Kramer Levin’s Gary Naftalis Honored with Law and Society Award

On March 10, Gary P. Naftalis, litigation department head and firm co-chair at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, was honored by the New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYPLI) at the 16th annual Law and Society Award Luncheon held at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria. Over the last 15 years, NYLPI’s luncheon has played host to sold-out crowds and honored federal judges, prominent members of the City’s corporate law departments, and partners from New York City’s major law firms.

“In addition to his legal accomplishments, Gary’s dedication to advancing social justice and protecting the rights of the disadvantaged is noted throughout the entire community. The Law and Society Award is a testament to his commitment,” said Paul S. Pearlman, Kramer Levin’s managing partner.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Naftalis has remained one of the nation’s leading trial lawyers, representing individuals and corporations in all phases of complex civil, criminal, and regulatory matters including those involving allegations of insider trading, market manipulation, accounting irregularities and other financial fraud. His distinguished career in public service includes holding such prominent positions as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, and Special Counsel to the United States Senate Subcommittee investigating abuses in the nursing home industry. Mr. Naftalis is consistently ranked as a preeminent litigator in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Lawdragon, among other prestigious rankings. The National Law Journal recently named him one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America.” Legal 500 also ranked him as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in the United States for the past two years. He was also recently honored by the American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) of Jerusalem with the Torch of Learning Award, which recognizes the leadership, scholarship and dedication to the betterment of humanity.

“Being a lawyer carries with it a responsibility to serve the larger community,” said Mr. Naftalis. “Social justice is something I have remained committed to throughout my career, and I am honored to be recognized by an organization that shares this same dedication.”

New York Lawyers for the Public Interest is a nonprofit, civil rights group that strives for social justice. In partnership with member law firms, corporate law departments and other organizations, NYLPI helps underrepresented people develop legal strategies to serve their vision for themselves and their communities.