Alexandra Shapiro Discusses Presidential Debates Case on Independent Voter Podcast

On Monday, February 27th Alexandra Shapiro appeared as a guest on the Independent Voter Network (“IVN”) podcast hosted by author T.J. O’Hara. Alexandra discussed the history of the Commission on Presidential Debates (“CPD”), the organization responsible for sponsoring the general election presidential and vice-presidential debates, and the lawsuit  filed by Plaintiffs Level the Playing Field, … Read more

Shapiro Arato Files Opening Brief for Former New York State Senate Majority Leader in Public Corruption Appeal

On October 7, 2016, Shapiro Arato filed its opening brief in the criminal appeal of former New York State Senator Dean Skelos, who was convicted of federal corruption charges. At trial, the government argued that Mr. Skelos pressured companies to employ or pay his son in exchange for “official action” in their favor. This “official … Read more

Cynthia S. Arato Appointed Chair of The Copyright & Literary Property Committee of The New York City Bar Association

Partner Cynthia S. Arato has been appointed to a three-year term as Chair of the Copyright & Literary Property Committee of the New York City Bar Association. The Copyright & Literary Property Committee addresses a wide variety of issues of concern to the copyright bar and to industries that are focused on content creation, distribution … Read more

Shapiro Arato “Rocs” Attorneys’ Fee Awards

On August 29, 2016, Southern District Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis awarded Shapiro Arato’s clients over $8,000 in attorney’s fees arising from plaintiff Dwayne Walker and his counsel’s refusal to produce discoverable text messages in connection with the plaintiff’s lawsuit regarding the Roc-A-Fella Records logo. Judge Ellis initially granted Shapiro Arato’s motion for sanctions on … Read more

Shapiro Arato Wins Bail for Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pending Appeal in Public Corruption Case

On August 4, 2016, the Honorable Kimba M. Wood of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted our motion to continue bail for our client, former New York State Senator Dean Skelos, pending his appeal of his conviction on federal corruption charges. Judge Wood held that Senator Skelos’ appeal … Read more

Shapiro Arato Wins Sanctions Against Plaintiff in Roc-a-Fella Lawsuit

On December 23, 2015, Southern District Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis granted Shapiro Arato’s motion for sanctions against plaintiff Dwayne Walker and his counsel for refusing to produce discoverable text messages in connection with plaintiff’s lawsuit regarding the Roc-A-Fella Records logo. In its opinion and order, the Court explained that we had alleged that plaintiff … Read more