A seasoned trial attorney and former prosecutor with nearly two decades of experience, Kevin represents some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions, corporations and executives in high-stakes “bet-the-company” litigation, including trials, investigations and regulatory enforcement proceedings. He frequently defends clients against attorneys general, including multistate coalitions, in high-profile civil and criminal prosecutions across the country.
A zealous advocate and creative problem-solver, Kevin works relentlessly to advance his clients’ interests and achieve favorable outcomes, whether in the courtroom or the boardroom. He is adept at evaluating risk and aligning legal tactics with broader business objectives. Kevin maintains a broad litigation practice, with a particular focus on defending clients in government investigations, including consumer protection violations, antitrust actions and complex financial crimes. He has also tried cases involving contract disputes, constitutional claims and many issues of first impression.
Kevin brings a deep understanding of the inner workings of state government to his practice, drawing on his background as a former New York Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant District Attorney in the Major Economic Crimes Bureau of the New York County District Attorney's Office. Having been on the other side of the table, he knows how government investigations and white-collar prosecutions are built—and how to dismantle them. During his tenure across three administrations at the New York State Office of the Attorney General, he oversaw civil investigations and prosecuted white-collar crimes involving public servants and elected officials. He held the record for the most jury trials in the Criminal Division during his tenure and secured the highest number of convictions in the Public Integrity Bureau. In recognition of his service, Kevin received the 2021 Louis J. Lefkowitz Award, the attorney general’s highest commendation.
Prior to joining Benesch, Kevin chaired the State Attorneys General Practice at McGuireWoods. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and serves on the board of directors for the Columbia Law School Association.
*Matter completed prior to joining Benesch.
Representative Experience
- Won a four-month trial involving issues of first impression under the Cemetery and Funeral Act and the Private Attorney General Act, resulting in the preservation of over $50 million. *
- Successfully represented a famous, nationally recognized politician and major financial institution in concurrent investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and SEC. *
- Successfully defended a publicly traded company in a multistate investigation of consumer finance complaints brought by a consortium of state attorneys general. *
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Defended a crypto-currency founder in civil and criminal investigations before the SEC, DOJ, FINRA, a U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other federal regulators. *
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Successfully represented national banks in consumer finance investigations brought by a state attorney general concerning auto-lending disclosures. *
- Won a complex trial spanning over three months concerning the interpretation of a trust provision, resulting in multi-million-dollar awards.*
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Won an arbitration against a major international airline. *
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People v. Washington, etc. Prosecuted a public officer at the New York State Department of Education and others for participating in a multi-million-dollar bribery scheme. First chaired a six-week jury trial, including pre-trial motions, numerous lay witnesses, and a forensic auditor. Convicted three defendants of felony crimes. *
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People v. Jennings, etc. Prosecuted New York City public servants in a three-year, wide-ranging corruption investigation. Supervised a cross-agency team staffed by dozens of attorneys, investigators, and auditors from the New York State Office of the Attorney General, the New York State Office of the Comptroller, and the New York City Department of Investigation. Made hundreds of court appearances in five counties, ranging from arguing complex motions to negotiating pleas. First chaired a four-week jury trial, including pre-trial motions, numerous lay witnesses, and a forensic auditor. Convicted nineteen defendants on misdemeanor or felony counts of insurance fraud and grand larceny. *
- Defended a publicly traded client in an antitrust action in the Northern District of California, including a successful motion to dismiss and successful defense of the dismissal on appeal to the Ninth Circuit and the Supreme Court. *