We have previously editorialized on our concern about overly scrutinizing attorneys for ethical violations in their zealous representation and public advocacy of politically unpopular defendants. Such hesitation, however, does not extend to the blatant disregard of judicial orders and resulting violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct by counsel, as displayed by Norman Pattis, in the aggressive representation of his client in the notorious Alex Jones case. The lessons from his six-month suspension from the practice of law have continued resonance.

Mr. Pattis represented Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist and radical radio show host, when he was sued in Connecticut by Sandy Hook family members and a first responder for defamation. Plaintiffs claimed he defamed them when he cast doubt on the reality of the violent events at Sandy Hook where 20 children and six educators had been killed in 2012. The jury awarded the families $1.5 billion in damages. Jones is appealing and has filed for bankruptcy.

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