Jim Sheridan preps Di Stefano doc

Oscar-nominated writer and director Jim Sheridan and his documentary team are making a docuseries based on a biography of infamous lawyer and fraudster Giovanni Di Stefano.

Giovanni Di Stefano

The book, called The Devil’s Advocate, was written by Di Stefano’s son, Michael. It tells the story of the lawyer’s career, during which he represented a collection of dictators and criminals including Saddam Hussein and Charles Manson before being sent to prison because he did not have any legal qualifications.

Under the working title The Devil’s Advocate – How to Win Fiends & Influence Despots, the docuseries will include an interview with Di Stefano in jail and is expected to be shopped in March next year.

Sheridan (The Boxer, In America) said: “The lead character is simply unbelievable and we are delighted to have the exclusive co-operation of Giovanni, his family and his legal team to tell the story. Giovanni will be released later this year from prison after an eight-year sentence for masquerading as a lawyer without licence or qualifications.”