Gerald Shargel
Gerald Shargel: A Pioneering Defense Attorney
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Gerald Shargel is a renowned American defense attorney, best known for his high-profile cases and relentless advocacy for justice.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on March 15, 1946, in New York City, Gerald Shargel has spent over five decades practicing law.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Shargel is a citizen of the United States and a prominent defense attorney specializing in white-collar crime, murder, and other complex cases.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Shargel developed an early interest in law. His parents, both educators, encouraged his curiosity and nurtured his passion for justice. He attended Yeshiva University's Albert Einstein College of Medicine for undergraduate studies before transferring to New York Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Major Accomplishments
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Shargel's illustrious career is marked by several significant milestones:
In 1974, Shargel successfully defended Dr. Jack Kevorkian, a pioneering physician involved in assisted suicide cases.
He was part of the defense team for John Gotti, the infamous Gambino crime family boss, during his 1992 trial.
Shargel also represented Robert Hanssen, a former FBI agent convicted of espionage and murder.Notable Works or Actions
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Throughout his career, Shargel has been recognized for his tireless efforts to protect his clients' rights. His dedication to justice has led him to take on numerous high-profile cases, often pushing the boundaries of defense law.
Impact and Legacy
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Shargel's influence extends beyond his courtroom successes:
He has inspired a new generation of defense attorneys with his unwavering commitment to justice.
Shargel's unorthodox approach to defense has paved the way for innovative strategies in white-collar crime cases.
His involvement in various advocacy groups, such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), reflects his dedication to reforming the criminal justice system.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gerald Shargel's reputation as a skilled and unyielding defense attorney has earned him widespread recognition. His quotes, reflecting his unwavering commitment to justice, continue to inspire lawyers, scholars, and those interested in the complexities of the law:
> "The system is not designed to protect the rights of the accused; it is designed to convict."
This quote encapsulates Shargel's perspective on the justice system, highlighting his concern for the often-overlooked rights of defendants.
In conclusion, Gerald Shargel's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of law and justice. His tireless advocacy, innovative strategies, and commitment to protecting human rights continue to inspire and shape the legal landscape.
Quotes by Gerald Shargel
The jurors are crying, our clients are crying and the lawyers are trying to keep from crying.
The jurors realized these were two hardworking and talented young men who came from very little, from a decent family, and who were charged with crimes supported only by false testimony from criminals and lies.
These same men who ... protest they didn't want to be involved, when these Mafia men and the junior Mafia men, the union officials in their fancy suits and pinky rings went walking into the union hall and boasted and bragged.
There's nothing illegal about knowing a criminal ... even doing business with a criminal, unless you commit a crime.
When a prosecutor walks into court and says we've been investigating this case for two and a half years, grand jury investigation for nine months, and we have 51 witnesses, you know what that means -- they have a circumstantial evidence case, and I suggest it's a weak circumstantial evidence case.
We proved these boys never needed any improper money. You'll see them making music and getting on the charts again soon. Talent always wins out.
Let me make this plain, Chris Lorenzo, and I also mean his brother Irv, did not launder anyone's money. Supreme never brought money of any kind.
He wasn't paying anyone to stay away. Every worker was a union worker.... The DeFoe Corporation was all union.
This was a sad and tragic development. It was neither my client's nor my wish to exploit the situation.