What we say about the firm's legal practice in United States
Litigation
Within White-collar criminal defense , tier 5
With 60 litigators at its disposal, ‘very strong’ New York-based white-collar and regulatory boutique Morvillo, Abramowitz, Grand, Iason, Anello & Bohrer, P.C. has the critical mass and ‘great reserves of knowledge’ to handle a tremendous volume of criminal matters affecting high-profile corporates and individuals. Praised for its ‘excellent work ethic, client orientation and a genuine culture of internal and external respect’, the firm is at the vanguard of many of the key issues shaping the law in the white-collar field. Involved in many of the recent hot-button issues affecting the financial services industry, for example, following a three-week trial the firm successfully defended Renato Negrin, former portfolio manager at Millenium Partners against allegations that he had engaged in insider-trading activity regarding credit default swaps. The firm also recently successfully defended hedge fund manager Kenneth Lipper against allegations that he was fraudulent, negligent and breached fiduciary duties flowing from the actions of an errant portfolio manager who was previously found guilty in a mismatching fraud. The culmination of nine years of litigation, following a 19-day arbitration hearing before a FINRA panel, all claims were rejected against Lipper, who was in fact awarded $15m in damages. Described as an ‘old school gentleman’ whose ‘natural habitat is the trial court’, Elkan Abramowitz led on this matter and is regularly involved in many of the firm’s highest-profile matters. ‘He is effective because of the familiarity, reputation, knowledge and the ability to show strength without being brawny or nasty.’ While Abramowitz is perhaps the most prominent figure within the team, a ‘deep bench’ also includes Robert Anello ‘who knows the securities industry well, is very responsive, attentive and tenacious’, and ‘quintessential attorney’ Jonathan Sack who ‘brings together a strong legal acumen and discipline, with a common sense approach’. ‘The firm’s excellence lies in its ability to negotiate with government agencies, do in-depth research, marshal the facts, conduct trials and appeals; all with total professionalism and client dedication.’