01 Firm Overview
A graduate of Cornell University and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (cum laude), where he was an editor of the Cardozo Law Review, Attorney Harlan Protass has – for more than 20 years – sought to protect the rights and interests of those who have been charged with crimes, come under regulatory scrutiny or otherwise had contact with the government.
With a deep reservoir of experience helping individuals and businesses entities defend themselves from all manner of criminal, regulatory and civil matters, Harlan Protass has the ability to successfully help clients navigate difficult circumstances and resolve challenging problems, from minor misdemeanors to the most serious of felonies in both state and federal court. He is proud to be a trusted counselor and advisor to every client he serves.
Harlan is a member of numerous national and local bar associations, serving as a member of the Practitioners Advisory Group to the United States Sentencing Commission and on the Board of the New York Criminal Bar Association. He is also a former co-chair of the Criminal Law Group of the UJA-Federation of New York. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he teaches a course on the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Harlan has published widely on current issues in criminal law and sentencing, and is a contributor to publications including the Wall Street Journal, Slate, CNN, the Chicago Tribune, the LA Times, the National Law Journal and the New York Law Journal. Having published more than 25 articles, Harlan is well-regarded for his written advocacy, proficiency and views.
Awards & Recognition
02 Press & Publications
New York Law Journal
Written by Harlan Protass
Attorney Harlan Protass discusses the practical application of a practice known as “acquitted conduct sentencing,” where individuals receive jail sentences based on charges that actually ended with not guilty verdicts.
New York Law Journal
03 Why Hire Protass Law PLLC
To properly defend yourself against criminal or regulatory charges, your case requires personalized attention from a highly-trained attorney who will analyze every factual and legal issue from every angle and craft a tailored plan of action built around you and your goals.
Being charged with a crime or accused of wrongdoing by a regulatory agency (like the SEC or FINRA) can turn your world upside down. Your freedom may suddenly be in jeopardy and your career and livelihood put at risk. No matter the charge or the specifics involved, it is essential to speak with a skilled lawyer, assess your options, and determine the best course of action. At Protass Law PLLC, we have amassed an impressive track record of success for our clients, and are more than capable of providing practical and obtainable solutions to any number of serious legal issues.
Our promise to every client is to always put your needs first. At all stages of the legal process – from investigation, arrest, trial, sentencing, and appeal – you can be assured that Harlan Protass will aggressively pursue your interests and seek to put you in the best possible position. Whether you are dealing with charges of insider trading, embezzlement, a serious drug charge or a violent crime, Harlan Protass will vigorously defend your rights, negotiate for a dismissal or a reduction of the charges against you or passionately fight to clear your name in court.
Don’t take an investigation or criminal charge lightly. The risks are real and the consequences can be catastrophic – Consult Protass Law PLLC today.
04 Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
Manhattan criminal attorney Harlan Protass has been representing individuals and business entities in traditional and white-collar criminal matters for over 20 years, achieving outstanding results through relentless advocacy, professionalism and integrity.
CHARGES DISMISSED AGAINST LAWYER CHARGED WITH WITNESS TAMPERING
Appeals & Post-Conviction Litigation
An authority in this learned area, appellate attorney Harlan Protass is practiced in identifying issues for appeal and has the skillset to craft persuasive arguments aimed at reversing unjust convictions and sentences.
NINE FEDERAL LIFE SENTENCES REDUCED TO TIME SERVED
Securities & Regulatory Proceedings
Manhattan attorney Harlan Protass routinely assists individuals, hedge funds, private equity shops and similar players in the financial services industry in defending against investigations and enforcement actions brought by the SEC, FINRA, state banking authorities and other regulatory authorities.
NON-JAIL SENTENCE FOR BUSINESSMAN WHO PLEAD GUILTY TO TAX EVASION
05 History of Protass Law PLLC
Before founding Protass Law PLLC, Harlan was a partner for more than seven years at Clayman & Rosenberg LLP, one of New York’s most prestigious white-collar litigation boutiques.
Previously he was Special Counsel to one of New York’s leading criminal defense attorneys and was associated with two of New York’s most prominent law firms (Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP and Squadron Ellenoff Plesant & Sheinfeld, LLP). Over his more than 20 years of practice, Harlan Protass has developed a proven record of success in representing clients under investigation for and charged with both criminal and civil violations by governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, ranging from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the SEC, FINRA, the IRS and the New York State Department of Taxation. Among other accomplishments, he has successfully reduced federal life-without-parole sentences to time-served for seven clients – an achievement virtually unheard of in today’s criminal justice system.
Now with his own practice, Manhattan criminal lawyer Harlan Protass employs his extensive background and passion in providing the best possible defense to every client, in every case.
At Protass Law PLLC, we know what’s on the line. And, with more than two decades of experience, we understand how the system works and what it takes to succeed. If you’re facing criminal charges, a regulatory investigation or believe a previously imposed conviction or sentence was unjust, the notion of taking on the legal system can seem formidable. But you don’t need to face it alone. Protass Law PLLC will work tirelessly through the process to minimize the criminal and civil consequences for you, your business, and your family.
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