Indicted Lawyer Ordered to Cease Poker Play Pending Trial

Prominent Supreme Court attorney and SCOTUSblog publisher, Tom Goldstein, has been indicted on 22 federal charges, including tax evasion and filing false tax returns. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2022, Goldstein concealed substantial poker winnings and misused his law firm’s funds to cover gambling debts.

Allegations of Concealed Poker Winnings

Goldstein is accused of participating in ultra-high-stakes poker games across various locations, including Beverly Hills and Asia. Reports suggest he won approximately $50 million from three players but subsequently incurred losses exceeding $14 million. Notably, he allegedly transported nearly $1 million in cash from Hong Kong to Washington, D.C., without proper declaration.

Misuse of Law Firm Funds

The indictment further alleges that Goldstein used funds from his Bethesda-based law firm, Goldstein & Russell, to settle personal gambling debts. He is also accused of creating sham employment arrangements with at least a dozen women with whom he had personal relationships, compensating them with firm funds despite minimal or no work contributions.

Unreported Cryptocurrency Transactions

In addition to unreported cash, Goldstein allegedly failed to disclose significant cryptocurrency transactions. The indictment highlights that he did not report substantial cryptocurrency trades, further contributing to the tax evasion charges.

Legal Representation and Court Proceedings

Goldstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has retained attorneys John Lauro and Christopher Kise, both of whom have previously represented high-profile clients. As a condition of his pretrial release, he has agreed to refrain from gambling activities.

Professional Background

Before these allegations, Goldstein was a distinguished figure in the legal community, having argued 44 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He co-founded SCOTUSblog, a widely respected platform for Supreme Court news and analysis, and has taught at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Stanford Law Schools.

Implications and Next Step

The case against Tom Goldstein underscores the legal and ethical responsibilities of attorneys, especially those in prominent positions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the legal community and the public will closely monitor the outcomes and their potential impact on legal ethics and professional conduct standards.