Chicago Tribune Covers Webb’s Closing Arguments in George Ryan Defense

Winston & Strawn partner Dan Webb’s delivery of closing arguments in the defense of former Governor of Illinois George H. Ryan received extensive press coverage in the March 9, 2006 edition of the Chicago Tribune.  An article titled “Ryan Defense Rests; Webb Rips Feds’ Case in Detail” summarized Webb’s closing. Another article the same day by the Tribune’s art critic said “Webb’s colorful, ebullient storytelling on Ryan’s behalf—a studied but seemingly spontaneous blend of folksy explanation and doggedly detailed destruction—was a colossal counter-punch to the government’s official version of events presented Monday and Tuesday.”

Ryan’s trial on public corruption charges, including racketeering, mail fraud, and income tax fraud, began in September 2005 and lasted six months. The charges relate to actions he took while serving as Illinois Secretary of State and later as Governor. In April 2006, Mr. Ryan was found guilty by a jury after five weeks of deliberations that saw two jurors excused and replaced by alternate jurors mid-way through the deliberation process. Post-trial and sentencing matters are expected to last into the Fall of 2006.