Steven D. Feldman handles high-stakes cases in securities litigation and enforcement, white collar defense, investigations and compliance. With more than 25 years of experience — including as a federal prosecutor — he represents companies and individuals navigating allegations of serious corporate and financial crimes. Steven is co-chair of the firm’s white collar criminal defense, investigations and compliance practice.
A former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and member of the office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, Steven advises clients facing allegations of securities and commodities law violations, public corruption, business crimes and fraudulent practices by U.S. attorneys’ offices, state attorneys general, district attorneys’ offices, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
His experience and in-depth knowledge spans matters arising under securities laws, public corruption investigations and prosecutions, antitrust, art and cultural object-related crimes, and healthcare fraud cases, among others. In criminal and regulatory matters, Steven advises broker-dealers, stockbrokers, hedge funds, investment advisers and corporate executives. He has represented financial industry clients investigated and accused of insider trading, accounting improprieties, improper trading practices, and making misleading statements to investors or customers.
Internationally, Steven represents foreign companies and individuals in investigations by U.S. law enforcement and in complex civil litigation. His matters have involved allegations of fraud, theft, bribery, tax violations and sanctions-related issues, including experience with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Steven helps companies conduct internal investigations and represents individual officers and executives in corporate inquiries. He has handled matters involving allegations of embezzlement, collusion with competitors, and theft of trade secrets. Where clients have been victimized by crime, Steven has led efforts to present evidence to law enforcement resulting in investigations and prosecutions. He also aided an independent monitor overseeing a multinational manufacturing company’s compliance with its obligations under a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with federal prosecutors.
Featured Representative Matters
Defended the independent trustees of a closed-end fund in litigation brought by an activist investor alleging violations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, resulting in dismissal of the action.
Obtained complete dismissal and exoneration on behalf of a surety industry executive charged with obstruction of justice by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
Represented a financial services industry executive charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York with hacking into his former employer's computer system to steal confidential information, which resulted in the government dropping its felony charge against the client.
Represented a real estate executive indicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for allegedly paying bribes to a state senator and money laundering, which resulted in the U.S. Attorney's Office dropping all charges against the client.
Represented a client who, along with six others, was charged with insider trading in various stocks by the SEC; convinced federal prosecutors not to add the client to the criminal case and resolved the civil case by settling with the SEC.
Represented a cryptocurrency-related company and its CEO in a federal criminal investigation into the conduct of notable cryptocurrency executives, resulting in no charges against the clients.
Represented a bond trader targeted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, FBI and SEC on allegations of making payments to an employee of a government-affiliated entity; avoided all charges and resolved via a settlement with FINRA.
Represented a senior citizen targeted in a multi-decade fraud scheme by the family’s accountant; investigated scheme and presented evidence of fraud to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, resulting in federal charges against the accountant and a sentence of imprisonment.
Represented a U.S.-based broker-dealer of an international bank in an investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division alleging price-fixing among traders.
Represented an investment vehicle investigated by the DOJ Antitrust Division for allegedly colluding with competitors in open outcry bidding for tax liens.
Represented a medical doctor prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for receiving payments for sending patients for medically necessary imaging testing.
Represented a high-profile employee of an infamous business executive who witnessed and recorded improper conduct, resulting in multiple interviews with government officials and civil lawsuits.
Represented an international stock promoter charged by the SEC and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for conducting improper advertising and promotion campaigns and stock sales; avoided all criminal charges and resolved civil SEC charges via settlement with no immediate payment.
Represented a stock trader charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York along with co-workers with illegally marking up sales confirmations in order to generate fraudulent profits for the trading desk.
Represented a senior business executive in a U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York insider trading investigation; while two others were prosecuted and convicted, no charges were ever brought against the client.
Community Impact
An active member of the legal and broader community, Steven donates his time to nonprofit organizations — including the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, the Tufts Lawyers Association and Congregation Ramath Orah — and serves in leadership roles and as a board member.
Memberships
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (2025-26)
Member, Board of Directors, Tufts Lawyers Association
New York Council of Defense Lawyers
Board of Directors, Federal Bar Foundation
Federal Bar Council Inn of Court
Member, Board of Advisors, Georgetown University Wall Street Alliance
New York Regional Engagement Council, Georgetown Law
Director, Zeta Beta Tau Foundation
Recognitions
New York Super Lawyers (2025)
Featured Speaking Engagements
Panelist, “Shifting Standards: Bribery and Anti-Corruption Enforcement in a New Era,” European American Chamber of Commerce New York
Panelist, “Trust but Verify – Safeguard Against Internal Fraud,” Baker Tilly and PNC Bank
Moderator, “Should Companies Self-Disclose? New Government Initiatives Pressure Companies to Self-Disclose & Incentivize Whistleblowers to Report on Their Employers,” Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers White-Collar Practice Seminar
Panelist, “Lightning Round: Test Your Knowledge of Evidence,” Practising Law Institute
Speaker, “First You Need to Spot It to Stop It! Managing Greenwashing Risks in the Financial Industry,” European American Chamber of Commerce
Presenter, "Federal Rules of Evidence," Practising Law Institute Trial Evidence CLE
Panelist, “Challenging Issues for In-house Counsel & Compliance Professionals in Internal Investigations,” Stradley Ronon CLE
Speaker, “Digital Assets and Blockchain Roundtable," Stradley Ronon
Panelist, “Remote Investigation: Inside and Out,” Association of International Certified Professional Accountants & The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Forensic & Valuation Services Conference
Clerkships
Clerkship to U.S. District Chief Judge Thomas Griesa of the Southern District of New York
