Lawyer Known as Patron Saint of Hopeless Cases Is Representing Whitey Bulger
Corrected: Alleged mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger is being represented at public expense by a well-known Boston lawyer known for taking on difficult cases.
He is J.W. Carney Jr., once dubbed the patron saint of hopeless cases, the Boston Globe reports. He has represented people charged with killing their children, with bludgeoning and poisoning their wives, and with firing shots at abortion clinics.
The Boston Herald describes Carney as a “cagey barrister with an eccentric streak and a flair for courtroom theatrics.” A former prosecutor who wears sweater vests and cardigans beneath his suit jacket, Carney was once so troubled about a man he helped convict that he persuaded the Innocence Project to look at the case. DNA resulted in the man’s release.
Lawyers interviewed by both publications said Carney is well-regarded. Former Bristol prosecutor Gerald FitzGerald told the Herald he’s seen Carney in action. “Whitey is lucky to get Jay Carney,” FitzGerald said. “I guess he really did hit the lottery.”
Story corrected at 11:50 a.m. to indicate that Carney is well-regarded.
