Insight

Stroock Scores Victory for Victims of Iran-Sponsored Terrorism

Today’s victory comes after 23 years of legal wrangling.

Alavi Foundation Ruled Liable
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

June 30, 2017 11:15 AM

Victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism scored a huge win in Manhattan federal court Thursday, as a federal judge ruled that the Alavi Foundation and 650 Fifth Avenue Company—a partnership run by Alavi—are liable for turnover of their combined $1 billion real estate portfolio, stemming from the organizations’ status as an “agency or instrumentality” of the Iranian government.

The bench trial was consolidated with a civil forfeiture jury trial brought by the U.S. Government against the Alavi Foundation and 650 Fifth Avenue Co. The jury in that case found that the property at issue is also subject to civil forfeiture.

Alavi, in partnership with an Iran-owned front company, owns 650 Fifth Avenue, a 36-story office tower in the heart of Manhattan. In the bench trial, Judge Katherine B. Forrest found that the defendants benefitted Iran and its state-owned Bank Melli.

Today’s victory comes after 23 years of legal wrangling. Law firm Stroock serves as lead counsel for the private plaintiffs in the suit against the Alavi Foundation and 650 Fifth Avenue Co., representing four groups of individuals who were the victims or family members of victims of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks.

This marks the latest victory for victims and families of victims of Iranian-sponsored terror acts.

Last year, Stroock clients received over $40 million in Iranian funds in payment for terror attacks, in a case where Stroock lawyers served as the lead litigators.

The Stroock team on the case decided today is led by litigation partner James Bernard (pictured) together with litigation partner Curtis Mechling, associates Patrick Petrocelli and Pamela Takefman, and former associates Nate Stopper, Ben Weathers-Lowin, Monica Hanna, Jeremy Rosof, and Judy Goodwin.

Mr. Bernard notes, “We are gratified to win this victory for the victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism, some of whom have waited more than two decades for this day.”

A settlement between the government and the judgment creditors calls for the creditors to be compensated from forfeiture proceeds.

Other law firms who worked on the case include Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, Salon Marrow Dyckman Newman & Broudy LLP, DLA Piper, Wiggins Childs Pantazis Fisher Goldfarb PLLC, Mellon & Webster PC, Foote Mielke Chavez & O'Neil LLC, Ramey & Hailey, the Dupont Law Firm LLP, the Fleischman Law Firm and Heideman Nudelman & Kalik PC.

Related Articles

The Advocate for the Toughest Battles


by Best Lawyers

Tom Girardi takes on industry titans to win billions for the injured.

Girardi Keese

Trending Articles

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

How to Increase Your Online Visibility With a Legal Directory Profile


by Jennifer Verta

Maximize your firm’s reach with a legal directory profile.

Image of a legal directory profile

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs


by Gregory Sirico

Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.

Animated man in suit being erased with Paramount logo in background

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

The Future of Family Law: 3 Top Trends Driving the Field


by Gregory Sirico

How technology, mental health awareness and alternative dispute resolution are transforming family law to better support evolving family dynamics.

Animated child looking at staircase to beach scene

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipment

Introduction to Demand Generation for Law Firms


by Jennifer Verta

Learn the essentials of demand gen for law firms and how these strategies can drive client acquisition, retention, and long-term success.

Illustration of a hand holding a magnet, attracting icons representing individuals towards a central

The Litigation Finance Mass Tort Gold Rush


by Justin Smulison

Third-party litigation funding is transforming mass torts, propelling the high-risk area into a multi-billion-dollar industry

Gold coins with data chart backdrop

ERISA Reaches Its Turning Point


by Bryan Driscoll

ERISA litigation and the laws surrounding are rapidly changing, with companies fundamentally rewriting their business practices.

Beach chair and hat in front of large magnify glass

Best Lawyers Expands With New Artificial Intelligence Practice Area


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers introduces Artificial Intelligence Law to recognize attorneys leading the way in AI-related legal issues and innovation.

AI network expanding in front of bookshelf

How US Immigration Works: Everything You Need to Know


by Jennifer Verta

Explore the pathways, processes and evolving policies shaping U.S. immigration today.

Illustration of Immigrant Family Journey in Front of American Flag

Critical Period


by Armelle Royer and Maryne Gouhier

How the green-energy raw materials chase is rewriting geopolitics

Overhead shot of mineral extraction plant