- Key Points:
- Avraham “Avi” Moskowitz is a highly regarded attorney specializing in criminal defense and commercial litigation, based in New York.
- He graduated from Columbia Law School in 1980 and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York from 1985 to 1991.
- Moskowitz has extensive trial experience, having tried over 50 cases, including a notable federal capital case in New York.
- He is recognized as a “Super Lawyer” and a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, reflecting his legal expertise.
- His work includes high-profile cases in securities fraud, public corruption, and civil litigation, with a focus on client advocacy.
Who Is Avraham Moskowitz ?
Avraham Moskowitz, often known as “Avi,” is a prominent New York attorney with a distinguished career in criminal defense and commercial litigation. A 1980 graduate of Columbia Law School, he has built a reputation for handling complex legal cases with skill and dedication. His work spans federal and state courts, where he has represented clients in cases ranging from white-collar crimes to capital murder.
Career Highlights
Moskowitz’s legal journey began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he served from 1985 to 1991. During this time, he tried 24 cases to verdict and argued numerous appeals, gaining invaluable courtroom experience. Since transitioning to private practice, he has tried over 25 additional cases, including a rare federal capital case in New York, where he successfully helped his client avoid the death penalty. His ability to navigate high-stakes cases has made him a sought-after advocate.
Areas of Expertise
Moskowitz excels in both criminal defense and civil litigation. His criminal defense practice covers securities fraud, public corruption, racketeering, and capital murder, while his civil practice includes cases involving breach of contract, employment discrimination, and intellectual property. He has also worked on cases under the New York State Child Victims Act, showcasing his versatility.
Recognition and Contributions
Beyond his legal practice, Moskowitz is an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at New York Law School since 1991 and a faculty member of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. He has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, been named a “Super Lawyer,” and was elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2011, highlighting his standing in the legal community.
Avraham Moskowitz: A Titan of Criminal Defense and Commercial Litigation
Avraham “Avi” Moskowitz stands as a towering figure in the legal world, renowned for his exceptional skill in criminal defense and commercial litigation. With a career spanning over four decades, Moskowitz has earned a reputation as a formidable advocate, a dedicated educator, and a legal scholar whose work has left an indelible mark on the justice system.
Early Life and Education
While specific details about Moskowitz’s early life are not widely publicized, his academic foundation is well-documented. He graduated from Columbia Law School in 1980, one of the nation’s most prestigious legal institutions. This rigorous education equipped him with the analytical and advocacy skills that would define his career. His time at Columbia laid the groundwork for a deep understanding of legal principles, which he later applied in both prosecutorial and defense roles.
A Prosecutorial Foundation
Moskowitz’s legal career began with a significant role as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York from 1985 to 1991. During this period, he prosecuted a wide range of cases, trying 24 cases to verdict and arguing numerous appeals before the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. This experience honed his courtroom skills and provided him with an insider’s perspective on the prosecution process, which later proved invaluable in his defense work. His tenure as a prosecutor established him as a meticulous and strategic litigator, capable of navigating complex legal challenges.
A Powerhouse in Criminal Defense
After leaving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Moskowitz transitioned to private practice, where he quickly became a leading figure in criminal defense. His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of cases, including securities fraud, public corruption, racketeering, and capital murder. He has represented clients in federal courts across New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, as well as in New York state courts. His ability to handle high-stakes cases is exemplified by his role in United States v. Quinones and Rodriguez, where he was one of the few attorneys to try a federal capital case to verdict in New York, successfully helping his client avoid the death penalty.
Over the past 30 years, Moskowitz has represented over 50 clients charged with capital crimes in federal courts in New York, a testament to his expertise in handling the most serious criminal charges. His approach combines legal acumen with strategic advocacy, often securing favorable outcomes such as acquittals, non-custodial sentences, or dropped charges. Notable cases include:
- Acquittal in Medicare Fraud Case: Secured an acquittal for a medical professional charged with Medicare fraud, demonstrating his ability to dismantle complex prosecution arguments.
- Non-Custodial Sentence for Fraud: Negotiated a non-custodial sentence for a client who pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud a charitable organization in connection with a benefit concert.
- Dismissed Extortion Charges: Successfully had extortion charges dismissed against a corporate executive in an organized crime indictment.
- Non-Prosecution Agreement: Obtained a non-prosecution agreement for a business owner alleged to be involved in an illegal waste dumping conspiracy.
Moskowitz’s ability to advocate effectively before prosecuting and regulatory authorities has also helped numerous clients avoid indictment altogether, showcasing his proactive approach to legal defense.
Expertise in Civil Litigation
In addition to his criminal defense work, Moskowitz is a skilled civil litigator, handling cases involving civil RICO, breach of contract, employment discrimination, insurance coverage, products liability, intellectual property, and litigation under the New York State Child Victims Act. His civil practice is marked by significant victories, such as:
- Multi-Million Dollar Judgment: Secured a multi-million dollar summary judgment for a pharmaceutical company in a coverage dispute.
- Substantial Verdict for Employee: Won a substantial verdict for an employee fired for rejecting sexual advances, highlighting his commitment to workplace justice.
His versatility in navigating both criminal and civil law distinguishes him as a well-rounded attorney capable of addressing diverse legal challenges.
Trial Experience and Advocacy
Moskowitz’s trial experience is unparalleled. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he tried 24 cases to verdict, and as a defense lawyer, he has tried over 25 cases in federal and state courts in New York. His ability to connect with juries and judges, combined with his strategic preparation, makes him a persuasive advocate in the courtroom. His appellate work before the Second Circuit further demonstrates his ability to argue complex legal issues effectively.
Contributions to Legal Education
Beyond his legal practice, Moskowitz is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of attorneys. Since 1991, he has served as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at New York Law School, where he imparts his extensive courtroom experience to students. He is also a faculty member of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), a prestigious organization dedicated to training lawyers in trial skills. His teaching roles reflect his passion for mentorship and his desire to elevate the standards of legal practice.
Recognition and Professional Affiliations
Moskowitz’s contributions to the legal profession have earned him widespread recognition. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards. In 2011, he was elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional trial skills and significant contributions to the legal field. For the past 15 years, he has been named a “Super Lawyer” and listed in “Best Lawyers in America,” underscoring his status as one of the top attorneys in his field.
Moskowitz is actively involved in several professional organizations, including:
- New York Council of Defense Lawyers
- New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- American Bar Association-White Collar Section
These affiliations reflect his commitment to staying engaged with the legal community and contributing to discussions on critical legal issues.
A Legacy of Excellence
Avraham Moskowitz’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, expertise, and integrity in the practice of law. His ability to achieve favorable outcomes in complex cases, combined with his contributions to legal education and his recognition by peers, positions him as a true titan in the legal field. Whether defending clients against serious criminal charges or advocating in high-stakes civil disputes, Moskowitz brings a unique blend of skill, compassion, and strategic insight to every case.
His work not only delivers justice for his clients but also sets a standard for excellence in the legal profession. As he continues to practice, teach, and mentor, Moskowitz’s legacy as a champion of justice and a leader in the legal community continues to grow.
Representative Cases
The following table summarizes some of Moskowitz’s notable legal achievements:
| Case Type | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Medicare Fraud | Acquittal for medical professional |
| Charitable Organization Fraud | Non-custodial sentence for client pleading guilty |
| Robbery and Weapons Charges | Charges dropped for client whose brother conspired to rob a drug dealer |
| Securities Fraud | Plea to misprision of felony for corporate executive |
| Capital Prosecution | Life sentence for torture murder of police informant |
| Illegal Waste Dumping Conspiracy | Non-prosecution agreement for business owner |
| Tax Evasion | Non-custodial sentence for millions in unreported income |
| Extortion in Organized Crime | Charges dismissed against corporate executive |
| Pharmaceutical Coverage Dispute | Multi-million dollar summary judgment for pharmaceutical company |
| Employment Discrimination | Substantial verdict for employee fired for rejecting sexual advances |