From Courtroom to TikTok And How One Lawyer’s Life Unraveled in 60 Seconds

Allan Kassenoff Lawfuel

The recent social media brouhaha involving a senior lawyer shows just how quickly the lines between professional and personal life can blur, in the most brutal manner – continuing to raise questions about the impact of social media upon both personal and professional lives.

At the center of it all? Allan Kassenoff, a former shareholder at Greenberg Traurig. His divorce case spiraled into a viral sensation, captivating millions on social media

.It all started with a TikToker named Robbie Harvey. He began posting videos about Kassenoff’s divorce proceedings. These weren’t just any videos – some racked up over 10 million views.

The content? A scathing critique of Kassenoff’s alleged behavior during his divorce.

The social media storm that followed was intense. Kassenoff’s employer and clients were bombarded with messages. The pressure mounted. Eventually, it led to Kassenoff’s resignation from Greenberg Traurig while he filed a $150 million lawsuit against a TikTok influencer named Robbie Harvey who had posted videos about the case, some of which gained over 10 million views.

It’s a stark reminder of how quickly online outrage can impact a legal career.But there’s more to this story than just social media fallout.

The divorce itself was a legal battleground. We’re talking millions of dollars at stake and over 3,000 court filings. It’s the kind of case that makes even seasoned divorce attorneys shake their heads.

The most heartbreaking aspect? The death of Catherine Kassenoff, Allan’s estranged wife. She attributed her passing to a combination of cancer and alleged domestic abuse. It’s a tragic turn that adds a somber note to an already complex case and lead to tales of ‘revenge from beyond the grave’.

Kassenoff Lawfuel

Image: NY Post

For lawyers watching this unfold, it’s a sobering reminder of the power of public perception.

One viral post, one public misstep, and suddenly your career is in jeopardy.

This case raises tough questions for the legal community.

How do we navigate the age of social media where personal legal matters can become public spectacles?

What responsibility do law firms have when an employee’s personal life becomes a PR nightmare? And how do we balance the court of public opinion with the actual court of law?

As this story continues to circulate, it’s likely to spark many conversations in law offices across the country. It’s a wake-up call about the power of social media, the complexities of high-profile cases, and the delicate balance between personal and professional ethics in the legal world.

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Preeminent SEC Enforcement Lawyer Joins Latham in New York

Marc Berger

Marc Berger, a leader of the SEC’s Enforcement Division and New York Regional Office between 2017 and 2021, and former Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force in the SDNY, brings vast experience to the firm’s market-leading White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice.

Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that Marc Berger has joined the firm’s New York office as a Global Co-Chair of the White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice and a member of the Litigation & Trial Department. Berger, a market-leading securities and white collar defense attorney, regularly represents companies, boards, financial institutions, asset managers, senior executives, and cryptocurrency market participants in government and internal investigations, regulatory enforcement matters, and high-profile disputes. His career includes notable leadership roles at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2017 to 2021, including as Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement and Director of the New York Regional Office (NYRO), and at the Department of Justice from 2012 to 2014 as Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force in the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). 

“We are excited to welcome Marc to our elite white collar team in New York,” said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York. “He is a leader and an experienced advisor on high stakes matters. His formidable reputation in the industry makes him a valuable addition to the firm. Marc’s arrival complements our long-term growth strategy in New York, and further cements our position as the go-to firm for securities enforcement matters.”

As Acting Director and Deputy Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Berger oversaw thousands of investigations and hundreds of litigations addressing a broad range of securities matters, including issuer disclosure and accounting violations, foreign bribery, investment advisory issues, securities offerings, market manipulation, insider trading, broker-dealer misconduct, cyber threats, initial coin offerings, and COVID-related fraud. As Director of the SEC’s NYRO, he supervised all of New York’s enforcement matters and oversaw all compliance examinations of investment banks, investment advisers, broker-dealers, mutual funds, and hedge funds. As a federal prosecutor in the SDNY and Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, he tried 13 cases in district court and supervised some of the nation’s most significant financial and investment fraud matters, including those related to corporate and accounting fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Berger joins Latham from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York.

“Marc adds to our impressive roster of former senior government officials who have been battle-tested at the highest levels,” said Michele Johnson, Global Chair of Latham’s Litigation & Trial Department. “We have seen increased client demand for specialist advice on enforcement and compliance matters, and we expect that trend to continue. Marc’s extraordinary experience bolsters our ability to guide clients across industries through their most challenging SEC enforcement matters.” 

“Marc’s intellect, trial experience, and proven leadership are crucial assets that will contribute to the firm’s lasting success,” said Kevin Chambers, Global Co-Chair of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice. “He is one of the country’s preeminent white collar lawyers. We are excited for him to join us, and clients will undoubtedly value his substantial and varied experience.”

“I am delighted to join Latham’s top-tier white collar practice in New York. The firm’s global platform is unparalleled, and I look forward to working with such an exceptionally talented group,” said Berger.

Berger received his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and his BS, with distinction, from Cornell University.

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

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