The Last Mouthpiece: The Man Who Dared to Defend the Mob

During the 1960s and '70s, if you were in Philadelphia and in trouble with the law the word on the street was: "All you have to do is hire Bobby Simone and you will win."

And win he did.

With a reputation as the best "cross and close" criminal lawyer anywhere and a track record to match, Simone began attracting not only Philadelphia's most talked-about citizens as clients, but people in legal jams all over the country. From the glamorous and infamous Lillian Reis to then reputed mob boss Angelo Bruno, and eventually to his most notorious client ever--alleged La Cosa Nostra head Nicky Scarfo--Simone delivered the acquittals, the reversals, and the "Get Out of Jail Free" cards.

But along the way, he would learn a fact that would turn the rest of his 35-year career into a walk through a minefield: The government is a sore loser. Whether you decide you love Bobby Simone or hate him, his is one unforgettable story. And it ain't over yet--not by a long shot.

ROBERT F. SIMONE is known for winning a string of difficult cases for clients that included members of Philadelphia's organized-crime family. He currently lives in Philadelphia.