Lara T. Gatz

Lara is a highly accomplished New York and Florida trial lawyer with more than 30 years of litigation experience. Lara has successfully tried 26 federal cases to verdict, many of which were complex and high-profile, and handled over 40 federal appeals. As a partner in Reed Smith’s Regulatory & Investigations practice group, Lara conducts internal investigations on behalf of large corporations and represents both corporations and individuals facing complex government investigations, criminal and regulatory proceedings, and related civil litigation. Lara has significant experience in Trust & Estate Litigation and Cryptocurrency Recovery Litigation. Prior to joining Reed Smith, Lara served as a Federal Prosecutor with the Department of Justice for 22 years in both the Southern District of Florida as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and as Senior Litigation Counsel and Senior Trial Counsel in the Eastern District of New York. Lara also worked at the New York City Law Department as an Assistant Corporation Counsel where she was assigned to the Special Federal Litigation Division.

Experience

Representative matters

In a case of first impression before the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Hernando County, Florida (2024-2025), obtained a Temporary Restraining Order on behalf of a private individual claimant, freezing all wallets and accounts in which the respondent had improperly transferred and held the claimant’s cryptocurrency.

In Re Pierre Levai (2024) Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida: Secured dismissal of Petition for Administration of Estate by Conflicted Attorney; Secured victory for clients in their Verified Objection to Admission of Codicil and Appointment of third party as Personal Representative of the Estate.

United States v. Christopher McPartland and Thomas Spota, Eastern District of New York (2015–2021): secured a conviction after trial of the former district attorney of Suffolk County and the former chief of the Public Corruption Bureau of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for witness tampering and obstructing a federal grand jury investigation of the assault of a handcuffed prisoner by then chief of the Suffolk County Police Department, James Burke.

United States v. Edward Mangano et al., Eastern District of New York (2017–2021): secured a conviction after trial of the former county executive of Nassau County for accepting bribes and kickbacks from a restaurateur, including a “no-show” job for his wife, in exchange for official government action. Also secured a conviction of the former county executive’s wife after trial for conspiring to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to FBI agents about her “employment” with the restaurateur.

United States v. James Burke, Eastern District of New York (2015–2016): secured a conviction of former chief of department, Suffolk County Police Department for assaulting an in-custody, handcuffed prisoner and then participating in a conspiracy to obstruct the federal investigation of the assault.

United States v. Zwanger-Pesiri, Eastern District of New York (2016): secured a conviction of a large radiological group for engaging in schemes to fraudulently obtain reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. Negotiated and collected $10.5 million in restitution and forfeiture.

United States v. Daniel Sheehan, Eastern District of New York (2013): secured a conviction after trial of disgruntled Home Depot employee for attempting to extort $2 million from Home Depot using a pipe bomb secreted on a shelf in a retail store.

The Prescription Drug Initiative, Eastern District of New York (2011–2021): spearheaded intra-agency and cross-industry effort to combat prescription drug epidemic. Secured convictions of five physicians and two pharmacists for illegal distribution of oxycodone.

The Coin Fraud Prosecutions, Eastern District of New York (2009–2012): secured convictions of 15 individuals after trial for operating multiple coin fraud boiler rooms over a 20-year period in which predominantly elderly customers were defrauded of approximately $70 million. Obtained $10 million in restitution.

The Gang and Robbery Crew Prosecutions, Eastern District of New York (2004–2016): secured convictions of dozens of members of Bloods, Latin Kings, and Ñetas street gangs and various robbery crew members for murder in aid of racketeering, robbery, gun possession, and assault.

The Auto Crimes Prosecution, Eastern District of New York (2003–2004): secured convictions of 20 individuals for operating largest “chop-shop” on East Coast. Obtained $15 million in asset forfeiture.

Patrick Bailey v. The City of New York et al., Eastern District of New York (2000): secured defense verdict in federal civil rights action defending the City and four police officers who shot and killed an individual in a street encounter.

Daniels et al. v. The City of New York et al., Southern District of New York (2000–2001): represented the City in a class action lawsuit challenging the New York City Police Department’s stop-and-frisk policy.

Recognitions

Federal Prosecutor of the Year Award, Federal Law Enforcement Foundation
Charles E. Rose Award for Outstanding Services as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District Association
Three-time recipient of The True American Hero Award, Federal Drugs Agents Foundation