Profile: A Litigator Known as Columbo With a Law Degree

Litigation chairman and partner and firm co-chair Gary P. Naftalis was profiled in the New York Times’ Deal Book section in an article entitled “A Litigator Known as Columbo With a Law Degree.” Chronicling the more than 40 year career of Mr. Naftalis, whom it calls “an elder statesman” among the white collar community, the article notes that his career began as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. The profile discusses some of his major victories including his successes in convincing prosecutors not to charge the investment banking firms, Kidder Peabody and Salomon Brothers, and the City of New York relating to the deaths of the firefighters at the Deutsche Bank Building. The article also notes his courtroom victories on behalf of Michael Eisner and Kenneth Langone. Noting his “unassuming style and low-key intelligence,” the article said “Mr. Naftalis has developed a reputation as Columbo with a law degree.” The article also quoted prominent attorneys that have faced Mr. Naftalis in court who describe Mr. Naftalis as “one of the best white-collar defense lawyers in the country,” “a master of strategy” and that “He is blessed with a great sense of humor and irony that he uses effectively in court.”