Edward M. Genson (born June 30, 1941) is a Chicago attorney who has represented high profile defendants such as former Republic Windows CEO Richard Gillman, musician R. Kelly, newspaper owner Conrad Black, and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.[1]
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Genson was born June 30, 1941.[2] He received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1962, and a J.D. from its law school in 1965.[1] He married the love of his life, Susan Benjamin, in 1964 and they had three children together, Kimberly, Melissa, and Morton David.
He was hired by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich after the Governor's arrest on corruption charges on December 9, 2008[3] and represented him at the impeachment hearings in the Illinois House of Representatives. However, on January 16, 2009, the U.S. attorney's office in the Northern District of Illinois said Genson would not represent Blagojevich in his state Senate impeachment trial.
On January 23, 2009, after only a month on the case, Genson announced that he would step down as Blagojevich's lead defense attorney, stating that "I never require a client to do what I say but I do require them to at least listen to what I say."[4]
Genson was hired by former Republic Windows CEO Richard Gillman to represent him against the charges brought against him. In a surprise move, the judge set Gillman's bail at $10 million dollars; a significantly higher amount then the Prosecution requested.[5]
On Saturday September 25th, Genson was able to get Gillman's bail cut in half and he was able to post bail.[6]
Genson is an avid model-train collector and clarinet player. Currently, Ed Genson lives comfortably in his suburban home, frequently visited by his six grandchildren. He is still working at his law firm, Genson and Gillespie, and plans to do so for as long as possible.
Genson has published the following legal articles:[1]