New Attorney Takes Over for Menendez Brother

Lyle Menendez, one of two Beverly Hills brothers charged with murdering their parents to collect a $14-million inheritance, got a new defense attorney Monday.

Santa Monica attorney Gerald L. Chaleff, citing what he called several longstanding conflicts of interest, was replaced by Beverly Hills attorney Joel R. Isaacson at a hearing before Beverly Hills Municipal Court Judge Charles Rubin.

Chaleff, who represented Menendez, 23, even before he was charged with the 1989 slaying of his parents, told the judge that it was a “legal necessity” for him to bow out of the case. He said it was never his intention to represent Menendez at trial. He declined to discuss the nature of his conflicts.

Isaacson said Chaleff once represented Menendez and his brother, Erik, 20, in a Juvenile Court criminal matter. Chaleff also knew the brothers’ slain parents, Jose Menendez, 45, and Kitty, 47, Isaacson said. Erik Menendez is represented by attorney Leslie H. Abramson.