Dentons announces today that Louis Anthony (“Tony”) Pellegrino has joined the Firm as a partner in its Commercial Litigation practice. Pellegrino, a former Assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of New York with prominent positions in both the Civil Division and Criminal Division, brings with him a unique background and extensive experience leading high-profile matters through investigation, prosecution and trial, particularly in the financial services area.
Pellegrino adds depth to an exceptional, growing bench at Dentons in this space. The Firm’s growth in financial services litigation – including civil litigation government investigations, and white-collar criminal defense – has grown dramatically in the last few years.
“We are delighted to welcome Tony to Dentons,” said Sonia Martin, CEO of Dentons US. “As we continue efforts to expand our market leading capabilities in the financial services sector, Tony is an exceptional addition to our team.”
Pellegrino’s career at the US Attorney’s Office focused on complex legal cases in the financial services area, including matters involving cybercrime, money laundering, bribery, computer hacking, kickback schemes and national security investigations, among others. Among other high-profile matters, for more than a decade, he served as lead counsel in the renowned case of United States v. Bernard Madoff, overseeing all aspects of the Department of Justice’s involvement in the matter and achieving the most successful Ponzi scheme recovery in US history for Madoff’s victims. In the Civil Division, he played a vital role in prosecuting pharmaceutical companies and opioid distributors under the Controlled Substances Act; defended qui tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act; and litigated matters involving the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act; the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; and the Bankruptcy Code, among others.
“Tony is exactly the type of high caliber lawyer that clients expect from Dentons – and he will make a significant impact in advocating on their behalf,” said Sandra Hauser, head of Dentons US Commercial Litigation practice. “With Tony on board, our capacity to deliver both civil and criminal defense services to clients with complex litigation needs, particularly on the East Coast, is strengthened. Our top-notch bench includes former US Attorneys in multiple locations in the US and former AUSA’s up and down the East Coast as well as in the Midwest and West Coast.”
“Having worked with Tony extensively before he joined the USAO, the opportunity to have him join the practice at Dentons was one we couldn’t miss,” added Doug Henkin, one of the leaders of Dentons’ Financial Services sector. “Beyond his substantive skills, which have only grown at the USAO, Tony is an immensely hard worker who dives deeply into every matter he works on.”
Prior to his role as Assistant US Attorney, Pellegrino spent six years in private practice. He also served on active duty in the US Army as Assistant Counsel for Litigation in the US Army Corps of Engineers Honors Program for four years.
