Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is seeking to block prosecutors from questioning his long-time law partner about the profits generated by their private law firm. Prosecutors argue the firm’s lucrative earnings, reportedly more than $1 million annually for Madigan as a 50% partner, are central to understanding his motives in the corruption case.

Madigan faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct, with allegations that he traded official actions for personal and financial favors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu told Judge John Robert Blakey on Monday that the firm’s profitability, tied to its property tax reduction services, demonstrates why Madigan would engage in illegal activities. “It’s a very lucrative business,” Bhachu stated.

Defense attorneys objected, arguing that introducing evidence about the firm’s profits would unduly prejudice the jury. Lari Dierks, one of Madigan’s attorneys, said the information was irrelevant and would only inflame the jury. Judge Blakey has not yet ruled on the matter.

Prosecutors plan to link Madigan’s legal work to allegations involving companies like ComEd and AT&T Illinois. Both firms admitted to engaging in bribery schemes aimed at securing favorable legislation in Springfield. ComEd agreed to a $200 million deferred prosecution settlement in 2020 after admitting to providing $1.3 million in jobs, contracts, and payments to Madigan loyalists. Similarly, AT&T Illinois paid $23 million in a 2022 settlement.

Madigan, who served in the Illinois House for 50 years and as speaker for 36 of them, resigned in 2021 following his loss of the speakership. His defense team is expected to question Vincent “Bud” Getzendanner, Madigan’s law partner, about the firm’s handling of conflicts of interest, especially given Madigan’s decades-long political influence.

The trial continues to draw attention as one of the most significant corruption cases in Illinois history, involving the intersection of political power and private gain.