Kasowitz LLP

Kasowitz LLP is a prominent New York-based law firm, established in 1993 by Marc Kasowitz. The firm's core business is commercial litigation, and it is recognized for its aggressive and creative approach to handling complex legal challenges for its clients. Its mission centers on achieving optimal results through strategic and innovative legal representation.

The firm offers a broad range of legal services, including commercial litigation, bankruptcy and restructuring, real estate litigation and transactions, antitrust, securities, white-collar defense, government affairs, intellectual property, employment, and matrimonial law. Kasowitz serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and other investment entities across various industries such as financial services, technology, and real estate. The firm also addresses emerging legal areas, such as Artificial Intelligence risks.

Under the leadership of founding and managing partner Marc Kasowitz, the firm rebranded to Kasowitz LLP in June 2025, previously operating as Kasowitz Benson Torres. Recent notable activities include a settlement in a lawsuit against Harvard in January 2026, securing court sanctions against Envestnet in January 2026, and representing the Cottonwood Group in a significant construction loan in April 2026. The firm also achieved a major appellate victory in Tennessee in April 2026 and is involved in representing Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj as of May 2026.

Latest updates

Albanian Mayor Challenges Prosecutor's Appointment, Seeks International Scrutiny

Event summary

  • Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, currently incarcerated, has enlisted Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya LLP to challenge the legal appointment of Ols Dado, the lead prosecutor in his criminal case.
  • Veliaj alleges Dado lacks the required qualifications (Magistracy School completion or lawful exemption) for his prosecutorial role, rendering his actions invalid.
  • A May 8, 2026, hearing before the Administrative Court in Tirana will address the validity of Dado’s appointment.
  • Veliaj is requesting international observers and live-streaming of the hearing to ensure transparency and due process.
  • Kasowitz partner Daniel Fetterman emphasized the broader rule-of-law implications of the case.

The big picture

This case highlights a concerning trend of politically charged legal proceedings and potential weaknesses in governance within Albania. The involvement of prominent international law firms underscores the significance of the matter and the potential for broader repercussions on foreign investment and Albania's standing within the European Union. The challenge to the prosecutor’s qualifications raises questions about the integrity of the judicial system and its independence from political influence.

What we're watching

Procedural Hurdles
The Administrative Court's decision on procedural standing could preemptively dismiss Veliaj’s challenge without addressing the merits, potentially undermining the broader legal argument and raising questions about judicial impartiality.
International Response
The extent of international observer participation and any subsequent diplomatic pressure will signal the perceived importance of the case and Albania’s commitment to due process.
Prosecutorial Oversight
Regardless of the outcome, this case will likely prompt increased scrutiny of prosecutorial appointment processes and vetting procedures within Albania’s judicial system.

Disney Faces $1 Billion Copyright Suit Over 'Avatar' Franchise

Event summary

  • Kasowitz LLP filed an amended copyright infringement lawsuit on behalf of Eric Ryder against James Cameron, Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney, and its subsidiaries.
  • Ryder alleges that the 'Avatar' franchise, including 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' incorporates substantial elements from his earlier science-fiction story, 'KRZ,' developed in the early 2000s.
  • The lawsuit seeks over $1 billion in damages, alleging verbatim copying, idea theft, and deliberate incorporation of Ryder's creative elements.
  • Ryder previously filed a similar lawsuit, which Lightstorm and Cameron initially won, but subsequent attempts to acquire Ryder's intellectual property failed.
  • The amended complaint expands the scope of the alleged infringement to encompass the entire 'Avatar' franchise, citing previously unseen similarities between 'KRZ' and the sequels.

The big picture

The lawsuit represents a significant challenge to Disney's 'Avatar' franchise, one of the highest-grossing film series of all time. It underscores the increasing scrutiny surrounding intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry, particularly as studios rely on sequels and franchise extensions. The case could set a precedent for future copyright claims and potentially impact Disney's future content creation strategies.

What we're watching

Legal Risk
The outcome of this lawsuit could establish precedents regarding intellectual property ownership and the scope of permissible inspiration in creative works, potentially impacting other studios.
Creative Control
Disney's handling of the litigation and its potential impact on the future of the 'Avatar' franchise will be closely scrutinized, especially given the franchise's substantial revenue generation.
Acquisition Due Diligence
This case highlights the importance of thorough intellectual property due diligence in acquisitions, particularly for companies like Disney that frequently acquire studios and content libraries.
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