The first half of 2025 has been a blockbuster time for Yankwitt LLP – stellar growth in our core practice areas, aggressive advocacy in challenging cases of the highest stakes, and exciting additions to our all-star team. Our commitment to delivering exceptional results in complex litigation remains stronger than ever, and we are proud to share recent firm highlights, new team members, and a spotlight on the strong firm culture that keeps us connected.
Spotlight On a Core Practice Area: Business Divorces
Our mid-year newsletter is a time to celebrate the work and the people that make Yankwitt LLP a Westchester litigation powerhouse. And what better way than to shine the spotlight on one of our core practice areas – business divorces. We bring decades of experience and a #YankwittTough mentality to help business owners through these high stakes, emotionally charged disputes. We guide clients through breakdowns in partnerships, shareholder disputes, and owner conflicts across a wide range of industries.
We know these situations are rarely just about numbers or contracts. They often involve long-standing relationships between friends, family members, or close colleagues and the fallout can be deeply personal. We understand how high the stakes can be, both financially and emotionally, and we take a practical, steady approach to help clients regain clarity and control.
Whether you are facing gridlock in a 50-50 partnership, disagreements over roles and responsibilities, or allegations like breach of fiduciary duty or fraud, we work to protect our clients’ interests while helping them move toward a resolution. Whatever the nature of the dispute, our goal is to help navigate choppy waters with confidence and a clear strategy.
Remember, if you are dealing with a business divorce or other partnership dispute, it is never too early to consult an attorney. Yankwitt LLP is always here for you.
Client Matter Highlights
Expanding Our Work with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
We are proud to share that our relationship with longtime client Regeneron Pharmaceuticals continues to grow and are honored to have become their trusted outside counsel in the region on matters ranging from complex commercial disputes to intellectual property litigation, employment issues and product liability cases.
We currently represent Regeneron as lead counsel in a multi-million-dollar contract suit with Skanska, the general contractor hired to oversee Regeneron’s $2 billion Westchester campus expansion, before the SDNY in White Plains, and an employment discrimination litigation in Westchester Supreme, and serve as local counsel on two large intellectual property matters in the SDNY. We also advise Regeneron on vendor disputes, subpoenas and other information requests, and general Westchester matters. We are grateful for their continued confidence in our team and are proud to be their firm of choice when litigation arises in Westchester.
Securing a Unanimous Verdict in Premises Liability Case
George “Chip” Godfrey and Ben Allee secured a unanimous jury verdict for a casino client in a case involving a plaintiff who claimed a head injury after tripping near an escalator. The defense focused on video footage and cross-examinations that exposed key inconsistencies in the plaintiffs’ and expert witnesses’ testimony. The jury returned the defense verdict within minutes, finding the casino not liable.
Obtaining a Significantly Reduced Sentence for Our Client
In a federal criminal case involving a Westchester-based doctor charged with conspiring to illegally dispense or distribute oxycodone and other controlled substances, Jason Swergold secured a significantly below-guidelines sentence for our client, a lifelong physician, father, and grandfather. With aggressive #YT advocacy beginning shortly after the client’s arrest, Jason negotiated a favorable pre-indictment guilty plea for the client that carried sentencing guidelines of 37 to 46 months, years less than what the client might have faced following indictment. Jason then forcefully advocated for our client at sentencing, resulting in a sentence of one year and one day.
Recognition & Awards
We are honored by the continued recognition of our firm and attorneys this year.
Legal 500 New York City Elite: Russell Yankwitt, Jason Swergold and Michael Reed were named to this prestigious inaugural list, recognizing their dominance in New York’s commercial litigation sector. This is a new and notable addition to our extensive list of national and local accolades.
Crains’ NY Business Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys: Russell Yankwitt was honored with this coveted award, which highlights his standing and outstanding reputation in the Greater New York legal industry.
40 Under 40: Jason Swergold racked up another honor – Westfair Business Journal’s Fairfield County 40 Under 40. This is another reminder of the value that Jason brings to the firm, as a mentor and colleague, and to our clients. In 2024, Jason was named to the Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars and the Benchmark Litigation Under 40 list.
Law.com Feature: Earlier this year, Jason, co-chair of the firm’s Criminal Defense & Investigations Practice, was featured in the coveted Law.com How I Made it Series. The Q&A “How I Made Practice Group Chair” features Jason’s insights on leadership, case strategy, and team development.
Yankwitt LLP also recognized Chip Godfrey for his 10-years of dedicated service. To celebrate this milestone, the firm launched a new tradition: gifting attorneys who reach their 10-year anniversary with two first-class roundtrip airline tickets to any destination in the world. We are excited to hear where Chip chooses to go!
New Talent Joins Yankwitt LLP
We are thrilled to welcome two accomplished attorneys to the firm this year: Nate Putnam and Ana Kyriakos.
Nate joined us as counsel and becomes the fifth former Assistant U.S. Attorney on our roster of skilled litigators. Known for his persuasive advocacy, Nate brings a wealth of experience from his time as an AUSA in the District of Connecticut and BigLaw.
Ana brings valuable experience from her time as a two-time law clerk in the New York State Supreme Court. She served in the Commercial Division under the Hon. Melissa A. Crane, where she managed a docket of more than 100 complex business cases and in the Civil Term for the Hon. Lyle E. Frank.
Additionally, to support the firm’s continued growth, we created a new controller position and welcomed Lisa Bereza to fill the role.
Our Firm Culture: Staying Connected
At Yankwitt LLP, we believe a strong team culture is essential to delivering exceptional client service. As part of that commitment, we are proud to share that our inaugural Women Attorneys Night Out was a great success. Held at The Blind Pig in White Plains, the event brought together seven of the firm’s women attorneys for a night of good food, meaningful conversation and genuine connection. We are already planning our next event as we build traditions that support and celebrate the women of Yankwitt LLP.
We are grateful for the trust you place in us and look forward to continuing to serve you with the same YT intensity, integrity, and care that defines Yankwitt LLP.
Link to HTML version of the newsletter.