Source: https://www.ecbalaw.com/our-people/dan-kornstein/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 11:29:35+00:00

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Dan Kornstein is a skilled, experienced, and successful trial lawyer and appellate advocate, with an exciting and varied civil litigation practice. He has conducted over 100 trial-type proceedings (including 20 jury trials) and argued more than 80 appeals. To each case he brings a creative, energetic, and aggressive approach. Dan’s clients range from individuals (including Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, Academy Award winning actors, publishing executives, and rising entrepreneurs) to large corporations and financial institutions. In his 45 years at the bar, he has litigated several notable First Amendment cases, as well as substantial antitrust, securities, commercial, employment, product liability, family law, and international matters.
“Mr. Kornstein is a man of high principle, great compassion and profound intelligence who has elevated the practice of law to the level of moral statement. He has the personal integrity to stand up for people, books and causes he believes in, even when others do not.” Joe McGinniss (author), Acknowledgment in Blind Faith (1989).
Dan has been chosen as a New York Super Lawyer for many years and named in “The Top 100” in the 2010 New York Super Lawyers Metro Edition. For 30 consecutive years, Dan has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America in the Business Litigation category, and for 2019 is listed in four litigation practice areas: Commercial Litigation, Banking & Finance, Securities, and Trusts & Estates. He was the subject of a feature article (“Dan’s Law”) in the New York Metro 2012 Super Lawyers Magazine.
Before joining the firm in 2015, Dan was a founding partner of what the New York Law Journal referred to as the “prominent” “powerhouse” litigation boutique Kornstein Veisz Wexler & Pollard, LLP, where he practiced for 35 years until the firm dissolved.
“Dan is a complete lawyer, a lawyer not only as a master of technique, but also a lawyer as philosopher, as historian, as humanist.” Jack Fuller, Pulitzer Prize winner and former editor-in-chief and president of the Chicago Tribune (Super Lawyers Magazine New York Metro 2012).
A past president of the Law & Humanities Institute, Dan has coupled a busy law practice with frequent writing and speaking about the law. He has published nine non-fiction law-related books, eighteen law review articles, and hundreds of essays and book reviews (many in the New York Law Journal). His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, and Boston Globe, and has been cited by a number of courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Dan’s most recent book — The Second Greatest American — was published in June 2017 and is a study of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Successfully represented a prominent sculptor (Winston Chruchill’s grandaughter) who sued because a number of her original sculptures were broken while in the care and custody of defendants. After discovery and mediation, the matter settled favorably. Sandys v. Inson Dubois Wood LLC (Sup Ct. N.Y. Co. 2017).
After plaintiff’s prior counsel died in 2016, Dan became plaintiff’s chief counsel in this ongoing federal diversity case involving alleged breaches of financial warranties of assets/liabilities in connection with a 2008 business separation. At stake are tens of millions of dollars. Jordan v. Mirra (D. Del.) (McHugh, J.).
In 2017, Dan also started representing the same client as claimant in this FINRA arbitration. Our client alleges various misconduct by JP Morgan Chase, causing millions of dollars in damage. We successfully opposed several motions to dismiss and are scheduled for trial in November 2019. Jordan v. JP Morgan Chase (FINRA).
Dan litigated this breach of contract case on behalf of a company that supplied home health care aid to a nursing home that failed to pay. After a court ruling that denied dismissal of a claim for personal liability against the nursing home owner, the case settled in February 2019 for one hundred cents on the dollar ($6.5 million). Caring Professionals Inc. v. Excellent Home Care Services LLC (Sup. Ct. Kings Co. 2019).
Dan represented an advertising agency and mobile phone manufacturer sued for copyright infringement for using an excerpt of a song by deceased singer Nina Simone without paying the singer’s estate. Agency and manufacturer had paid a licensing organization for what they thought were the applicable rights. Case settled. Estate of Nina Simone v. HTC Corp. and Deutsch LA (S.D.N.Y. 2017).
In this breach of contract case, our client sued the New York City Economic Development Corporation for real estate brokerage commission due on renewal of a lease originally obtained by the broker. Case quickly settled for almost $500,000. Schlesinger & Co. v. NY EDC (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 2017).
Recently won Article 78 proceeding vacating denial of J-51 tax benefits to landlords following their renovations to residential rental properties. Ninth Avenue Realty LLC, et al. v. The City of New York, et al. (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. Oct. 10, 2018).
Recently won summary judgment dismissing remaining claims in a derivative suit by a limited partner against real estate partnerships. NWM Capital, LLC v. Scharfman (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. Sept 14, 2017), aff”d, _ A.D. 3d _, 2019 NY Slip Op 00674 (1st Dep’t Jan. 31, 2019). Previously won dismissal of other claims. 144 A.D.3d 414 (1st Dep’t 2016).
Recently won appeal affirming decision for discovery under 28 U.S.C. § 1782 in aid of foreign proceedings on behalf of victims of alleged large international art fraud. In re Accent Delight Int’l Ltd. and Xitrans Finance Ltd. 869 F. 3d 121 (2d Cir. 2017). Currently representing same clients in federal suit against large auction house for allegedly aiding and abetting fraud. Accent Delight Int’l Ltd. et ano. v. Sotheby’s, (Dkt. No. 18 Civ. 9011) (S.D.N.Y.) (Furman, J.).
In 2017 defeated two separate attempts by financial institutions to enjoin FINRA arbitrations, Merill Lynch v. Jordan; J.P. Morgan v. Jordan (D. Del. Apr. 27, 2017) (denying motions to preliminary injunctions), leading to dismissals soon after.
Filed amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in November 2016 on behalf of Asian Americans Advancing Justice/AAJC and other civil rights and advocacy groups in Matal v. Tam, 137 S. Ct. 1744 (2017) concerning the right to trademark derogatory terms such as “Slants” for an Asian -American band.
Won an appeal dismissing a $300 million defamation suit. El Jamal v. Weil, 116 A.D. 3rd 732, 988 N.Y.S.2d 146 (2d Dep’t 2014).
Won dismissal for 44 former partners of Dewey Ballantine LLP of suit brought by former landlord seeking personal liability for $220 million of unpaid rent. 1301 Properties v. Abelson, et al. (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Cnty. Apr. 1, 2016).
Currently represents political and cultural commentator Mark Steyn as a defendant in a libel suit brought by a climate change scientist. Mann v. National Review, et al. (Super. Ct. D.C.).
Litigated a landmark case about (1) client gifts to lawyers, (2) the “continuous representation” doctrine, and (3) unconscionability standards for contingency fee agreements. Lawrence v. Graubard Miller, 106 A.D.3d 607, 965 N.Y.S. 2d 495 (1st Dep’t 2013), rev’d, 24 N.Y.3d 320 (2014).
Obtained a $55 million settlement for regional bank in suit against several defendants for misrepresentations concerning collateralized debt obligations. M&T Bank Corp. v. Gemstone CDO VII Ltd., et al. (Sup. Ct. Erie Co. 2008).
Was co-trial counsel in a patent contract case resulting in a jury verdict for $25 million in damages and $10 million in interest. DePuy Inc. v. Biomedical Engineering Trust (D.N.J. 2000).
Won an $8.2 million judgment for a limited partner after a two-week trial against the general partner of a real estate limited partnership. Burstin Investors, Inc. v. K.N. Investors, Ltd., 239 A.D.2d 376, 657 N.Y. 743 (2d Dep’t 1997).
Represented Joe McGinniss, author of the true crime classic Fatal Vision, in a controversial suit brought by triple murderer Jeffrey MacDonald. This case, called “one of the most extraordinary civil actions in American legal history” (Edward Knappman, ed., Great American Trials ), was the subject of Janet Malcolm’s influential book The Journalist and The Murderer. A seven-week trial resulted in a hung jury, and the case was later settled for the same sum offered to MacDonald before trial by the publisher’s insurer. According to a 1988 article in the American Lawyer about the trial, “Kornstein, an experienced trial lawyer, was not about to let MacDonald elicit unwarranted sympathy from the jury. In an incisive and at times devastating cross-examination, [Kornstein] would pick apart MacDonald’s complaints about the book.” MacDonald v. McGinniss (C.D. Cal. 1987).
Represented a famous actress whose contract engagement was canceled by the Boston Symphony Orchestra because of her political views. A highly publicized three-week jury trial resulted in substantial damages for breach of contract. Controversial appeals interpreted the scope of the Massachusetts civil rights law. Vanessa Redgrave v. Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc., 557 F. Supp. 230 (D. Mass. 1983) (denying motion to dismiss); 602 F. Supp. 1189 (D. Mass. 1985) (ruling on post-trial motion); 855 F.2d 888 (1st Cir. 1988); 399 Mass. 93, 502 N.E.2d 1375 (1987) (answering certified question).
Represented a Hollywood star in breach of contract case arising out of the actor’s role as a corporate spokesman. Case settled at trial. Kirk Douglas v. Unisys (S.D.N.Y. 1989).
Won early dismissal of a suit by the Romanian government against the former ruler of Romania alleging wrongful taking of $500 million in national art work. State of Romania v. Former King Michael (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 1994), aff’d, 212 A.D.2d 422, 622 N.Y.S.2d 704 (1st Dep’t 1995). After the victory, the King wrote Dan: “Your great expertise and relentless efforts have finally brought to an end a matter which I found most upsetting and humiliating.” In 2013, in recognition of his legal services, King Michael knighted Dan by naming him an officer of the Order of the Crown of Romania.
Won over $1 million settlement while jury was deliberating after two-week trial based on look-alike sound-alike claim against fast-food chain and advertising agency. Wilford Brimley v. Hardee’s and Ogilvy & Mather (S.D.N.Y. 1995).
Local counsel for former President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton in a successful effort to dismiss a defamation suit by N.Y. Post former gossip reporter Jared Paul Stern. Stern v. Burkle, N.Y.L.J., July 7, 2008, at 18 col. 1 (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co.).
Local counsel for former President Bill Clinton in a successful effort to quash a deposition subpoena in a libel case arising from the book Primary Colors by Joe Klein. Carter-Clark v. Random House, Inc., 2002 WL 31748573 (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 2002).
Successfully defeated preliminary injunction motion brought by former employer regarding non-compete agreement. Rosetta Marketing Group, LLC v. Michaelson, (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 2012). Decision affirmed on appeal. 107 A.D.3d 536, 966 N.Y.S.2d 671 (1st Dep’t 2013).
Won dismissal of suit claiming breach of contract assigning claims involving delivery of oil and gas products to bankrupt entity. SPCP Group, LLC v. Eagle Rock Field Services, LP (S.D.N.Y. 2013) (Crotty, J.).
Represented broker-dealer in FINRA Arbitration (Sept. 2011) in breach of non-solicitation clause case involving corporate raiding of entire convertible bond trading department. Four-day evidentiary hearing resulted in a favorable award of almost $700,000. Jones Trading Institutional Services LLC v. Nomura Securities Int’l, Inc.
Won summary judgment to enforce contract between unmarried couple who ended relationship, with court holding that past cohabitation is adequate consideration for agreement to provide $500,000 in financial support. Kamil v. Richenthal, 2010 WL 2594276, N.Y.L.J., July 1, 2010, at 26 (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co.).
Won summary dismissal of all claims against defendant regarding investment account and won award of attorney’s fees. Stamm v. Northern Trust Bank, JAMS Commercial Arbitration Tribunal, Dec. 23, 2009.
Won summary judgment for plaintiff on defendant’s liability for breach of contract for sale of a barge of methanol. Mitsubishi Int’l Corp. v. Interstate Chemical Corp., 2008 WL 4387392, 67 U.C.C. Rep. Serv. 2d 614 (S.D.N.Y. 2008) (Rakoff, J.).
Defeated a preliminary injunction motion, Medici Classics Productions LLC v. Medici Group LLC, 590 F. Supp. 2d 548 (S.D.N.Y. 2008), and then won summary judgment dismissing this trademark infringement case involving recordings of classical music. 683 F. Supp. 2d 304 (S.D.N.Y. 2010).
Court rulings on in limine motions and “serious and important issues about the obligation of the court and counsel when it appears that a client who is a defendant in a civil action lacks capacity to assist or participate in the defense of that action.” Cheney v. Wells, 874 N.Y.S.2d 679 (Surr. Ct. N.Y. Co. 2008), 899 N.Y.S.2d 605 (Surr. Ct. N.Y. Co. 2008), and N.Y.L.J., Oct. 21, 2008, at 35.
Dan was retained shortly before trial by a lawyer and his law firm who were defendants in a suit for various business tort claims seeking millions of dollars by a former CEO of a company. A trial in federal court resulted in a hung jury, but Dan’s post-trial motion won complete dismissal of all claims. Finkelstein v. Wachtel, 2003 WL 1918309 (S.D.N.Y. 2003).
Dan, representing a Chinese clothing manufacturer in a breach of contract case, won summary judgment for $2.9 million, and then won summary judgment to pierce the corporate veil of the defendant corporation to obtain judgment against the principal. Shanghai Join Buy Co., Ltd. v. PSTEX Group, Inc., (S.D.N.Y. 2004).
Successfully represented author/collaborator of book about actress’s life. All claims by actress were “denied in their entirety” after trial. Valerie Harper v. Nancy Jo Sales, (AAA Arbitration 1997).
Dan was retained to defend a state court action seeking to compel our client (an insurer) to pay health benefits to alleged union members. We removed the case to federal court, commenced a civil RICO impleader action, won a $26 million judgment in our client’s favor, and obtained a criminal referral by the trial court that resulted in the criminal conviction of the mastermind of the fraud. Soanes v. Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield, 970 F. Supp. 230 (S.D.N.Y. 1997). U.S. v. Sprei, 145 F.3d 528 (2d Cir. 1998).
Availability of punitive damages in securities arbitration. Barbier v. Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc., 752 F. Supp. 151 (S.D.N.Y. 1990), modified, 948 F.2d 117 (2d Cir. 1991).
In this important libel case, Dan won reversal of the district court’s dismissal of a complaint based on a defamatory description of a character with the same name as plaintiff in a novel written by a co-worker of plaintiff. The appellate decision established the test for libel in fiction: whether reasonable readers can associate plaintiff with the fictional character. Geisler v. Petrocelli, 616 F.2d 636 (2d Cir. 1980).
In this leading antitrust case involving media advertising, Dan, up alone as a solo practitioner against several of the biggest and most prestigious law firms in New York, won a huge victory on appeal, reversing summary judgment against the plaintiff (Dan’s client). Judge Henry Friendly, in a landmark opinion, analyzed the standards for summary judgment in a Sherman Act § 1 conspiracy case, held that those standards were not met, and remanded the case, which then led to a settlement. Ambook v. Time, Inc., 612 F.2d 604 (2d Cir. 1979).
Minority shareholder rights and employee-at-will doctrine. Gallagher v. Lambert, 74 N.Y.2d 562, 549 N.Y.S.2d 945 (1989).
Dan defended The Monkees in a breach of contract lawsuit brought by their personal manager. Fishof v. The Monkees, (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 1988).
Dan represented actor Harvey Keitel in a child custody dispute. Lorraine Bracco v. Harvey Keitel, (Fam. Ct. Rockland Co. 1993). 203 A.D.2d 283, 612 N.Y.S.2d 887 (2d Dep’t 1994) Won reversal of “gag” order. 222 A.D.2d 501, 635 N.Y.S.2d 73 (2d Dep’t 1995) Won reversal of finding of contempt. 245 A.D.2d 369, 665 N.Y.S.2d 590 (2d Dep’t 1997) Won modification of Family Court order.
Represented light heavyweight boxing champion in contract dispute with former manager. Gregory v. Scorcia, 493 F. Supp. 984 (S.D.N.Y. 1980).
“Shakespeare and the Law” in Shakespearean Criticism, Vol. 171, edited by Lawrence Trudeau, at 125-36 (Gale, 2017).
“A New York Jewish Lawyer’s View” in The King’s World (about King Michael of Romania) at 122-24 (2011).
“Inheritance: A Constitutional Right?” 36 Rutgers Law Review 41 (1984). Cited in Klauser v. Babbitt, 918 F. Supp. 274 (W.D. Wis. 1996).
“Impeachment of Partial Verdicts,” 54 St. John’s Law Review 663 (1980). Cited in State v. Shomo, 129 N.J. 248 (1992).
“A Bayesian Model of Harmless Error,” 5 Journal of Legal Studies 121 (1976). Cited in U.S. ex rel. Bilyew v. Franzen, 686 F.2d 1238 (7th Cir. 1982); McQueeney v. Wilmington Trust Co., 779 F.2d 916 (3d Cir. 1985); Derrick v. State, 773 S.W.2d 271 (1989).
“Taps for the Real Catch-22,” 81 Yale Law Journal 1518 (1972). Cited by Justice Potter Stewart in Parker v. Levy, 417 U.S. 733 (1974) (dissenting opinion); 478 F.2d 772 (3d Cir. 1973); Stolte v. Laird, 353 F. Supp. 1392 (D.D.C. 1972).
“A Defendant’s Right to Inspect Pretrial Congressional Testimony of Government Witnesses,” 80 Yale Law Journal 1388 (1971). Cited in Calley v. Callaway, 519 F.2d 185 (5th Cir. 1975) (Bell, J., dissenting); 382 F. Supp. 650 (M.D. Ga. 1974).
“Insurance Mergers and the Clayton Act,” 78 Yale Law Journal 1404 (1969). Cited by the Federal Trade Commission in 1972 Trade Reg. Rep. (vol. 3) 20,163 at 22, 148 n.8 (FTC decision).

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