Advertise on podcast: For the Defense with David Oscar Markus

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★★★★★

4.9

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366 reviews

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David Oscar Markus, a Miami trial attorney, has been called “a reincarnation of the old school criminal defense lawyer” and has represented clients from the head of the Cali Cartel to Fortune 500 companies and their CEOs. David has partnered with rakontur, the lauded storytellers behind Cocaine Cowboys, The U and 537 Votes, on the podcast, For the Defense. The podcast focuses on the work of the least-respected but perhaps the most important profession in America: the criminal defense attorney. In each episode, Markus will interview a top criminal defense lawyer about one of their most gripping trials. Sadly, the criminal defense trial lawyer is a dying breed. The Feds have manipulated the system -- which was founded on the idea of trial by jury -- to force almost everyone (occasionally including the innocent) into pleading guilty to avoid trial. If you dare to go to trial, you risk going to prison for decades longer than had you surrendered and pleaded guilty. The system has shifted from valuing and encouraging trials to punishing those who dare exercise their constitutional right to have a jury decide their guilt. In the 1980s, over 20% of cases went to trial -- now less than 3% do so. Having tried cases all over the United States, Markus is well-positioned to speak to other leading criminal defense lawyers in the country and explore with them the decision they made in a high-profile case to proceed to trial, including their trial strategy, the risks involved, and the clients themselves. The podcast is currently in Season 6. It has broken news, achieved industry-wide accolades, and is the go to listen for trial lawyers around the country. CONTACT: [email protected], [email protected]

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Check latest episodes from For the Defense with David Oscar Markus podcast

Teny Geragos for Diddy

2026/07/14

David Oscar Markus sits down with Teny Geragos, the lawyer who gave the winning opening statement in Diddy’s case. Teny Geragos has taken on the biggest sex cases of our time in the last year – Diddy, Harvey Weinstein, and the Alexander Brothers. With lots of success. She is no stranger to the bright lights. Her father is Mark Geragos, another well-known lawyer who has appeared on the podcast. You’ll hear Teny discuss how she handles these high profile cases and her keys to success in this episode of For the Defense.

Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig

2025/09/16

David Oscar Markus sits down with CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig to talk about the intersection of law, media, and justice — and his new book, When You Come At The King. Elie Honig, CNN senior legal analyst, bestselling author, and former federal prosecutor, joins David Oscar Markus for a wide-ranging conversation about how the media shapes public understanding of criminal justice. From his time prosecuting mob cases in the SDNY to becoming one of TV’s most trusted voices on legal issues, Honig shares what he’s learned about storytelling in the courtroom — and in front of the camera. They cover everything from the rise of “celebrity prosecutors,” to whether cameras belong in the courtroom, to how defense lawyers should respond to DOJ press releases and media narratives. Plus, Honig talks about the writing of his latest book, including the behind-the-scenes research that uncovered some of the wildest stories from the Justice Department’s history.

Arthur Aidala for Harvey Weinstein

2025/07/11

For the Defense returns as David Oscar Markus sits down with Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, for a fascinating look at how the defense strategy evolved from Weinstein’s first trial to his retrial. Arthur Aidala, one of the most charismatic and colorful defense lawyers in the country, joins David Oscar Markus to break down the retrial of Harvey Weinstein. From cross-examining a complaining witness about faking an orgasm to weaving a story about glass in his mother’s pasta sauce, Aidala brings his signature flair to the courtroom—and to this conversation. Don’t miss this lively and insightful discussion about trial strategy, media pressure, and how the defense team turned the tables in one of the most high-profile cases of the decade.

Howard & Scott Srebnick for Michael Avenatti

2024/09/24

The Season 6 finale is a doozy – featuring Howard & Scott Srebnick, who discuss the high profile trial of Michael Avenatti with David Oscar Markus. Michael Avenatti was a modern day Icarus. He had everything going for him, so what happened? Howard & Scott Srebnick represented him in the infamous Nike prosecution in which Avenatti is accused of extorting Nike. Listen in as David Markus interviews the brothers about the fascinating case of Michael Avenatti.

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

2024/09/10

A first for the podcast -- the former Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss prosecutorial independence. Alberto Gonzales and David Oscar Markus discuss the job of a prosecutor, whether prosecutors should be appointed or elected, whether governors should be permitted to fire prosecutors and other pressing ethical questions of the day.

David Kendall for President Bill Clinton

2024/08/27

David Kendall sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. Independent counsel, impeachment hearings, infidelity. No, we aren’t talking about Donald Trump. Instead, we head back to the late 90s to discuss David Kendall’s incredible representation of President Bill Clinton. The high stakes showdown between Kendall and independent counsel Ken Starr was must-see TV, and we get into the fascinating stories from that era in this episode of For the Defense.

Chris Morvillo for Autonomy CEO Mike Lynch

2024/08/13

Chris Morvillo of Clifford Chance sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss the long and amazing saga of his representation of Mike Lynch, the CEO of Autonomy. Mike Lynch was dubbed the British Bill Gates. Then his world came crashing down as he was charged in federal court with fraud for what the feds described as a massive scheme to trick HP into buying Autonomy for more than it was worth. Lynch turned to Chris Morvillo, Brian Heberlig, and Reid Weingarten. Join David and Chris as they discuss this incredible against all odds story.

Phil Hubbart for Pitts and Lee

2024/07/30

Florida International University School of Law hosted Phil Hubbart and David Oscar Markus for a discussion about Hubbart’s book, From Death Row to Freedom: The Struggle for Racial Justice in the Pitts-Lee Case. The podcast is lucky to host Phil Hubbart this week, a living legend in the 3-0-5. He revamped the public defender’s office and was an appellate judge. He recently wrote a book about one of the most riveting cases in Florida history, State v. Freddie Pitts and Wilbert Lee, two Black men who were wrongfully charged and convicted of the murder of two gas station attendants in Port St. Joe, Florida in 1963. Listen to Hubbart discuss how he got involved in the case and worked for over 10 years to get them exonerated.

Sean Hecker for Robert Bogucki

2024/07/16

Sean Hecker, of Hecker Fink, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss the trial of Barclays trader Robert Bogucki. How do you explain complicated FX trading to a jury? How do you try a case on the other side of the United States, far from home? How do you try a case with a large team? Join David Oscar Markus as he interviews his friend and amazing lawyer Sean Hecker about the fascinating case of Robert Bogucki, which was also discussed when David previously interviewed Judge Charles Breyer who presided over the case.

Judge Andrew Brasher

2024/07/02

Judge Andrew Brasher joins David Oscar Markus to discuss all things Eleventh Circuit. Judge Brasher joined the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals when he was 39 years old. Having clerked for Judge William Pryor and worked as the Alabama Solicitor General, he is part of the well-known Judge Pryor “judging tree,” along with Judge Kevin Newsom and others. He discusses how he navigates being on the same court with his mentor and former boss, his philosophy on legal writing, and how he hires his law clerks. We also discuss some of his recent criminal law opinions.

CNN's Kaitlan Collins

2024/06/18

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins joins David Oscar Markus and his University of Miami class to discuss everything from covering high profile trials to how to examine a difficult witness. As criminal defense lawyers know, cross examining witnesses is one of the hardest things to do. There's a lot to be learned from journalists who do it live on the air with difficult politicians. And Kaitlan Collins is one of the best at doing it, facing off on a nightly basis with skilled speakers who have an agenda. In this episode, David and Kaitlan discuss how she prepares for her these interviews as well as lots of other interesting topics -- from cameras in the courtroom to how she got her start and so on. This podcast episode is a recording from David’s White Collar Law class at the University of Miami School of Law.

Todd Blanche for former President Donald Trump

2024/06/03

Todd Blanche, counsel to former President Donald Trump, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss the New York trial of People v. Trump. Todd Blanche, the first guest to appear twice on For the Defense with David Oscar Markus, discusses everything from the war room to Melania Trump not appearing at trial to getting into it with Michael Cohen and everything in between in this in-depth and free flowing interview about the trial of the century involving the former President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Gerald Lefcourt for Abbie Hoffman (Chicago 8)

2023/07/04

David Oscar Markus interviews legendary Jerry Lefcourt about one of the most important trials in American history, the Chicago 8 case. Jerry Lefcourt had recently been fired as a legal aid lawyer in the late 1960s when he got a call from Abbie Hoffman. They spoke all night at Hoffman’s apartment. Hoffman told him “I'll start a revolution; you keep me out of jail.” And Jerry did just that. Take a listen to this fascinating discussion about Jerry’s start to an awe-inspiring career. You'll hear about his battles with the judge, including getting sent to jail. Jerry is a wonderful storyteller and he and David have a lot of fun talking about this historic case.

Todd Blanche for Paul Manafort

2023/06/27

David Oscar Markus sits down with former President Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, who has not yet spoken in detail with the media.Todd Blanche was a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, prosecuting violent criminals in federal court. He then left for the oldest law firm in New York – Cadwalader. There, he quickly developed a reputation for being able to handle hot button cases, like Paul Manafort’s and Igor Fruman’s. Now, on his own, he is representing the former President of the United States. Although he is very reluctant to speak with any press, he sat down with David Oscar Markus for an hour in this entertaining back and forth to discuss the difficulties in representing a defendant in a politically charged case.

Milton Hirsch for Pedro Guerrero

2023/06/20

Season 5 starts off with a grand slam – Milton Hirsch, one of the country’s finest trial lawyers, current judge, and David Oscar Markus’ former partner, represented World Series MVP Pedro Guerrero in his federal trial in Miami. Too dumb to do the drug deal? That defense could never work, right? Wrong -- if your lawyer is Milton Hirsch, who beat the odds and won a federal criminal drug trial with the most unique of defenses. David Oscar Markus sits down with his former law partner to discuss the curveballs of this case that led to Guerrero walking. One note — the audio on this episode isn’t great and we apologize. Other episodes don’t have this issue.

Podcast reviews

Read For the Defense with David Oscar Markus podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

366 reviews

★★★★★

williamnoland 2026/07/14

My Favorite Podcast

Yes!

★★★★★

RashmiAiran 2026/06/11

David Markus is the ultimate attorney and this podcast says it all!

Every single episode reveals David’s brilliance and his unique perspective and attention to details when he represents his clients and how he examines...

★★★★★

A. Levy01 2025/07/25

The Best

Love this podcast. David represented me a few years back and did a wonderful job.

★★★★★

Jason Bowes 2025/04/26

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

I absolutely love this podcast. It is really great and super informative. It shows the inside and out of trial work and there are not many of us tri...

★★★★★

Ayyan Zubair 2025/03/23

Great Podcast!

Fantastic podcast. Super informative and good-natured conversation!

★★★★★

RCT80 2024/12/02

Excellent , esp for federal white collar practitioners

Great questions into the dilemmas and strategies of defending criminal cases , esp big white collar cases

★★★★★

jfneisbrv 2024/07/17

Best legal podcast around

I really enjoy the interviews. They are very informative!

★★★★★

BobbyDonGiff 2024/06/03

New Lawyer Goal: SCOTUS argument and a case worthy of ‘For the Defense’

I believe that many lawyers dream of the case they might argue before SCOTUS. A close second is to have a case that David Oscar Markus calls you to a...

★★★★★

Drjjames18 2024/03/06

Obsessed!

As a non-Attorney, I find myself listening with rapt attention to each and every one of these episodes. I am fascinated by the law and come from a fam...

★★★★★

Moving Hills 2024/02/09

Great Inspiration for Defnders

Sometimes you just need to hear Great War stories with great outcomes to help keep you going.

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