Legal Team Assembled for Tyler Robinson in Utah Court

PROVO, Utah — A court in Utah has affirmed the legal representation for Tyler Robinson, who is facing serious accusations related to the alleged assassination of Charlie Kirk. They’ve brought on two seasoned defense attorneys to join local attorney Kathy Nester.

The new additions are Michael Burt from San Francisco and Richard Novak from Pasadena. The court has granted them permission to represent Robinson in his recent hearing.

Mark Jelagos, a prominent defense attorney, pointed out that many lawyers shy away from high-profile cases due to their notoriety. “That instinct is misleading and strains the ethical responsibilities of a lawyer,” he noted.

Burt, who has nearly five decades under his belt in criminal defense, previously represented Joseph “Lyle” Menendez during his first trial in 1993. After some legal troubles, the Menendez brothers were found guilty in their second trial, but recently a Los Angeles judge offered them a favorable adjustment to their sentences, introducing the possibility of parole.

Burt and Robinson’s new legal team have been in touch for quite some time, although he hasn’t directly worked with them.

Robinson’s hearing on September 29, 2025, reportedly included claims about the roles of attorneys Richard G. Novak, Michael N. Burt, and Kathryn Nestor.

According to court filings, Burt has led defense efforts for 47 years, trying more than 50 cases—with many involving capital punishment across several states. He is recognized as a federal “learning lawyer,” a title given to those dealing with federal death penalty cases.

Novak, practicing law since 1990, has dedicated the last two decades to criminal defense, working on over 20 death penalty cases in federal courts while also being recognized as learned counsel.

Nester is a well-known defense attorney in Utah, previously serving on the Obama administration’s advisory board to help convicts get leniency.

Her notable clients include Kouri Richins, charged with her husband’s murder after writing a children’s book on grief, and Lyle Jeffs, a sect leader who confessed to food stamp fraud and money laundering.

During Robinson’s recent hearing, which he attended remotely, Nester voiced concerns about findings related to the Richins case. She requested a 30-day postponement for Robinson’s exemption hearing to allow prosecutors to start their discovery process, which they plan to initiate soon.

All three attorneys on Robinson’s team have substantial experience in federal court. Meanwhile, the Justice Department hasn’t ruled out the possibility of filing additional charges against Robinson.

Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. His state charges include aggravated murder—potentially punishable by death—as well as felony firearm discharge, obstruction, and witness tampering.

Documents suggest he may have confessed or indicated his guilt to various individuals, including his parents and friends. Investigators reportedly recovered DNA linked to the suspected murder weapon—a .30-06 rifle with custom features and advanced optics.

Authorities assert that he acted alone, discussing his intentions only after the alleged crime was committed.