Nicholas Kaufman, the British-Israeli lawyer leading former President Rodrigo Duterte’s defense at the International Criminal Court, has formally requested to withdraw from the case — but the move will only take effect if Trial Chamber III grants its approval.
In a three-page filing dated May 8, Kaufman disclosed that Duterte has already identified a replacement counsel, whose name was redacted in the publicly available version of the document. The incoming lawyer was referred to using male pronouns.
Kaufman said he has personally briefed the unnamed attorney, who has committed to being ready for the next scheduled proceeding. “Counsel has spoken to [REDACTED] who has indeed confirmed that he is ready, willing and able to assume immediate representation and that his terms of engagement have been agreed,” the filing read.
The outgoing lead counsel expressed confidence that Duterte’s legal representation would not be disrupted by the transition. “I am convinced that the continuity and efficacy of Mr Duterte’s representation will remain assured through [REDACTED], who has a wealth of experience at the International Criminal Court, and the existing defence team. Counsel thanks [REDACTED] for his extremely graceful, supportive and collegial approach,” Kaufman wrote.
The nearest procedural deadline the new counsel would need to meet is a status conference set for May 27, which Kaufman confirmed his replacement has agreed to attend. The hearing marks the formal opening of the trial stage, with parties required to submit documents and evidence ahead of the trial proper.
