Fiery lawyer who defended R. Kelly to deliver Blagojevich closing _ his first at federal court

Ex-R.Kelly lawyer to deliver Blagojevich closing

CHICAGO — Chicago defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. made his name at the gritty Criminal Courts Building, where his decisive closing once helped acquit R&B singer R. Kelly on child pornography charges.

The 37-year-old will try to work that magic again Monday, closing for ex-governor Rod Blagojevich at his corruption trial. But this time he’ll deliver it at the staid federal courthouse, where many believe Adam’s booming rhetoric can’t win.

The defense rested without calling a single witness. If Adam prevails anyway, he could establish himself as a legal star on a stage beyond Chicago.

Adam tells The Associated Press he won’t use notes. He’ll memorize outlines, but also improvise.

He says if you entertain jurors, they’re more likely to understand and accept your arguments.