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A Chicago civil rights lawyer has signed on to defend Shomari Legghette, charged in the fatal downtown shooting of Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer.

Attorney Scott Kamin, whose website touts his representation of victims of police brutality and misconduct, confirmed to the Tribune he is representing Legghette without charge — known as “pro bono.” Kamin, who also does criminal defense work, declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing a gag order that Judge Erica Reddick placed on attorneys in the case.

Legghette, 44, had originally been represented by court-appointed lawyers from the Cook County public defender’s office.

Kamin joined the case at a brief hearing Wednesday in a courtroom packed with dozens of Chicago police officers, including Supt. Eddie Johnson.

Legghette, a four-time felon, faces more than 50 counts of first-degree murder, gun and other felony charges in connection with Bauer’s slaying.

According to Legghette’s indictment, prosecutors intend to seek a life sentence if convicted, since Bauer was a police officer killed in the line of duty.

Bauer, 53, a veteran police commander, was shot in a stairwell outside the Thompson Center in February after he heard a police call about a chase, spotted Legghette run past and pursued him on foot, authorities have said. His daylight slaying in the Loop shocked the city and provoked criticism from police that Legghette shouldn’t have been walking the streets with his extensive criminal record.

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