee. The murder trial is scheduled to begin in May.
WFTV’s Eric Rasmussen noted that attorney Andrea Lyon also left the case for financial reasons and attorney Todd Macaluso departed the case for a disciplinary issue in California. Macaluso was later disbarred.
In his analysis, Sheaffer said, “We’ve seen a number of attorneys who have been involved in this case who have advanced some personal interest of their own in representing Casey, that after exhausting that, have left the case.”
But WFTV also noted that the Anthony team added three lawyers last month.
One of Kenney Baden’s most memorable moments in the case came during a “48 Hours Mystery” interview a year ago on CBS.
A stranger killed the toddler, Anthony’s defense team said in an interview with Maggie Rodriguez. “Somebody else is the killer of this child,” Kenney Baden said.
Source~~
What will L:inda Kenny Baden's Departure Mean?
Dave~~as Sheaffer says, Cheney Mason cannot make up for Linda's expertise and I do not think Dorothy Sims has the qualifications to do it either. We may see the defense scrambling to find another attorney who can handle the forensics. Someone has to be qualified enough to do the cross examining of the states forensic experts at the trial. JMO
Interesting. Deep down inside, I think it has to do with Cheney Mason, but no one on the defense would ever admit it.
You could very well be right. I really do wonder, though. Is it possible that when Baez was the only one in charge, Lyon and Baden felt that he desperately needed help, and once Mason came on board, they felt his presence and figured Baez was, perhaps, slighting them a bit? With Mason came the pompous baggage of a well-seasoned attorney. I don't mean that in a bad way, it's just that with him, the defense was moving in a different direction from what was originally planned. Remember, prior to Mason, the defense claimed there was no proof the woods were under water. With Mason, that claim was abandoned and, thus, the direction changed dramatically.