Based in New York, Hecker Fink LLP leverages an experienced team specializing in white-collar criminal defense. The firm represents financial institutions, corporations, and individuals in connection with criminal investigations and regulatory enforcement actions. Sean Hecker, the practice head, possesses considerable expertise in areas such as antitrust law, corruption, and tax-related offenses. Mike Ferrara focuses his practice on cybercrime and complex fraud matters, offering crucial support to clients. Jenna Dabbs is a highly experienced trial attorney, with a background that includes investigations in both the public and private sectors. Shawn Crowley, another accomplished trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor, represents clients in white-collar criminal defense and investigations concerning securities and wire fraud, sanctions evasion, money laundering, and controlled substances diversion. In February 2025, Amy Jeffress, previously with Arnold and Porter, joined the firm in Washington DC. Lawyers are in New York unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- "Hecker Fink is one of the premier NY firms for representing individuals in white-collar matters. They are excellent in investigations and in litigations/trials."
- "A very strong, experienced stable of criminal defense trial lawyers that work incredibly well together and is highly strategic."
- "With star criminal defense trial lawyer Sean Hecker, former head of the Federal Public Defenders David Patton, and standout former AUSA Michael Ferrara, they are from every angle one of the most capable criminal defense teams in the country. Their bench is deep, and they are as professional and disciplined as such teams come."
- "They have extensive experience in international investigations, foreign jurisdictions, as well as in the financial services, technology, and crypto industries, among others.
- "Sean Hecker is an extremely skilled trial lawyer at the top of the bar, and one of the most strategic and effective criminal defense counsel I have ever worked with. I would feel comfortable recommending him or hiring him to advise and represent us or any of our clients."
- "David Patton is one of the most skilled courtroom advocates I have ever seen. He has deep knowledge of the courts, procedure, and the law, particularly in the Southern District and Second Circuit. He is deeply respected by the judges before whom he appears and is very effective with juries."
- "Michael Ferrara is an experienced former federal prosecutor and a charismatic trial lawyer who has had significant success since he has come to the firm. He is thoughtful, cooperative and highly professional, particularly when coordinating with co-counsel."
- "This firm is known for top-notch advocacy, including through trial, especially for white-collar cases. Because they are feared in the courtroom and respected outside of it, they are able to obtain favorable resolutions for their clients."
Key clients
- Neil Phillops
- Do Kwon
- John Patrick Groman III
- Brycen Millett
- Hallie Biden
- Glenn Oztemel
- Roman Storm
Work highlights
- Represented the Glen Point Capital founder in a recent federal criminal trial in the SDNY, securing an acquittal on conspiracy charges.
- Represented the founder of Terra, facing an indictment by the SDNY and an SEC regulatory action.
- Representing an individual in a CFTC action alleging manipulation of U.S. dollar interest-rate swap spreads and related misstatements, stemming from his time as head of non-yen rate trading for Nomura in Japan.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Other key lawyers
Mike Ferrara; Jenna Dabbs; Shawn Crowley; Shawn Crowley; David Patton