With an unusual structure that qualifies as “boutique” even while composed of a team domiciled in offices in New York and Washington, DC, Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler juggles a novel mix of white-collar crime, commercial litigation and employment work. Starting in 2009, the firm showcases talent that boasts credentials from larger and better-known law firms, while continually building a dispute-resolution team to rival those at these other firms.
Jonathan Harris in the New York office is a recipient of resounding praise from peers and clients. One client sums up Harris as “really composed and calm, yet a fierce advocate and litigator,” and goes on to elaborate, “Jon carefully listens to understands every relevant aspect of the situation and then thinks out of the box to come up with the best possible solution. He does not have to act tough to be tough. [He is] Soft spoken but tactical and can be aggressive or ruthless if needed.” Another extols, “Jon is a consummate counselor and fixer, a deep thought partner, highly creative, and detailed. [He] Plays chess with the other side and helps you stay ahead.” A contemporary and former opponent calls Harris “an A+ level trial lawyer,” and confirms, “He's great with judges, witnesses and juries. It’s hard to not like him, even [when you’re] against him. [He’s] Just terrific overall.” Harris and employment-focused name partner
David Wechsler represented a former trader at Deutsche Bank who was indicted during the global LIBOR investigations for alleged manipulation of benchmark interest rates. An initial conviction at trial was reversed on appeal by the Second Circuit, which fully exonerated the client, agreeing with the firm’s argument that the trader was not a member of senior management and that his conduct did not constitute any wrongdoing. Following the acquittal, the firm team brought a claim against Deutsche Bank for civil malicious prosecution, alleging that Deutsche Bank, to protect the real decision makers in senior management, scapegoated the client and provided false information (or failed to provide truthful information) to the government. After defeating Deutsche Bank’s motion to dismiss, the parties settled. Another New York partner,
Yonaton Aronoff, is another client favorite. “He is an excellent strategic thinker and courtroom advocate,” claims one such client.
Joseph Gallagher makes the leap from future star to litigation star in this edition on the gathering momentum of peer recognition and client accolades. One client calls Gallagher, “prepared, committed, insightful, intelligent and practical,” and explains, “Joe listens to our problems and questions, and helps us come up with an approach that works for us. He is incredibly practical and resourceful.”
Resident in the firm’s DC office, Barry Pollack attends to a white-collar niche. A client describes Pollack as “an unrivalled expert in his field, who brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and experience and outside-the-box thinking.” Pollack led the defense of another prominent DC lawyer on multiple charges related to an alleged criminal sexual assault of another attorney. Pollack obtained an acquittal on all counts following a two-week jury trial.
