The defendant dismissed his first few lawyers, which is what should happen in this case. The suit is over his final lawyer, who rejected his direct instructions

The defendant dismissed his first few lawyers, which is what should happen in this case. The suit is over his final lawyer, who rejected his direct instructions, announced his guilt to the court, and then sought clemency on a basis that wasn't even legally available. This is more reminiscent of the doctor refusing to amputate your arm, and then instead cutting off your little finger while you ask him not to.