Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Frank Butselaar tax-concealment sentence
Former partner and tax lawyer Frank Butselaar was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for helping wealthy clients conceal tens of millions of dollars from the IRS.
2018
Separation from Rudy Giuliani
The firm ended its relationship with Rudy Giuliani after public comments about paying adversaries of clients hush money in circumstances associated with the Stormy Daniels controversy.
2014
SEC insider-trading inquiry
The SEC investigated whether information from congressional staff had been passed to Greenberg Traurig lobbyist Mark Hayes and then to Height Securities. Litigation over an SEC subpoena continued through 2015.
2006
Hamilton Bank regulatory settlement
The firm agreed to pay the FDIC $7.6 million and an additional $750,000 penalty to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency over allegations concerning its legal advice to the failed Hamilton Bank.
2006
Tax-shelter kickback matter
Former tax-practice chair Jay I. Gordon was disbarred after admitting to receiving more than $1.2 million in kickbacks connected with tax shelters recommended to wealthy clients.
2005
Chicago patronage allegations
Victor Reyes, who led the firm's Chicago lobbying practice, was identified by federal prosecutors as a co-schemer in allegations concerning a patronage network tied to Chicago political workers. He resigned and was not charged.
2001
Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff joined the firm and formed a lobbying team that later became implicated in the broader Indian-lobbying and political-influence scandal associated with him.