NYC lawyer Dmitriy Shakhnevich, In Conversation With...

Who is Gerald Lefcourt? Gerald Lefcourt is a prominent American criminal defense attorney known for his high-profile cases and his defense of clients involved in complex and often controversial legal matters. Over his career, Lefcourt has represented a diverse array of clients, including political figures, business executives, and celebrities. His work has spanned various aspects of criminal law, from white-collar crimes to drug offenses. Lefcourt began his legal career in the 1960s, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in the United States. This environment influenced his approach to law, and he quickly became known for his willingness to take on challenging cases that often garnered significant media attention. One of his early notable cases involved representing members of the Black Panther Party, reflecting his commitment to defending civil rights. Throughout his career, Lefcourt has been actively involved in the legal community, serving in leadership roles within several legal organizations. He has been a past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the New York Criminal Bar Association. His contributions to the legal field have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, underscoring his influence and reputation among his peers. Lefcourt's legal expertise is complemented by his ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system, often employing innovative strategies to defend his clients. His dedication to his clients and his tenacity in the courtroom have earned him a reputation as a formidable advocate. His work has not only impacted the lives of his clients but has also contributed to broader discussions on legal practices and reforms in the United States. Beyond his legal practice, Lefcourt is known for his commitment to education and mentorship, frequently lecturing at law schools and legal seminars. He has also authored articles on various aspects of criminal defense, sharing his knowledge and insights with the next generation of lawyers. His legacy in the legal profession is marked by his unwavering dedication to justice and his significant contributions to the field of criminal defense.

Who is Marvyn Kornberg? Marvyn Kornberg is a prominent American criminal defense attorney, well-known for his vigorous representation of clients in high-profile cases. Over his career, Kornberg has garnered a reputation for his meticulous and aggressive defense strategies, which have been pivotal in securing favorable outcomes for many of his clients. Kornberg's prominence in the legal field is partly due to his involvement in several sensational cases that have captured public and media attention. One of his notable clients was John Gotti Jr., son of the infamous Gambino crime family boss John Gotti. Kornberg's role in defending Gotti Jr. against charges related to organized crime further solidified his standing as a formidable defense attorney capable of handling complex and highly publicized cases.

Who is Donna Rotunno? Donna Rotunno is an American criminal defense attorney who gained significant attention for her role as the lead defense lawyer for Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape. Rotunno, known for her assertive and combative style in the courtroom, became a central figure in one of the most high-profile trials of the #MeToo era. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Rotunno earned her law degree from DePaul University College of Law. She subsequently built a successful legal career specializing in criminal defense, representing clients in a wide range of cases, including those involving allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Rotunno gained widespread notoriety for her defense of Harvey Weinstein during his highly publicized trial in New York City in 2020. Throughout the trial, she vigorously challenged the prosecution's case and sought to undermine the credibility of Weinstein's accusers, employing aggressive cross-examination tactics and arguing that the encounters were consensual. Her representation of Weinstein sparked intense debate and criticism, with many viewing her as emblematic of the systemic issues surrounding the handling of sexual assault cases and the treatment of survivors in the legal system.

Who is Frank Shamrock? Frank Shamrock is a retired American mixed martial artist who made significant contributions to the sport during his career. Born Frank Alisio Juarez III on December 8, 1972, he was adopted and raised by Bob Shamrock, whose last name he took. Shamrock is often credited as one of the pioneers of modern mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly in the United States. He competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he became the inaugural UFC Middleweight Champion. Shamrock also held titles in other organizations such as the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) and Strikeforce, showcasing his versatility across different promotions. Notably, Shamrock was known for his well-rounded skill set, blending wrestling, submission grappling, and striking techniques effectively. His fights were characterized by his strategic approach and ability to adapt to different opponents. Beyond his achievements inside the cage, Shamrock has been involved in various aspects of MMA outside of competition. He worked as a commentator, trainer, and mentor to other fighters, contributing to the growth and development of the sport. However, Shamrock's career was not without controversy. He faced legal issues and personal struggles, including a period of incarceration. Despite these challenges, he remains a significant figure in MMA history, remembered for his contributions to the sport's evolution and popularity.

Who is Tim Sylvia? Tim Sylvia is a former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the heavyweight division. He is best known for his time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he became the UFC Heavyweight Champion twice. Sylvia was known for his imposing stature and powerful striking, which made him a formidable opponent in the cage. Despite facing various ups and downs in his career, including controversies and injuries, Sylvia left a significant mark on the world of MMA with his accomplishments inside the octagon.

Who is Randall Kennedy? Randall Kennedy is an esteemed American legal scholar, author, and educator. Born on September 10, 1954, in Columbia, South Carolina, Kennedy has made significant contributions to legal discourse, particularly in the areas of race relations, civil rights, and the law. After completing his undergraduate studies at Princeton University and obtaining his law degree from Yale Law School, Kennedy began his career in academia. He served as a law clerk for Judge J. Skelly Wright of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and later for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1984, Kennedy joined the faculty of Harvard Law School, where he currently holds the position of Michael R. Klein Professor of Law. Throughout his tenure, he has been highly regarded for his scholarly work and commitment to legal education. Kennedy has authored several influential books that have had a significant impact on legal scholarship and public discourse. His writings often challenge prevailing assumptions and stimulate critical thinking about race and the legal system. Kennedy is also known for his engagement in public discourse, regularly contributing essays and opinion pieces to various publications. He is a respected voice on issues of racial justice and equality, offering thoughtful analysis and commentary on contemporary social and legal issues.

Who is Dan Severn? Dan Severn is a legendary figure in mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. Born on June 8, 1958, in Coldwater, Michigan, Severn has had a multifaceted career in combat sports. He first gained prominence as an amateur wrestler, winning numerous championships and accolades, including becoming an All-American at Arizona State University. In the realm of MMA, Severn is recognized as one of the pioneers of the sport. He competed in the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where his grappling prowess and brute strength made him a formidable opponent. Severn's fighting style was characterized by his exceptional wrestling ability and ground-and-pound techniques. During his MMA career, Severn amassed an impressive record and held titles in various organizations. He is one of the few fighters to have competed professionally in both MMA and wrestling simultaneously, showcasing his versatility and skill in both disciplines. In addition to his MMA career, Severn also ventured into professional wrestling, where he achieved success under the moniker "The Beast." He competed in promotions such as the WWE (then WWF), where he became a recognizable figure due to his imposing presence and wrestling ability. Severn's contributions to combat sports extend beyond his achievements in the ring. He has also worked as a coach, trainer, and mentor to aspiring fighters, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes. Throughout his career, Dan Severn has left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports, earning a reputation as one of the toughest and most skilled competitors in MMA and professional wrestling history.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Jeffrey Deskovic on the wrongful criminal prosecution that led to his incarceration at 16 years old, for nearly two decades, the causes of wrongful convictions, why someone would confess if he or she is innocent, police and prosecutorial misconduct, bad lawyering, how to fix the system, holding public servants accountable and Jeffrey's fight for justice after his prison release.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Dana Rubin on Gloria Steinem, her project “75 Extraordinary Speeches by American Women,” Dana's lifetime passion, why Dana's project was so important, how Dana narrowed her list to 75, whether Dana is optimistic or pessimistic, feminism, public reactions to Dana's book, failure of schools in pushing female voices, free speech and Dana's future.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Bruce Buffer on his history in martial arts, announcing work for the UFC, half-brother Michael Buffer, the atmosphere at live UFC events, evolution of MMA over the years, his “It's time!” catchphrase, doing announcing for sports other than MMA, being a businessman, feeding off the crowd at UFC events, how busy he wants to be, poker, Bruce's book, future of the UFC, Floyd Mayweather, boxing and Dana White.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Michael Dowd on his corrupt career as a cop in New York City, how his corruption started, atmosphere of crime in NYC in the 1980s, how Michael's criminal activity escalated, fear of getting caught, Michael's partner cooperating against him, being arrested, prosecuted and jailed as a cop, Michael's regrets, the impact of Michael's behavior on the police, the “few bad apples” theory, whether Michael would have done anything differently and the movie about Michael's story.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Bas Rutten on the impact of bullying on his MMA career, why Bas got into fighting, coming to the United States, fighting in Japan and Japanese fight fans, 2006 MMA comeback, advice to young fighters, why other promotions can't compete with the UFC, fighter unions, PEDs in MMA, transitioning to other careers after fighting, acting and Kimbo Slice.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Kelly Pavlik on his life after boxing, becoming a businessman after being a boxer, putting on the biggest fights in boxing, the Middle Eastern involvement in boxing, Jake Paul, how Kelly got involved in boxing, Kelly's path to the world title, fighting Jermain Taylor, life as word champion, the Bernard Hopkins and Sergio Martinez fights, whether boxing is a dirty business and whether Kelly will ever be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Barbara McQuade on her book, “Attack from Within,” and the dangers of misinformation, misinformation and the 2016 presidential election, 1st Amendment limitations to regulating misinformation in America, the dangers of AI, the importance of parenting as it relates to what children consume online, misinformation and polarization in society, running a prosecutor's office, prosecuting public corruption cases, prosecutorial discretion in America, whether Donald Trump is being politically prosecuted and the difference between practicing law and teaching law.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Michael Vecchione on his decades-long career prosecuting sex crimes, homicides and organized crime cases in Brooklyn, how New York City has changed over the past several decades, in terms of crime, “stop and frisk” and “broken windows,” Michael's years-long pursuit to prosecute corrupt judges, who were taking bribes in exchange for favorable rulings, investigating two NYPD cops who worked as hit men for the mob, the doctor who stole and sold body parts and Michael's new career as an author.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with J. Tony Serra on why he went to law school, why he regrets serving as a prosecutor when he started his career, representing the most undireseable criminal defendants in America, overcoming the “presumption of guilt” in criminal cases, representing “anti-establishment” figures, Tony's passion for his work and improvements that law schools can make in educating lawyers.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Yuri Foreman on Yuri's pursuit of boxing, growing up in Israel, fighting Miguel Cotto in Yankee Stadium, whether boxing is a “dirty” business, Yuri's advice to young fighters, becoming a rabbi, reconciling religion and violence in the ring, the importance of faith to human development, life lessons learned from boxing and Yuri's historical accomplishments.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Cung Le on his journey to becoming a champion, how he got into MMA, training with top MMA gym AKA, former teammate Cain Velasquez, fighting Frank Shamrock for the title in Strikeforce, coming to the UFC, facing Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin and Michael Bisping, coaching on “The Ultimate Fighter,” conflict with the UFC and his eventual departure, retirement, lawsuit against the UFC, starring in films with Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren and Cung's commitment to his faith.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with F. Lee Bailey on trying cases in the military, “The Fugitive,” Dr. Sam Sheppard, the case of the Boston Strangler, Albert DeSalvo, Captain Ernest Medina and the tragic My Lai massacre, the trial of Patty Hearst, serving on the “Dream Team” and representing OJ Simpson, what it's like to have taken part in historical cases and the sustainability of running a criminal defense practice in America.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Chris Darden on his campaign for judge in the State of California, why Chris became a prosecutor, what it takes to be a good trial lawyer, working in gangs and special investigations, how policing has changed over the past several decades, prosecutorial discretion, the most problematic issue in the criminal justice system today, the impact of the OJ Simpson murder trial, how the Simpson trial impacted Chris Darden's career and what it's like to be a part of American history.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Eddie Hayes on his career as a prosecutor in the Bronx, how NYC has changed over the years, being raised by a father who was a “bad alcoholic,” transitioning from prosecutor to defense lawyer, why defense lawyers have bad reputations, defending mob cases, the Andy Warhol estate, the Mafia Cops trial, Tom Wolfe and The Bonfire of the Vanities, being a “hustler,” how important is hardship in achieving success, Eddie's childhood trauma, Goodfellas and Robert De Niro, the NYC “migrant crisis,” bail in New York, mental health, policing and Donald Trump.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Brittany Barnett on getting non-violent drug offenders out of prison, the War on Drugs, prosecutorial discretion, misconduct and regulation, clemency, the law of conspiracy, the Buried Alive Project, facilitating the release of 17 people in 90 days, the First Step Act, non-partisanship of non-violent drug sentencing reforms, the Third Strike Campaign, Alice Marie Johnson and Kim Kardashian, decriminalization, the impact of social media on criminal justice reform, the public perception of drug crime in America, sustainable liberation, future projects and upcoming work.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Nissim Black on the attack on October 7, Nissim's immediate reaction, what Nissim has heard from Americans about October 7, antisemitism in America, antisemitism on college campuses, Nissim's background, upbringing and religious odyssey, how Nissim's religion has impacted his career in hip hop, Nissim's transition to Judaism and move to Israel, Kanye West and upcoming projects.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Ty Cobb on his tenure in the White House, the Mueller investigation, whether Trump is being politically prosecuted, whether lawyers are under attack after Trump's indictment in Georgia, Rudy Giuliani's legal problems, how Trump's criminal cases will impact the election, whether Trump's indictments are helping him politically, Trump's removal from the Colorado and Maine ballots, 1st Amendment issues in connection with the January 6 allegations, Trump's gag orders, whether Trump's statements to the press will hurt him legally, Trump's right against self-incrimination, cameras in the courtroom and what will happen with Trump's criminal cases in 2024.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Robert Meeropol on his parents, convicted spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, how his opinion of his parents has changed over the years, flaws and miscarriages of justice in this parents' prosecution, interest in the case 70 years later, efforts to exonerate the Rosenbergs, Rosenberg prosecutor Roy Cohn and his representation of Donald Trump, and current efforts being undertaken in the Rosenberg case.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Scott Bullock on the Institute for Justice, eminent domain, under what circumstances can the government take away your property, New York's eminent domain laws, civil vs criminal forfeiture, government corruption, parents' rights in addressing their kids' educational needs, free speech in America and the most important Constitutional issues of the next several years and decades.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Jack Barsky on his early life and recruitment into KGB espionage, cultural adjustment to life in America, the process of receiving assignments and reporting back to superiors, escaping the KGB, Soviet assassination and jailtime in America, modern day espionage in the age of the Internet, social media and AI and Jack's biggest regret about his life in espionage.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Alan Dershowitz on the role of the criminal lawyer, representing “bad” people, the OJ Simpson trial, freedom of speech, hate speech, cancel culture, Donald Trump's legal problems, the 4th Amendment, due process and the presumption of innocence.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Tim Donaghy on refereeing in the NBA, dealing with “combative” players, Malice at the Palace, 2007 NBA betting scandal, visit from the FBI, criminal prosecution and cooperation, how Tim says the NBA protects its stars and whether or not Tim bet on his own games.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Floyd Abrams on the impact of COVID, the First Amendment, free speech, hate speech, cancel culture, regulating social media, Elon Musk, recent defamation cases, including those involving Donald Trump and Kanye West, the Pentagon Papers, Citizens United and campaign finance.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Ken Shamrock on his background and upbringing, the child welfare system in America, the impact of fame and exposure on human beings, transitioning from an athlete to a businessman, self-awareness and motivational speaking, and life lessons

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Martin Tankleff on his criminal case and wrongful conviction, bad lawyering, the roles of police, prosecutors and judges, DNA evidence, rehabilitation, mental health and the American prison system, the death penalty and moving forward in the face of adversity.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Ilya Shapiro on his background, professional vs academic legal work, Constitutional scholarship, controversy at Georgetown, freedom of speech, cancel culture, the connection between the Supreme Court and politics, state action, court packing and term limits.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Greg Kading on the multi-law enforcement task force that investigated the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, Greg's conclusions as to who was involved, whether anyone will ever be prosecuted, dealing with the media in high-profile cases and how policing has changed over the past few decades.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Claire Finkelstein on the dangers of politicization as it relates to the DOJ and US military, presidential immunity and whether Donald Trump was/is immune from prosecution, contrasting the democratic ideals of Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Greg Lukianoff on free speech, expression and individual rights, The Coddling of the American Mind and emotional fragility on college campuses, the impact of social media and cancel culture on the difficulties facing young Americans and the biggest threats to the First Amendment in the coming years

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Art Davie on the early stages of the UFC, widespread resistance to MMA in the early 90s, marketing a violent sport to the general public, difficulty of getting states and commissions to regulate the sport, fixing bad judging, fighter unionization, the future of MMA, UFC Hall of Fame induction and being roommates with Donald Trump at New York Military Academy.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Keri Blakinger on her background and skating career, the impact of high-level sport on the human psyche, introduction into the criminal justice system, rehabilitation and the US prison system, mental health and racial inequities in prisons, career in journalism and Corrections in Ink.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with James JF Forest on warfare and public safety in the digital age, “digital mercenaries,” social media disinformation, legal efforts to curb the spread of disinformation, Constitutional limits on those efforts, duty of parents, obligations on schools of educate the youth, the impact of the 2016 US Presidential Election, how to recognize and combat fake news and looking ahead to the 2024 US Presidential Election.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Richard Bagozzi on why so many aren't happy, even as the world improves in terms of standards of living, the elements of happiness, efforts to quantify happiness, vital role of self-awareness, importance of developing and maintaining good relationships, struggles among academic and student bodies in finding happiness, physical fitness, diet and good health, and Professor Bagozzi's interest in studying happiness.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Lawrence Douglas on his research into the prosecution of Nazi war criminals, case of John Demjanjuk, possible prosecution of Vladimir Putin on the worldwide stage, assertions that Donald Trump is being politically prosecuted, January 6 and possible 1st Amendment implications, 2024 presidential election and the Supreme Court's disconnect from the desires of the American public.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Paul Craig on the differences between legal teaching methodologies in the United Kingdom vs the United States, differences in the practice of law and the legal profession, competent lawyering, the English common law system and separation of powers, worldwide erosion of Constitutional rights and whether or not the UK's Constitution is working.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Cyrus Vance Jr. on running the Manhattan DA's Office, public service, prosecutorial discretion, resisting public pressure in making prosecutorial decisions, prosecutorial oversight, prosecuting “white collar crime,” being prosecutor vs politician, pre-trial discovery, bail reform and desired changes to the criminal justice system.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Keith Hylton on the tort litigation property rights we have in our own bodies, and those of others, the impact of the black market on those rights, anti-trust law and capitalism, anti-trust and intellectual property law in the digital age, punishment in our criminal justice system and rehabilitation.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with David Weisburd on the impact of police misconduct on police departments, the “few bad apples” theory, stop and frisk, dealing with mental health, body cameras, community policing, police accountability, the impact of the media on policing, crime deterrence, “defunding the police” and issues involving policing in the coming years.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Nadine Strossen on her background in civil liberties work, the current agenda of the ACLU and whether it still fights for 1st Amendment freedoms, hate speech and “good censorship,” cancel culture and why even private actors should not violate the spirit of the 1st Amendment, the duty of law schools to graduate 1st Amendment-conscious lawyers and whether or not the current US Supreme Court will work to erode 1st Amendment protections.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Ilya Somin on the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action ruling, racial inequities and historical discrimination, the “legacy admissions” complaint against Harvard, student loan forgiveness, the impact of biased media and Tucker Carlson's departure from Fox News, the indictments against Donald Trump, whether the US is doing enough for Ukrainian refugees, whether Vladimir Putin will ever be held accountable for the invasion of Ukraine, “classic liberals” vs the “new right” and free speech in America.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Lawrence Schiller on his background in journalism and photojournalism, battle with dyslexia, JFK assassination conspiracy theories, Lenny Bruce as the original victim of “cancel culture,” 1986 work with the Kremlin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, OJ Simpson trial and JonBenét Ramsey case.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Michael Finkel on why “true crime,” has drawn so much appeal over the past few years, his newest book, “The Art Thief” and Stéphane Breitwieser, how Breitwieser was a unique thief in that he did not steal for money, what led Breitwieser to crime, whether Breitwieser can be rehabilitated, whether art thievery is “glamorous,” whether Breitwieser was a genius, efforts to capture Breitwieser, where Breitwieser kept his stolen art, being portrayed by Jonah Hill in “True Story,” the man who lived alone in the woods for 27 years in “The Stranger in the Woods” and what's next for Mike Finkel.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Esq., in conversation with Eugene Volokh on cancel culture on college campuses, whether cancel culture is a generational phenomenon, immigrant sensitivity to free speech restriction, whether “false information” should be censored online, the “actual malice” requirement in certain defamation cases, social media companies and “hate speech” policies, whether we should protect “hate speech,” Connecticut's “racial ridicule” law, whether ChatGPT and AI are threats to the legal profession and when robots will replace lawyers.