SFL Spotlight: Meet Allen West's Lawyer!

I know our justice system works only if everyone has access to the courts and the right to adequate counsel -- no matter how despicable, how heinous, or in this case how out there a client might be.

But seriously, what lawyer would willingly represent local oddball/politician Allen West?

Meet P. Christopher Winkelman:

Chris Winkelman is an associate with HoltzmanVogelJosefiak PLLC, providing counsel in the areas of campaign finance and election law, lobbying and ethics compliance, and tax-exempt organizations.

Prior to joining the firm, Chris served as a law clerk to Judge William A. Moorman at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. During his term, he handled appeals brought by veterans who were dissatisfied with the level of benefits awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Previously, Chris served at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and clerked for a private firm focusing on various litigation matters, including contract disputes and fraud.

Chris attended Rollins College and received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law where he was a member of the Stetson Law Review and a graduate of the school's Honors Program. He was also a member of the Moot Court Board, earning recognition as the Best Individual Advocate in international competition. Chris is a member of the Florida Bar.

 (*Chris’ practice is limited to matters of federal law.)

Ok, Chris seems plenty qualified to handle West's "voting irregularities" challenge -- and we certainly know there was plenty of that in Florida again this year -- mostly thanks to GOP efforts to strangle and/or suppress the vote.

Ain't irony a bitch?

Chris is also a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association, which claims as its mission the advancement of "open, fair and honest elections."

Good to know!

Chris, if you're out there reading this we'd love to interview you about the case and what you see as the challenges to success.

My pal Gerry Richman has already identified a few:

Shortly after the hearing was rescheduled, an attorney for Murphy filed court papers seeking to intervene in the court case. According to Murphy’s attorney, Gerald Richman, the court papers filed by West’s attorneys were riddled with errors, including failing to name a defendant and how West would be “irreparably” harmed if the ballots and machines were not impounded.

So you still need to name a defendant and show irreparable harm nowadays to prevail on an injunction?

Good to know!

This should be a fun hearing at noon today.

(Chris may wish he's back in federal court.)