Prominent Supreme Court Lawyer Faces Tax Evasion Trial

Thomas Goldstein accused of failing to pay taxes on millions in high-stakes poker winnings

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A prominent Supreme Court lawyer, Thomas Goldstein, is on trial for tax evasion charges related to millions of dollars in winnings from ultra-high-stakes poker games. Prosecutors allege Goldstein failed to pay taxes on his gambling income, diverted money from his law firm to pay gambling debts, and falsely deducted gambling losses as business expenses. Goldstein denies any wrongdoing, claiming he made "innocent mistakes" on his tax returns.

Why it matters

The case has sent shockwaves through the legal community in Washington, D.C., where Goldstein was known for arguing more than 40 cases before the Supreme Court before retiring in 2023. The trial has also revealed Goldstein's secret life as a high-stakes poker player, which he allegedly hid from colleagues, accountants, and even his own wife.

The details

Prosecutors say Goldstein raked in approximately $50 million in poker winnings in 2016, including $22 million from games in Asia. They allege he used his law firm to improperly pay salaries and provide health insurance to four women with whom he was having romantic relationships, treating their compensation as business expenses to evade taxes. Goldstein's attorneys argue the government "blindly" accepted an accountant's "made-up story" about his gambling activities and failed to adequately investigate the case.

  • The trial started on January 12, 2026.
  • Goldstein was indicted a year ago, in 2025.

The players

Thomas Goldstein

A prominent Supreme Court lawyer who co-founded the SCOTUSblog and argued more than 40 cases before the Supreme Court before retiring in 2023. He is accused of tax evasion related to his high-stakes poker winnings.

Sean Beaty

A Justice Department prosecutor handling the case against Goldstein.

Jonathan Kravis

Goldstein's defense attorney, who argues the government "blindly" accepted an accountant's "made-up story" about his client's gambling activities.

Tobey Maguire

A "Spider-Man" star and avid poker player who testified during the trial.

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What they’re saying

“He's not a dummy. He's a willful tax cheat.”

— Sean Beaty, Justice Department prosecutor

“Not even close. Tom Goldstein is innocent.”

— Jonathan Kravis, Goldstein's defense attorney

“A mistake is not a crime.”

— Jonathan Kravis, Goldstein's defense attorney

“I just had this entirely separate life.”

— Thomas Goldstein (The New York Times Magazine)

What’s next

The jury will decide whether to convict Goldstein on the 16 counts he is facing, including tax evasion and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential consequences for high-profile lawyers who engage in tax evasion and other financial crimes, even if they are otherwise successful and respected in their field. It also raises questions about the ability of individuals to maintain separate personal and professional lives, and the risks of such compartmentalization.