Debra A. Karlstein, Counsel, Spears & Imes LLP

Debra A. Karlstein
Counsel

Debra Karlstein has many years of experience trying criminal and civil cases and handling appellate matters.

Notable trial and trial-related accomplishments include:

successfully moved to dismiss federal complaint alleging breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets against licensing company;

successfully moved to dismiss products liability complaint against pharmaceutical manufacturer;
successfully moved to dismiss federal contract complaint against apparel licensor;
declined prosecutions in state rape and assault cases;
vacated restraining order preventing former employee from soliciting customers;
pre-verdict acquittal for federal court defendant;
reversal of federal court conviction on post-trial motion, with evidentiary hearing, for ineffective assistance of counsel;
dismissal of state court felony charge for legal insufficiency;
mistrial for federal court racketeering defendant when jury could not reach a verdict;
substantial sentence reductions for federal court defendants;
civil verdict for Internet airfare broker against major airline;
civil verdict for Broadway producers in insurance dispute arising from canceled show due to star's pre-opening injury;
dismissal of civil complaint against noted Broadway producers by sophisticated investor; and
federal trial involving maintenance of aircraft posted as collateral during international airline's bankruptcy reorganization.

Ms. Karlstein has briefed and argued dozens of appellate matters, some of which include:

merits appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging appellate interpretation of federal racketeering statute;
appeal challenging sufficiency of products liability complaint;
appeal challenging order compelling federal criminal defendant to testify at a civil deposition notwithstanding assertion of a Fifth Amendment privilege claim;
New York Appellate Term decision affirming dismissal of malpractice and related claims against paralegal;
New York Court of Appeals ruling invalidating an Indian gaming compact executed by the governor as unconstitutional usurpation of legislative power;
three federal appellate rulings vacating sentences for legal error under the United States Sentencing Guidelines;
New York Appellate Division decision reversing erroneous denial of doctor's petition alleging unconstitutional retaliation by state disciplinary agency;
New York Appellate Division decision reversing erroneous refusal to seal record of criminal proceedings resulting in acquittal;
New York Appellate Division decision affirming summary judgment dismissing state court complaint where alleged oral contract was never reduced to writing;
federal appeal concerning the requirement of juror unanimity in a RICO prosecution;
federal appeal regarding the propriety of grand jury subpoenas served on defense attorneys;
federal appeal construing rights of junk bond holders following casino bankruptcy;
New York Court of Appeals case asserting that Indian gaming compacts violate state constitutional ban on commercial gambling;
appeal of divorce judgment and $19 million equitable distribution order entered by Manhattan jury in case involving prominent restaurant owner; and
appeal challenging finder's fee charged by leading brokerage firm for introducing famous entrepreneur to investors.