David Oscar Markus

David Oscar Markus is a nationally recognized trial and appellate attorney known for winning complex white collar and general criminal defense cases. A fearless courtroom advocate, he has earned numerous accolades for his creativity, strategy, and courtroom excellence, including “Lawyer of the Year” honors and recognition from Chambers & Partners.

Markus received his J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1997, where he was mentored by Alan Dershowitz and named best oralist by Justice Anthony Kennedy. He holds a B.A. from Emory University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. This academic foundation fuels his tenacity in high-profile federal litigation.

Markus began his legal career clerking for Chief Judge Edward B. Davis of the U.S. District Court and later practiced at the prestigious Williams & Connolly in Washington, D.C. Before founding his Miami-based firm, he served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender, fighting relentlessly for the accused and securing groundbreaking verdicts.

Recognized as one of the top white collar criminal defense lawyers in the U.S., Markus is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been named a “Top 100 SuperLawyer” every year since 2010. His victories include a rare 141-count acquittal and a transformative challenge to jury selection procedures in federal court.

In addition to his litigation success, Markus contributes to the legal field through education and advocacy. He teaches at the University of Miami School of Law, hosts the widely acclaimed For the Defense podcast, and regularly publishes op-eds on justice reform. He also founded and writes the influential Southern District of Florida blog.

Known for his strategic brilliance and unyielding client dedication, David Oscar Markus has shaped criminal law both in and out of the courtroom. With national influence and deep-rooted integrity, he continues to lead the field in defense advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Markus Moss PLLC
• Member, Dade County Bar Association
• Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter
• Former President, Federal Bar Association
• Vice-Chair, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Emory University
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges