Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer says it's an 'honor' to defend her: 'I love representing the underdog'

Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year federal sentence for her role in Epstein’s crime, is pursuing a legal fight that could reach the Supreme Court
PUBLISHED AUG 9, 2025
Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorney David Markus says defending clients like her is an ‘honor’ (@domarkus/X)(Getty Images)
Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorney David Markus says defending clients like her is an ‘honor’ (@domarkus/X)(Getty Images)

BRYAN, TEXAS: Ghislaine Maxwell’s defense attorney, David Markus, has described his work as deeply fulfilling, even when representing clients at the center of public outrage.

Maxwell, serving a 20-year federal sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s scandalous crimes, is pursuing a legal fight that could reach the Supreme Court.

Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer says defending clients like her is an ‘honor’

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 4:  (U.S. TABLOIDS OUT) Socialte Ghislaine Maxwell attends the Yves Saint Laure
Socialte Ghislaine Maxwell attends the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 57th Street Boutique Opening Party September 4, 2003 in New York City (Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

“I love what I do,” Markus said in an interview. “I love representing the underdog. You know, being a criminal defense lawyer isn’t for everybody, but it’s one of the most rewarding jobs there is, and I really enjoy what I do. So, you know, this case, as all my cases, is an honor to be able to help somebody.”

Markus has represented several high-profile clients before Maxwell, including former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who narrowly lost the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race to Ron DeSantis. Gillum faced federal corruption allegations but ultimately saw the charges dropped after being acquitted on one count, with the jury deadlocked on the rest.

His friend and fellow defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh called Markus “the total package,” praising his intellect, dedication, and humility.

“He's extremely brilliant, dedicated, passionate, zealous, experienced, and extremely humble. He seems to understand what many high-profile lawyers don't, and that is his ego is not his amigo.”

“He does not shy away from a challenge,” Eiglarsh said. “Getting the Supreme Court to take this case at all is going to be extremely challenging. But then to zealously argue and effectively get them to embrace this case and his point of view, he's probably one of the only of few attorneys who could ever pull that off.”

Internet reacts after Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer calls it an 'honor' to represent her

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 06:  Ghislaine Maxwell attends the 2014 ETM (EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC) Children's
Ghislaine Maxwell attends the 2014 ETM (EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC) Children's Benefit Gala at Capitale on May 6, 2014 in New York City (Rob Kim/Getty Images)

Public reaction was swift and scathing after Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorney seemingly described his client as an “underdog,” with many questioning how someone with her wealth, status, and criminal conviction could fit that label.

Many users dismissed the description as absurd. “Maxwell is a lot of things. Underdog is not one of them!” one wrote.

Another remarked, “Ah yes, the ‘underdog’… with a yacht, a mansion, and a Rolodex of billionaires. Truly inspiring.”

Several critics suggested the real beneficiary of this narrative was Maxwell’s legal team. “The only one benefiting from this is her lawyer. He’s wracking up millions,” a user commented.

Others were blunt in condemning her. “She’s not an underdog, she’s part of the problem!” one wrote.

Another added, “That’s an interesting choice of words, considering how controversial her case is… This makes me sick.”

One penned, “She's no underdog and she's no victim.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

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