In 2023, former Florida solicitor general Chris Kise emerged as the top-paid lawyer in Donald Trump’s legal team, raking in nearly $9 million through his firm, Chris Kise & Associates, and Continental PLLC.
Kise played a crucial role as Trump’s lead lawyer in the New York attorney general’s civil fraud case, where the former president faces allegations of manipulating the Trump Organization’s business assets for tax and insurance benefits.
Key highlights of Kise’s legal representation include emphasizing Trump’s defense that banks willingly collaborated with the Trump Organization, conducting due diligence on financial statements, and finding no fraud.
Additionally, Kise battled a gag order imposed by the judge and addressed conflicts regarding comments about the judge’s staff.
Clifford Robert – $5.3 Million
Following closely in earnings was Clifford Robert, the principal of Robert & Robert, who secured nearly $5.3 million. Robert represented Trump’s adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and other entities accused in the New York attorney general’s fraud case.
Notably, Robert cross-examined Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer, during a pivotal moment in the trial, challenging Cohen’s claims about inflating Trump’s net worth.
Harmeet Dhillon – $4.61 Million
Harmeet Dhillon, a California attorney, earned $4.61 million as her firm became one of the top-paid entities working for Trump.
Dhillon unsuccessfully challenged Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel but found success in representing Trump against efforts to bar him from the ballot under the 14th Amendment’s insurrection ban.
Alina Habba – $4 Million
Alina Habba, managing partner of Habba Madaio & Associates, received over $4 million for representing Trump in multiple cases, including the civil trials brought by E. Jean Carroll.
Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault, leading to a $5 million verdict and an additional $83.3 million for defamation claims. Habba also serves as Trump’s legal spokesperson.
John Lauro – $2.65 Million
John Lauro, along with lawyers Greg Singer and Filzah Pavalon, earned $2.65 million for defending Trump against federal charges related to overturning the 2020 election.
Lauro, the primary advocate in the Washington, D.C., courtroom, has engaged in media interviews and supported Trump outside the courtroom.
Evan Corcoran – $2.63 Million
Evan Corcoran played a central role as special counsel Jack Smith investigated Trump’s handling of classified documents after leaving office.
Corcoran, associated with Silverman Thompson Slutkin & White, received $2.63 million, mainly before Trump’s indictment in the case.
Todd Blanche – $2.33 Million
White-collar attorney Todd Blanche, who joined Trump’s defense during the hush money probe into payments to Stormy Daniels, earned $2.33 million. Blanche represents Trump in various indictments, including the hush money case and the federal 2020 election subversion indictment.
Joe Tacopina – $1.77 Million
Joe Tacopina’s firm, Tacopina, Seigel & DeOreo, secured about $1.77 million in 2023 as Tacopina represented Trump in the hush money indictment and a case brought by E. Jean Carroll. Tacopina, known for high-profile clients, withdrew from Trump’s legal team just after the new year.
Steve Sadow – $1.25 Million
Atlanta-based defense attorney Steve Sadow, who joined Trump’s legal team in an election interference case, earned $1.52 million through Save America payments.
These top lawyers navigated a myriad of legal challenges, representing Trump across various cases, from fraud allegations to defamation suits, highlighting the complexity and diversity of legal issues surrounding the former president.
