**From Prison Cell to Courthouse: How Sam Bankman-Fried Became an Inmate Legal Advisor**

The cryptocurrency world's most infamous figure is now playing an unexpected role behind bars. Sam Bankman-Fried, the former founder of FTX who was handed a sentence exceeding two decades for his role in one of crypto's biggest collapses, has transformed his confinement into something quite unusual—offering legal counsel to fellow prisoners.

**The Unlikely Legal Practice in Federal Custody**

Since his incarceration at a California federal facility, Bankman-Fried has been leveraging his business acumen and legal knowledge to assist other inmates navigating the criminal justice system. His client roster includes high-profile cases: he counseled former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández on courtroom strategy, even suggesting a bold move—taking the stand in his own defense. Though Hernández's case didn't result in the outcome he hoped for, the former president's family acknowledged Bankman-Fried's efforts and expressed appreciation.

The practice also extends to music industry figures, including producer Sean Combs, commonly known as Diddy, who has benefited from Bankman-Fried's guidance during his own legal battles.

**A Critique of the Legal System from Behind Bars**

What's particularly striking is Bankman-Fried's candid assessment of the U.S. federal defense structure. In his view, the standards maintaining these defenses are "shockingly inadequate." He's been vocal about his belief that he isn't replacing traditional attorneys but rather filling a void that already exists—lawyers stretched thin across overwhelming caseloads simply cannot dedicate sufficient attention to each client.

This observation reflects a broader systemic issue: many defense attorneys face such massive workload pressures that meaningful client advocacy becomes nearly impossible. Bankman-Fried's informal legal services, in this context, represent an indictment of the overextended public defender system.

**The Path Forward: Appeals and Pardon Prospects**

While serving his sentence, Sam Bankman-Fried continues his legal battle through appeals while simultaneously pursuing another avenue of potential freedom—a presidential pardon. His dual strategy underscores how even from within the prison system, his legal chess moves continue.