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Steven Lee Speaks with Law360 About High-Profile Criminal Matters Involving Sam Bankman-Fried, Trump's Personal Aide

Atlanta, Ga. (June 14, 2023) – Atlanta Partner Steven H. Lee recently spoke with Law360 for two articles, each covering current, high-profile criminal matters. The first article discusses a potential affirmative defense that FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) may assert. The second article addresses whether Donald Trump’s personal aide may strike a deal with prosecutors over charges filed against him. 

As the first article, titled “SBF's Potential 'Hail Mary' Trial Defense: Blame The Lawyers” explains, attorneys who have weighed in on the matter involving Bankman-Fried believe that he could face significant challenges if he decides to rely on a “blame-the-lawyers” strategy at his upcoming fraud trial. In discussing the likelihood that Bankman-Fried will be able to assert this defense successfully, Mr. Lee told Law360, “Raising the advice-of-counsel defense would essentially be a ‘Hail Mary’ for Bankman-Fried.” The article notes that legal experts agreed that “[s]ometimes . . . the Hail Mary works.” 

The second article, titled “From 'Body Man' To 'Pawn,' Trump Aide Faces Stark Choice,” discusses the criminal charges that have been levied against Donald Trump's personal aide, Walt Nauta, who is now “faced with the choice of testifying for the government or risking a conviction and potentially lengthy prison term.” On the topic of how prosecutors may choose to proceed, Mr. Lee noted, "The government can undertake a carrot-and-stick approach in applying pressure on Walt Nauta." He further explained that prosecutors could offer to dismiss certain charges against Mr. Nauta in exchange for his testimony against Trump, while simultaneously informing Mr. Nauta that they intend to file additional charges against him if he fails to cooperate. 

Mr. Lee serves as vice chair of Lewis Brisbois’ Government Investigations & White Collar Defense Practice. As a former federal prosecutor, he focuses his practice on government and internal corporate investigations as well as complex litigation matters. 

Read the full Law360 article on Mr. Bankman-Fried here and the article on Mr. Nauta here. (subscription may be required). 

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