Weinstein, the Hollywood mogul known for his ego and tenacity, parted ways with his defense lawyer, Benjamin Brafman last week, and is working fast to assemble a “dream team” of powerhouse trial lawyers to handle his sexual assault case — a cast that may feature a woman as his lead counsel, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Weinstein’s break from Brafman followed weeks of intense arguing between the two. It appeared to reflect a change in Weinstein. He had spent the past year largely in hiding after an avalanche of accusations from women about sexual harassment and assault made him the symbol of the #MeToo movement. During that time, he placed his entire faith in Brafman to speak for him on the courthouse steps and to fight the sex-crime charges brought by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

But now Weinstein appears to be reasserting control over his defense and assembling a team of legal experts.

Recently Weinstein reached out to three women who are highly respected trial lawyers in New York: Susan Necheles, Susan Brune and Isabelle Kirshner, according to people familiar with the matter.

Brune said her firm does not comment on inquiries and that, “I would never represent Harvey Weinstein and in fact have been honored to represent some of his victims.”

Kirshner declined to say whether she had met with Weinstein, but said his search made sense. “It can’t hurt,” she said. “If I were in his position, I would want a woman on my team.”

Weinstein began to make calls to other lawyers last month after Justice James Burke rejected Brafman’s argument that the charges should be dismissed, one person familiar with the case said.

Weinstein and Brafman said in a joint statement, “There were no arguments, only philosophical differences, and we both have immense respect for one another’s talents, and appreciate the time we worked together.”

On Thursday, Brafman notified the court of his desire to withdraw from the case. Burke will make a decision on the matter Friday. Weinstein is expected to “introduce” his new defense team Monday.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.