Who was the Supreme Court lawyer gambler?

Asked by: Kasandra Schuppe  |  Last update: April 10, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (35 votes)

The Supreme Court lawyer and gambler you're referring to is Tom Goldstein, a highly prominent appellate attorney known for arguing numerous cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and co-founding the influential SCOTUSblog, who is currently facing federal charges for tax evasion and fraud related to his secret, high-stakes poker playing.

Is Thomas Goldstein still practicing law?

No, Thomas Goldstein is generally considered retired from active Supreme Court practice as of March 2023, though he remains the publisher of SCOTUSblog and is currently embroiled in significant legal issues, facing federal charges for tax evasion and financial crimes related to high-stakes poker and alleged misuse of firm funds. While he left his firm (Goldstein & Russell) and the SCOTUS bar, he briefly continued representing Epic Games but is now primarily focused on defending himself against the criminal indictment, which restricts some activities like gambling.
 

Are Tom Goldstein and Amy Howe married?

At the time, Goldstein seemed to have it all. He was married to his college sweetheart, lawyer Amy Howe, with whom he shared two young children and a $2 million home in Chevy Chase.

Who was a Supreme Court lawyer then his double life?

GREENBELT, Maryland, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Tom Goldstein was a prominent lawyer in Washington who argued dozens of cases before the U.S. ‌Supreme ​Court until a double life involving high-stakes poker games sidetracked his career.

Who was the lawyer that defended John Gotti?

John Gotti's most famous lawyer was Bruce Cutler, known for his flamboyant style and securing Gotti's acquittals in several trials, earning him the "Teflon Don" nickname, though Gotti was eventually convicted in 1992; other attorneys involved in Gotti's defense included Barry Slotnick, who also defended him in high-profile cases.
 

Supreme Court rules on sports gambling case

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Who is Xavier Donaldson?

🎥 Flashback Spotlight Xavier Donaldson, Esq., Partner at Donaldson & Chilliest, LLP, brought a powerful perspective from his work in private practice. As a seasoned advocate and leader, he has built a career defined by excellence in representation, strategic problem-solving, and a deep commitment to justice.

Who is considered the greatest lawyer of all time?

There's no single "greatest lawyer," but top contenders often cited include Clarence Darrow, famed for defending the unpopular; Abraham Lincoln, a legendary figure known as "Honest Abe"; and defense attorney Gerry Spence, who famously never lost a criminal case before a jury, while others like Johnnie Cochran, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Edward Bennett Williams are recognized for their massive impact, skill, and influence in specific areas of law.
 

What is considered the worst Supreme Court case ever?

While subjective, Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) is widely considered the worst Supreme Court case ever for denying Black people citizenship, fueling slavery, and pushing the nation toward Civil War, with other notorious decisions including Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) (sanctioning segregation) and Korematsu v. United States (1944) (upholding Japanese internment). More recent controversial rulings often cited include Citizens United v. FEC (2010) (campaign finance) and Kelo v. New London (2005) (eminent domain). 

Who is the most famous Supreme Court advocate?

  1. Fali Sam Nariman. One of the most prominent and well-known lawyers in India is Fali Sam Nariman. ...
  2. Harish Salve. Lawyer and human rights advocate Harish Salve was India's Solicitor General from November 1, 1999, until November 3, 2002. ...
  3. Gopal Subramanium. ...
  4. K. ...
  5. Abhishek Manu Singhvi. ...
  6. K. K. ...
  7. Palaniappan Chidambaram. ...
  8. Mukul Rohatgi.

Who are the big 5 lawyers?

"Big 5" law firms usually refers to the top firms by revenue/size, often led by Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, with others like DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and A&O Shearman frequently in the top ranks globally, though specific lists vary, sometimes including firms like Skadden, Sidley Austin, or the UK's "Magic Circle" (A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, etc.). The exact "Big 5" changes depending on whether you're looking at US-specific, global, headcount, or revenue metrics, but the consistent leaders are Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.
 

What happened to SCOTUSblog?

SCOTUSblog was acquired by Dispatch Media, Inc. (the parent company of The Dispatch) in April 2025, continuing its mission of unbiased Supreme Court coverage but now under new ownership, with plans to expand content and restore features like the Stat Pack while keeping it free for readers. The deal included transferring archives and web addresses, and key staff like Amy Howe remain, though co-founder Tom Goldstein is stepping back from day-to-day involvement. 

What ethnicity is Brett Goldstein?

Goldstein was born in 1980 in the London suburb of Sutton, to a British Jewish family.

Are Beth Rylance and Brett Goldstein still together?

No, Brett Goldstein and Beth Rylance are reportedly no longer together, with reports from late 2023 suggesting a split due to busy work schedules and differing career paths, confirmed by them unfollowing each other on social media.
 

How did Tom Goldstein get caught?

Feb 10 (Reuters) - Prominent former U.S. Supreme Court lawyer Tom Goldstein was arrested and detained on Monday after a judge in Maryland said he violated the terms of his pretrial release on previous tax-related charges tied to his high-stakes poker playing.

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant amount for a lawyer, but whether it's "a lot" depends on factors like the lawyer's experience, location (urban areas charge more), and specialty (corporate law often costs more). While $100-$300 is a common range, $400 can be standard for experienced attorneys in complex fields or major cities, and even less experienced lawyers in big firms might bill similarly, with partners charging much more. 

Who was OJ Simpson's best lawyer?

Johnnie Cochran is widely considered O.J. Simpson's best lawyer, renowned for his charismatic courtroom presence, skillful arguments, and the iconic "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit" line, though Simpson's defense team, the "Dream Team," also included key figures like Robert Shapiro, F. Lee Bailey, and Barry Scheck. Cochran's leadership and ability to connect with the jury were pivotal in the acquittal, making him the most prominent and successful lawyer from the group. 

Who is the richest lawyer?

There isn't one single "richest lawyer," as wealth fluctuates, but top contenders often include Charlie Munger (Berkshire Hathaway partner, built wealth through law and investing) and prominent figures in mass torts like Peter Angelos (asbestos litigation, Baltimore Orioles owner), while international figures like Thailand's Wichai Thongtang also rank high, often with fortunes diversified beyond pure practice into business ventures. Wealthy lawyers usually earn big from high-stakes corporate or personal injury cases, then invest or build businesses, moving beyond traditional practice. 

Who is the best attorney in America?

There's no single "best" lawyer; it depends on your legal need, but top recognitions come from publications like Forbes, Best Lawyers (U.S. News), and America's Top 100 Attorneys, highlighting specialists in areas like M&A, litigation, or corporate law, often within large firms (Cravath, Wachtell), or acclaimed individuals like Brian Panish for personal injury. To find the best for you, look for nationally recognized lawyers in your specific practice area and state, using these lists as a starting point for finding experts in areas like patent law, employment, or criminal defense. 

Which lawyer wins most cases?

There's no single lawyer universally crowned as having won the most cases, as records are hard to track, but American trial lawyer Gerry Spence is legendary for never losing a criminal case and not losing a civil case for decades, while Guyanese lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo famously achieved 245 successive murder-charge acquittals, a world record. Other highly successful figures include India's Harish Salve and figures like Joe Jamail, known for huge verdicts, but the definition of "winning" varies across legal fields. 

Can a president remove a Supreme Court justice?

No, a President cannot remove a Supreme Court Justice; only Congress can remove a Justice through the impeachment process, requiring a House vote to impeach and a Senate conviction for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors," as Justices hold office "during good Behaviour" (lifetime tenure unless removed). 

What is the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

Can a president overturn a Supreme Court ruling?

No, the President cannot directly overturn a Supreme Court decision; only the Court itself (through a new ruling), the Constitution (via amendment), or new legislation by Congress can overturn a major ruling, though Presidents can try to influence future decisions by appointing new justices or challenge rulings through appeals, and historically, some have selectively enforced or ignored certain rulings, as seen with Lincoln and the Dred Scott case. 

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
 

Who are the Magic 5 lawyers?

The "Magic Circle" lawyers refer to lawyers at five elite, London-headquartered law firms: A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May, known for their prestige, high profitability, complex corporate work, and global reach, representing the pinnacle of the UK legal profession.
 

Does Kim Kardashian have a JD?

No, Kim Kardashian does not have a traditional law degree (Juris Doctor) because she didn't attend law school; instead, she completed California's Law Office Study Program (an apprenticeship) to qualify for the state bar exam, a path similar to her late father, Robert Kardashian, though she still needs to pass the actual bar exam to be a practicing lawyer.