A high-profile attorney known for defending convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh has joined Hunter Biden's legal team.
According to Fox News, South Carolina lawyer Dick Harpootlian is replacing Abbe David Lowell as counsel in Biden's defamation case against former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne.
The change in legal representation comes as Hunter Biden prepares for a July court appearance in Los Angeles, where he will pursue legal action against Byrne over allegations involving Iranian officials and potential bribery schemes. The case centers on claims that Biden sought bribes in exchange for unfreezing $8 billion in funds, supposedly acting on behalf of his father.
Harpootlian, a self-described "Joe Biden guy" and former Democratic state senator from Columbia, enters the case following his notable defense of Alex Murdaugh. His appointment marks a significant shift in Hunter Biden's legal strategy as he confronts mounting challenges.
The seasoned attorney recently lost his state Senate seat to Russell Ott in a close election, where his representation of Murdaugh became a campaign issue. Despite the electoral setback, Harpootlian maintained his professional composure and accepted the results without controversy.
Speaking at CrimeCon, Harpootlian demonstrated his commitment to high-profile cases when he stated: "What's so astounding about that? We do cases for free all the time."
Hunter Biden's decision to change counsel occurs against a backdrop of financial difficulties. Recent reports indicate declining art sales and substantial legal debts accumulated during previous cases under Lowell's representation.
The lawsuit against Byrne seeks compensation for lost economic opportunities, including reduced memoir and art sales, along with speaking engagements. These losses are estimated at approximately $500,000.
The case represents part of a broader pattern of legal challenges facing the younger Biden, who recently received a presidential pardon for gun charges in Delaware.
The departure of Abbe Lowell marks the end of a significant chapter in Hunter Biden's legal journey. During his tenure, Lowell vigorously defended his client against various allegations and congressional investigations.
Following a 2024 deposition, Lowell offered a strong defense of his client, stating:
They have produced no evidence that would do anything to support the notion that there was any financial transactions that involved Hunter with his father. Period. It seems to me that the Republican members wanted to spend more time talking about my client's addiction than they could ask any question that had anything to do with what they call their impeachment inquiry.
Lowell himself now faces legal challenges, as IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley Jr. and Joseph Ziegler have filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against him.
Hunter Biden's legal representation change reflects a strategic pivot in his ongoing legal battles. Dick Harpootlian, a prominent South Carolina attorney with experience in high-profile cases, will now lead the defamation lawsuit against Patrick Byrne in Los Angeles. The July court appearance will test this new legal strategy as Biden seeks to address allegations involving Iranian officials and alleged bribery schemes, while simultaneously managing financial pressures from declining business opportunities and mounting legal expenses.
