Former Casey Anthony defense attorney Jose Baez is joining forces to form a powerful law firm.
Baez is merging his Kissimmee-based firm with The Trial Professionals, the Orlando law firm of Piercy Stakelum. Baez already represents clients from Florida and across the country, but he said he's excited about the merger and continuing to serve the Central Florida community.
One of Baez's current clients is former Sanford police Officer Chris Serino, who investigated the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in the days following the confrontation with George Zimmerman in February 2012.
"These cases can be somewhat volatile, and because of the spotlight and the glaring eye that burns, some people just want a little extra protection," said Baez.
Serino was on the case when the political pressure and racially charged accusations were at their highest in Sanford and worldwide. Baez said he does not plan on letting fingers remain pointed at Serino for any potential missteps.
"That's not going to happen on my watch," said Baez. "So, whether that happens or not -- they can try -- but I don't think they are going to succeed. Chris Serino is an excellent police officer. He was police officer of the year in 2006, has a stellar record, and the work that he did on the case was exemplary."
But Baez also said the case against Zimmerman isn't quite the same as the Casey Anthony trial.
"I don't think it's going to get the same type of attention," he said. "It will still get national attention, and it will still be followed, but I just think what drew people more to Casey Anthony was the unknown. There was so much unknown, and people were trying to figure things out, and you don't really have that with the Zimmerman case."
Baez no longer represents Casey Anthony, and is not directly involved in her civil case involving Zenaida Gonzalez.
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