Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s lead attorney is asking a judge to release him from the defense team ahead of Blagojevich’s retrial on corruption charges, according to a Thursday court filing.

Sam Adam Jr., who delivered a sometimes theatrical opening and closing at Blagojevich’s first trial, will officially ask to withdraw from the case at a Friday hearing, said another Blagojevich attorney, Sheldon Sorosky. U.S. District Judge James Zagel has the final say in whether Adam can leave.