White Collar Defense

Whether leading the defense of an executive in a public trial or negotiating a quiet resolution behind the scenes, we bring rigor, discretion, and experience. Our clients may be targets, subjects or witnesses in cases brought by, among others, the United States Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern or Eastern District of New York, the New York Attorney General’s Office, or the District Attorney’s Offices in Manhattan or Brooklyn. We have handled matters involving allegations of antitrust violations, securities fraud, insider trading, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, bribery, mortgage fraud, embezzlement, sanctions violations, obstruction of justice, and other financial crimes.

We are particularly skilled at navigating the unique dynamics that arise when an employee’s alleged conduct has implications for the broader enterprise. Our team regularly works in coordination with corporate counsel, internal investigations, and crisis communications professionals to ensure alignment of defense strategy with broader organizational goals. When appropriate, we also act as pool counsel for similarly situated employees or liaise with government agencies to mitigate risk before it becomes exposure.

We understand the profound personal and professional consequences that come with a white collar investigation. Whether you’re a general counsel navigating institutional exposure or an individual executive facing potential charges, we provide strategic, focused advocacy tailored to your specific circumstances. If you’re confronting a current matter, or need experienced counsel before one arises, we’re here to guide you through it with clarity and resolve.

Representative Cases

  • Negotiated non-prosecution agreement for underwriter investigated by the New York State Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies for alleged bid-rigging activities.

  • Secured dismissal of bribery indictment after uncovering substantive discovery failures by prosecutors.
  • Counsel to former employee of regulated utility company accused by federal government of accepting bribes in connection with construction contracts.

  • Represented individual under investigation by New York County District Attorney’s Office in connection with indictment charging multiple defendants with nearly fifty counts of identity theft and grand larceny. Averted indictment and resolved matter with conditional discharge following plea to single count of possession of stolen property.
  • Obtained non-incarceration sentence for loan processor charged in Southern District of New York prosecution for multimillion dollar mortgage fraud scheme.
  • Obtained probationary sentence for school administrator charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and theft of federal funds.
  • Negotiated favorable case resolution and obtained probationary sentence for Hollywood talent agent under investigation in the Southern District of New York for converting vast sums of client earnings to personal use.
  • Secured probationary sentence for attorney indicted for fraud following conviction at trial.

  • Obtained probationary sentence for sales professional charged in the Southern District of New York with conspiring to import and sell counterfeit hip-hop clothing.

  • Secured favorable, below-guidelines sentence on behalf of prominent jeweler in a federal money laundering prosecution.
  • Counsel to individual charged in high-profile multi-defendant federal indictment with RICO, money laundering, and extortion offenses; resolved case with a single tax misdemeanor, a nominal fine, and zero detention or supervision.

  • Represented founder of World Sports Exchange throughout federal prosecution for operating an offshore internet-based sports betting business allegedly in violation of the federal Wire Act.
  • Counsel to offshore internet gaming service provider seeking comprehensive analysis of state and federal gaming laws, as applied to poker, casino, sportsbook and other offerings.

  • Counsel to Sudanese national accused of money laundering and violating U.S. sanctions against Sudan. Negotiated speedy resolution involving single false statement charge, time served, and expedited return to home country.

  • Represented a bio-pharmaceutical entrepreneur and hedge fund founder facing securities fraud and secured acquittal on five of eight counts at trial; continued representation through parallel SEC proceedings, sentencing, and satisfaction of forfeiture order.
  • Obtained declination of prosecution for alleged tipper in insider trading case and favorably resolved parallel SEC matter.
  • Secured a probationary sentence on behalf of an individual accused of insider trading.

 

If you're facing government scrutiny or complex allegations, now is the time to retain counsel who will meet power with precision. We offer discretion, clarity, and a relentless focus on protecting what matters most — your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Let’s talk.

Sarafa Zellan PLLC

43 West 43rd Street, Suite 370
New York, NY 10036

212.785.7577
inquiries@sarafazellan.com