Hope you don't mind but this is one hell of a Resume from my point of view. Curious what some of more connected members think. Maybe someone's Sister in law knows this guy.
Hard to tell. Here's my best read. I'd like to hear what Quantum and others think.
1) Kessler and Steffen Johnson are both from Winston & Strawn. Johnson is a big time W&S Appellate Lawyer. His name appeared on Brady's Appeal Brief but, inexplicably and for unknown reasons, he did not argue the Appeal. It's uncommon and often a big mistake to have the Litigator (no matter how brilliant and successful s/he might be at Litigation), in this case Kessler, argue the Appeal. That was proven in spades in this case, when Kessler blew the Appeal Hearing. Kessler will always be associated with the case because of his relationship with the NFLPA, but this suggests that he is being politely asked to step into the background. I would imagine, but am just guessing, that Johnson asked to be removed from the case.
2) The name of Andrew Tulumello of Gibson Dunn appeared on Brady's initial Motion to Vacate last Spring/Summer and on the subsequent Appeal. But, bringing in Dupree, kicks it up a notch.
3) Dupree's job is to leverage Olson at a very senior level. Olson has just taken on another highly visible case at this time (the LGBT North Carolina case). Dupree, supported by a Junior Partner and a team of Associates from Gibson, Dunn will do the scut work, but Olson will determine the strategy and will be the face of the case. It strongly suggests that Gibson, Dunn has taken over the case.
4) This all suggests that they will be making a move tomorrow or Monday.
5) Hard to read the tea leaves beyond that. We can't know what Olson has told Brady or the NFLPA behind closed doors.
6) All we can reasonably conclude is that the NFLPA and Brady have decided to spend a boatload of money on this, as there are now two Senior Partners, at least one Junior Partner and a bunch of Associate Slaves billing
beaucoup of hours. That could mean that that they think there is hope. It could also mean that they have decided that, if they are going to go down, they['re going down with a fight.
