Bergrin, 55, is accused of turning his Park Place law practice into a criminal enterprise that worked with and for some of the major drug dealers in North Jersey.
One source described Bergrin as "house counsel" for several major players in the drug underworld.
"No witness, no crime" was his signature phrase, say prosecutors and investigators who contend the tough-talking defense lawyer routinely used witness intimidation and murder to silence those who might testify against his drug-kingpin clientele.
Jailed since his arrest in 2009, Bergrin could be sentenced to life if convicted.
Bergrin's request to serve as his own attorney was contained in a letter from Lustberg to Martino last week.
If Martino approves the request - legal experts say such requests are seldom denied - Lustberg could serve as "stand by" counsel, a common practice in cases where a defendant is granted permission to represent himself.
The move, while fraught with logistical and technical problems, sets the stage for what could be high courtroom drama.
Three former codefendants, including Bergrin's mistress and top criminal associate, his onetime law partner, and a drug kingpin whom he represented, have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with authorities.
As his own attorney, Bergrin would be able to cross-examine them and all other witnesses in the case.
