Donald Trump enlists Steven Sadow as lawyer hours before Georgia arrest, who is he?

In a significant legal maneuver just before his anticipated surrender in Georgia, former United States President Donald Trump has brought in a new lead attorney to spearhead his defense in the ongoing electoral case. The seasoned Atlanta-based criminal defence attorney, Steve Sadow, has formally assumed the role of lead counsel, as confirmed by court documents submitted on Thursday morning.

The shake-up comes as Drew Findling, who had been at the helm of Trump's legal team for the case, steps down from his position. Insiders privy to the situation, in conversations with CNN, have indicated that the alteration in personnel is not a reflection of any perceived inadequacy in Findling's performance up to this point. Rather, it underscores Trump's decision to engage the services of Steven Sadow, whom the source lauds as the "best criminal defense attorney in Georgia."

In an official statement provided to the news network, Steven Sadow confirmed his retention by the former president for his case pending in Fulton County. 

He added, "The president should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him. We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open-minded jury finding the president not guilty."

This year has seen Donald Trump reshuffling his legal team not just in anticipation of impending indictments, but also immediately following significant legal developments. Prior to being indicted in Florida on allegations of illicitly holding classified materials, Trump's lead lawyer, Tim Parlatore, parted ways with the legal team due to conflicts with a top Trump advisor. Furthermore, the morning after the indictment, lawyers James Trusty and John Rowley made public their resignations from the team.

Who is Steven Sadow?

Described as a distinguished legal practitioner specializing in white-collar defense, Steve Sadow boasts an impressive track record in representing notable clients. Sadow's legal acumen has been on display in a range of high-profile cases, showcasing his proficiency in navigating complex legal scenarios.

A graduate of Marietta College in Ohio, Sadow further honed his legal skills at Emory University in Georgia, establishing a strong foundation for his legal career.

Sadow's prowess extends to his representation of renowned figures, including attorney Howard K. Stern during a trial linked to the tragic demise of model Anna Nicole Smith. He also provided counsel to singer Usher in a noteworthy case.

His recent endeavors have showcased his adeptness in negotiating favorable outcomes, reported Atlanta Journal Constitution. Notably, Sadow successfully facilitated an Alford plea for rapper Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens, within a broad racketeering case led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. This strategic plea allowed Gunna to avoid extended jail time while maintaining his assertion of innocence. The plea involved admitting to a single count of violating Georgia's RICO act.

Sadow's legal prowess has repeatedly come to the fore in Atlanta's most high-profile cases. He notably stepped in for prominent New York attorney Benjamin Brafman as lead counsel in the federal racketeering case centered around the Gold Club—a former strip club known for its ties to sports figures and sexual favors. Sadow's strategic counsel led to a resolution when club owner Steve Kaplan opted for a guilty plea, effectively curtailing a protracted trial, resulting in Kaplan's 16-month federal prison sentence in 2002.

Another standout moment in Sadow's career came during a sensational trial in June 2000. He represented one of the co-defendants, Joseph Sweeting, in the murder case involving NFL star Ray Lewis. The case, stemming from an incident after a post-Super Bowl celebration in Buckhead, saw Sadow's client acquitted along with another co-defendant, Reginald Oakley, on June 12, 2000, in the stabbing deaths of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar.