Former Clinton campaign lawyer will go on trial for allegedly lying to the FBI about Trump and Russia

A onetime lawyer for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign will likely stand trial next year on charges related to the investigation into the origins of Donald Trump’s alleged links to Russia.

Michael Sussman was indicted in September on a charge of lying to the FBI in 2016, specifically for telling FBI general counsel James Baker that he was not representing any client when he brought him "evidence" that then-presidential candidate Donald Trump was communicating in secret with Russia.

At the time, Sussman was a partner at Perkins Coie LLP, a Democratic-aligned international law firm, and working as an attorney for the Clinton campaign. When he was charged in September, he resigned to focus on his legal defense.

The case was brought by special prosecutor John Durham, who was appointed by Trump administration attorney general William Barr to review the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation for evidence of wrongdoing and overreach by the government officials involved.

Sussman has plead not guilty to the single charge of making a false statement.

There has been contention over the date of the trial. Durham has proposed it begin on July 25, while Sussman’s defense team has requested May 2.

"I certainly understand the defendant's desire to get this over with and to move on with his life — win, lose, or draw," said Judge Christopher “Casey” Cooper at a court hearing last Wednesday.

Sussman’s lawyers are pushing for an earlier date because they believe the case is weak, giving Durham less time to shore up his case. The New York Times reported that the defense claims prior statements by Baker indicate he knew Sussman was representing clients.