Chicago and Cook County courts – both federal and local levels – have turned out a high number of awkward news stories in the recent past. While the hugest courtroom headlines in the past week involve former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in Chicago’s federal courtroom as Chicago’s new Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other high-profile politicians are taking the witness stand, there have been even more unusual courtroom dramas going on in other area courtrooms.
Most notably, in one of the Cook County courtrooms, Chicago Attorney Thomas Gooch is being accused of being sexist by filing a motion for Cook County Circuit Court Judge Anita Rivkin-Carothers’ consideration which requests that a large-breasted woman be moved away from the the other lawyer's table as to not be a distraction to the jury.
Gooch says that the woman, who has been seated next to the opposing attorney, Dmitry N. Feotanov, during court proceedings is only there to distract the jury and not seated there for any other professional purpose. According to Gooch, the large-breasted woman needs to validate herself with proof of legal training or be moved to the courtroom's gallery with other spectators.
The case involves a car dealership, Exotic Motors, being accused of not fulfilling its warranty requirement to a couple who purchased a vehicle from the dealership. Gooch represents the car dealership, and Feotanov represents the couple. (THE ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW)
Gooch, in a written motion, states that Feofanov is basically using underhanded tactics and theatrics in the courtroom which should not be allowed. He believes the woman's appearance is being used to favor Feotanov's clients in the case.
Feofanov says that Gooch’s motion is totally sexist and unjustified. He says Daniella Atencia, the paralegal in question, is at the defendant attorney’s table with the proper qualifications for the work she performs during a trial’s court proceedings in a courtroom. Paperwork has been produced to show that she receives $115 an hour for fulfilling her duties.
While Gooch continually insists that Feofanov is using Atencia to assist in winning the case via her appearance, Feofanov insists the motion is basically ridiculous as well as unjustified and sexist.
For the initial Sun-Times report on this story, as well as the Sun-Times photo (photographer: Scott Stewart) of Feotanov and Atencia, CLICK HERE.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
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