News: Press Release

New York State Appellative Division First Department Awards Offit Kurman Pro-Bono Client, Steven Donziger, Disciplinary Proceeding Open to the Public

For Immediate Release

New York, NY | December 12, 2018 Renowned attorney and human rights activist Steven Donziger has overcome a significant obstacle in an ongoing smear campaign waged against him in the courts and the media. In a ruling for Mr. Donziger last week, the New York State Appellative Division, First Department, ordered that a disciplinary proceeding against him be opened to the press and public. Offit Kurman attorney Brendan Marx and special counsel Martin Garbus currently represent Mr. Donziger on a pro bono basis.

For decades, Mr. Donziger has fought to protect impoverished communities in the Amazon from exploitation by energy companies and others. He was lead American counsel in a historic $12 billion pollution judgment against Chevron. His detractors have engaged in a massive campaign to discredit him through various means, including what are known as "SLAPP" suits, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.

Mr. Marx lauded the recent ruling as a victory not only for their client but every defender of citizens' fundamental legal rights."This is an important victory for all of us who believe in the Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of the press and the principle that injustice is best protected against by shedding light on wrongdoing, including wrongdoing in the courtroom," he said.

Staunch advocates for free speech, Mr. Marx and Mr. Garbus have been involved in numerous high-profile civil rights and defamation cases. Earlier this year, the duo secured a victory for radio personality Don Imus in a wrongful termination claim in the Supreme Court of New York, which dismissed the case after the plaintiff's arguments were found to "[rely] on a series of blanket conclusory assertions and assumptions." Further information about the case can be found here.

Martin Garbus has a diverse practice that consists of individuals and companies involved in politics, media, entertainment, and the arts. His courtroom skills have earned him a distinguished reputation as a trial lawyer. Throughout the course of his career, Mr. Garbus has appeared before the United States Supreme Court, as well as myriad trial and appellate courts. A number of his cases have established new legal precedents in the Supreme Court and in courts throughout the country. Over the years, numerous media outlets—including Fortune, CNN, Bloomberg Businessweek, and various legal magazines and journals—have profiled or featured Mr. Garbus, or ranked him among the US legal elite. Time magazine has called him “legendary” and “one of the greatest trial lawyers in the country.”

Brendan Marx represents high-net-worth individuals, business and organizations in a wide range of fields, including first amendment law. He also represents numerous cooperative corporations and condominium associations, charities, and other nonprofit organizations.

Mr. Garbus and Mr. Marx are among the nearly two dozen attorneys who have recently chosen to affiliate with Offit Kurman in New York. To learn more about the firm’s services, capabilities, and recent expansions in New York, visit offitkurman.com.

 

Martin Garbus

mgarbus@offitkurman.com | 347-589-8513

Martin Garbus has a diverse practice that consists of individuals and companies involved in politics, media, entertainment, and the arts. His courtroom skills have earned him a distinguished reputation as a trial lawyer. Throughout the course of his career, Mr. Garbus has appeared before the United States Supreme Court, as well as myriad trial and appellate courts. A number of his cases have established new legal precedents in the Supreme Court and in courts throughout the country. Over the years, numerous media outlets—including Fortune, CNN, Bloomberg Businessweek, and various legal magazines and journals—have profiled or featured Mr. Garbus, or ranked him among the US legal elite. Time magazine has called him “legendary” and “one of the greatest trial lawyers in the country.”

 

Brendan Marx

bmarx@offitkurman.com | 347-589-8505

Mr. Marx represents high-net worth individuals, business and organizations in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, retail sales, financial services, entertainment, legal services and other industries. He also represents numerous cooperative corporations and condominium associations, charities, and other non-profit organizations.

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Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 180 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our twelve offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia markets, as well as the Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City metropolitan areas. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

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