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Band 5
Provided by Joshua Naftalis
An accomplished trial lawyer and distinguished former federal prosecutor, Josh focuses on white-collar criminal defense, regulatory enforcement matters, internal investigations, high-stakes commercial disputes, and crisis management.
Prior to joining Pallas, Josh was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) for eleven years, leading many of the government’s most significant white-collar prosecutions and trials during his tenure. As a senior member of the SDNY’s Securities & Commodities Fraud Task Force, he handled high-profile matters involving insider trading, corporate and accounting fraud, market manipulation, money laundering, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, cryptocurrency, sanctions evasion and export control violations, and racketeering. His headline prosecutions included United States v. Blaszczak, individuals at Visium, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Herbalife, KIT digital, and various SPACs, as well as KleptoCapture matters. His work involved extensive coordination of cross-border and multi-agency investigations, including with the SEC, CFTC, FBI, and IRS, and was featured in the movie Molly’s Game.
WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE AND INVESTIGATIONS
A partner at a leading private equity firm in an insider trading investigation by the SEC, with no action pursued.
The CEO of an international energy company in a fraud and corruption investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, resulting in a non-prosecution agreement.
The former CEO of a leading technology company in an accounting fraud prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, coordinating the U.S.-U.K. trial and media strategy that resulted in an acquittal on all counts.
A prominent financial services firm in an insider trading investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the SEC.
A managing director at a prominent asset management firm in an accounting fraud investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the SEC.
A senior executive of a financial services company in an enforcement action brought by the CFPB and the New York Attorney General.
A financial services firm in a criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas related to a former-U.S. Bankruptcy Judge.
The victim of a “Bitcoin kidnapping” in a prosecution by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and DOJ.
Various hedge funds, private equity firms, and individuals in securities fraud investigations by the DOJ and SEC.
A registered financial advisor in an SEC investigation for charging improper fees, with no action pursued.
A whistleblower to the DOJ.
Independent investigation of the National Basketball Association’s referee program.
COMPLEX CIVIL LITIGATION
Airgas in its successful defense against a hostile takeover attempt by Air Products & Chemicals, including a precedent-setting trial in the Delaware Court of Chancery that upheld the “poison pill” and “just say no” defense.
Rohm & Haas in expedited litigation to enforce its merger agreement with Dow Chemical.
Bank of America in federal securities litigation related to the acquisition of Merrill Lynch.
Silverstein Properties in insurance litigation related to World Trade Center losses.
Senior secured lenders of Spectrum Brands at trial challenging confirmation of the plan of reorganization seeking to reinstate $1.4 billion loan.
The founder of stock trading platform Embed in defending a $250 million fraudulent conveyance claim asserted by the debtors in the FTX bankruptcy proceedings.
Ad hoc group of Hertz creditors in a litigation to recover a backstop fee owed in connection with the restructuring of Hertz’s European businesses, resulting in a successful verdict after trial.
A prominent private equity firm in cross-border litigation, including obtaining the dismissal of RICO and fraud claims.
JetBlue in litigation against American Airlines relating to a code-sharing agreement dispute.
A SPAC in expedited litigation in Delaware to enforce its merger agreement with the target company.
A c-suite executive at a Fortune 500 company in an employment dispute.
New York
U.S. Court of Appeals: Second Circuit
U.S. District Court: Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court: Eastern District of New York
Columbia Law School
J.D., James Kent Scholar; Managing Editor, Columbia Law Review
Yale University
B.A., magna cum laude and with distinction
Provided by Chambers
Joshua Naftalis of Pallas Partners leverages his extensive experience as a former federal prosecutor in white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations and regulatory enforcement matters.
Provided by Chambers
Josh always makes me feel at ease in a time of uncertainty.
Josh provides calm, direct and sophisticated advice.
He is a very talented litigator. He is very practical and doesn't lose sight of the details.
His ability to navigate complex, ambiguous circumstances gave me confidence that the matter was in capable hands.
He is never flustered and is always proactive.
Josh always makes me feel at ease in a time of uncertainty.
Josh provides calm, direct and sophisticated advice.
He is a very talented litigator. He is very practical and doesn't lose sight of the details.
His ability to navigate complex, ambiguous circumstances gave me confidence that the matter was in capable hands.
He is never flustered and is always proactive.