Who is W. Fred Turner from Gideon's Trumpet and what is their importance?

Turner is the Florida lawyer Gideon selects to be his attorney at the second trial following the Supreme Court decision that Gideon - and all defendants - has the right to counsel. It's never explained how Gideon found Turner for the case but it's noteworthy that he's not the attorney first appointed by the court. Turner likely understands the importance of the case and accepts the assignment. It's said that he spends time wandering the streets around the alleged crime and even picks fruit with the mother of the eyewitness who said Gideon committed the theft of liquor, cigarettes and change from a poolroom.