Quick Read
- Marc Mukasey, who defended Sam Bankman-Fried, has joined Seyfarth Shaw as co-chair of trial practice.
- Crypto trials in 2025, including Bankman-Fried’s, highlighted challenges in explaining complex concepts and the emotional impact on victims and jurors.
- Bankman-Fried’s case remains a benchmark for legal strategy in the evolving field of cryptocurrency litigation.
In the world of cryptocurrency litigation, few names have captured as much public attention as Sam Bankman-Fried. The founder of FTX became emblematic of both the promise and peril of crypto finance, especially as his high-profile trial unfolded in the New York federal courts. Now, as the dust settles in 2026, the consequences and lessons of his case continue to reverberate throughout the legal and financial sectors.
Defense at the Forefront: Marc Mukasey’s New Chapter
Central to Bankman-Fried’s defense was Marc Mukasey, a seasoned trial lawyer with a reputation for representing some of the most scrutinized figures in America. Mukasey’s client list is a roll call of controversy and complexity—former President Donald Trump, Congressman Matt Gaetz, NBA coach Chauncey Billups, and Bankman-Fried himself. In a noteworthy career move, Mukasey and his team have joined Seyfarth Shaw, a global law firm recognized for its innovative approach and technological acumen. The transition signals a broader evolution in the legal industry, with Mukasey emphasizing the necessity of elite trial talent backed by cutting-edge technology to tackle the intricate cases emerging in the 2030s.
Mukasey’s background as a former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and son of ex-U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey brought additional gravitas to Bankman-Fried’s defense. His prior battles, such as contesting subpoenas for Trump’s tax records, have prepared him for the intense scrutiny and media attention accompanying crypto cases. The partnership with Seyfarth Shaw, where he co-chairs the trial practice, reflects a strategic alignment with a firm whose technological resources offer a competitive edge in complex financial litigation.
The Human Impact: Crypto Trials and Their Stories
While the technicalities of cryptocurrency fraud and digital asset manipulation can be daunting, the true weight of these cases is often felt in the stories of those affected. Aleks Gilbert, a correspondent for DL News, attended several major crypto trials in 2025, including Bankman-Fried’s appellate hearings. His reflections underscore the challenge of translating intricate blockchain concepts for jurors and the public, but also the raw emotion present in the courtroom.
One poignant illustration was the testimony of David Moran, a 68-year-old who lost his life savings in the Celsius collapse. Having sold his home and invested the proceeds in Celsius, Moran found himself locked out of his account as the company imploded. His story resonated with the jury and highlighted the very real stakes for everyday investors caught in the crossfire of crypto experimentation and failure. Such moments reveal the deep personal consequences of abstract financial schemes and underscore the necessity of clear, accessible justice.
Gilbert also noted the meticulous work of law enforcement in piecing together digital evidence. In the trial of Roman Storm, for instance, investigators presented Google searches and text messages that illuminated internal debates about anti-money laundering protocols at Tornado Cash. Messages revealed both disagreements about compliance and personal tensions between Storm and his co-founder, offering jurors a window into the internal dynamics of crypto startups under legal scrutiny.
The Jury’s Burden: Commitment Amid Complexity
Crypto cases are not just technical battles—they are tests of endurance for jurors. Gilbert recounted the experience of a juror in Bankman-Fried’s trial who, despite facing language barriers and illness, insisted on seeing the trial through. This sense of duty was mirrored in the week-long deliberations of the jury in Roman Storm’s case, as well as the emotional strain witnessed during the MEV brothers’ trial, where some jurors reportedly cried and lost sleep.
Such dedication speaks to the seriousness with which ordinary citizens approach their role in the justice system, even as the cases before them grow ever more complex. The ability of jurors to parse technical evidence, weigh emotional testimony, and arrive at fair verdicts is a testament to the resilience of the legal process, even amid the shifting sands of digital finance.
Broader Context: A Changing Legal Landscape
The high-profile nature of Bankman-Fried’s trial is reflected in the company he keeps, both in and out of court. While the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn has housed a litany of famous and infamous individuals—from rapper 6ix9ine to former world leaders—the focus remains on the systemic shifts in legal practice and the broader implications for the crypto industry.
Mukasey’s move to Seyfarth Shaw, coupled with the growing sophistication of digital evidence and the human stories emerging from crypto trials, signals a transformation in how financial crime is prosecuted and defended. As technology continues to reshape both crime and justice, the lessons of Bankman-Fried’s trial will likely inform legal strategy and regulatory reform for years to come.
Based on the documented facts, the Bankman-Fried case stands as a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology, finance, and law. The convergence of elite defense talent, evolving courtroom dynamics, and the profound impact on victims highlights the urgent need for clarity and innovation in the legal handling of digital asset cases.