| Ed Genson | |
| Birth Name: | Edward Marvin Genson |
| Birth Date: | 30 June 1941 |
| Birth Place: | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma Mater: | Northwestern University (BA, JD) |
Edward Marvin Genson (June 30, 1941 – April 14, 2020) was an American attorney who 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]
Genson was born June 30, 1941.[2] He was raised on the West Side of Chicago along with his younger sister, Myrna. He received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1962 in political science, and a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law in 1965.[1]
Genson 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.
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; a significantly higher amount than the Prosecution requested.[5]
On Saturday September 25, Genson was able to get Gillman's bail cut in half and he was able to post bail.[6]
Genson and his wife, Susan, had three children. Genson died April 15, 2020, at 78 from bile duct cancer.[7]
Genson was affected by dystonia, a neuromuscular disorder that makes muscles contract involuntarily.[7]