Bob Giuffra, the co-chair of prestigious New York law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, was recently observed at the Second Circuit court during the E. Jean Carroll defamation case against Donald Trump. This appearance has raised eyebrows, not least because Giuffra's firm is currently representing Trump in a separate legal matter regarding a hush money conviction, but not this particular defamation case.

Giuffra was seen in the company of Boris Epshteyn, Trump's personal attorney, who is a contentious figure in his own right. This association, particularly in a courtroom environment, has led to a flurry of speculation and criticism about Giuffra's motivations and the implications for his firm.

Legal observers and critics are puzzled about why Giuffra chose to attend this hearing. The case does deal with the issue of presidential immunity, a matter also pertinent to the case Sullivan & Cromwell is handling for Trump. However, as the oral arguments are publicly accessible online, Giuffra’s physical presence at the court, especially during one of the year's hottest days, suggests motivations beyond a simple legal interest.

The internal reaction within Sullivan & Cromwell to Giuffra’s decisions has reportedly been turbulent. The firm's move to represent Trump was already a point of contention, straining the conventional defense argument that "everyone deserves representation." Critics argue that the firm's reputation takes a further hit when its co-chair is seen supporting Trump in a defamation case where the presiding judge had to reaffirm the severity of the allegations against him.

This incident has not only stirred debate about the ethical boundaries of legal representation but also about the personal allegiance of high-profile lawyers to their clients beyond professional obligations. The legal community and observers continue to watch closely as the implications for Sullivan & Cromwell's internal harmony and public image unfold.