Partner

Helen Gredd

Described by Chambers USA as “willing to go to the ends of the earth for her clients,” Helen has a proven track record of successfully defending executives and financial institutions in regulatory enforcement, white collar criminal, and complex commercial matters. She is a central figure in the New York legal community, having been recognized as a national star in white collar litigation by publications including Benchmark Litigation, Chambers USA and Super Lawyers.

The clients Helen represents range from law firms to international corporations, as well as  chief executive officers, chief financial officers, compliance officers, lawyers, public accountants, investment bankers, portfolio managers, analysts, traders, and executives in a wide variety of industries.

Helen’s “well-regarded practice regularly sees her representing individuals and companies from an array of industry sectors in high-stakes criminal proceedings” (Chambers USA). She brings to bear extensive experience “across a range of criminal defense and regulatory enforcement mandates” (Chambers USA), including investigations and actions brought by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Reserve Board Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the New York State Attorney General, and various other federal and state authorities. Those matters have involved allegations of securities fraud, banking and other financial fraud, auditor misconduct, insider trading, market manipulation, earnings management, mismarking of positions, improprieties in the sale of various forms of securities (including municipal securities, auction rate securities, mortgage-backed securities, and derivative products), mail and wire fraud, FCPA violations, False Claims Act violations, environmental law violations, antitrust violations, false statements, obstruction of justice, and obstruction of Congress.

In her active civil practice, Helen counsels and represents individuals and institutions in matters involving claims of securities fraud, banking and other financial fraud, RICO violations, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, attorney misconduct, and defamation.

Held in esteem as counselor and advocate,  Helen has also served as a court-appointed receiver and trustee in SEC enforcement actions and related bankruptcy proceedings and as a member of a court-appointed independent hearing committee in a labor racketeering action.

Clients benefit from Helen’s extensive experience interacting with government authorities.  She has seen criminal and regulatory cases from every angle, having served earlier in her career as a senior federal criminal prosecutor as well as Chief Appellate Attorney in the Southern District of New York. 

A frequent lecturer on criminal and civil law topics, Helen has contributed her insights at programs sponsored by the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Federal Bar Council, and various business and law schools.

Show More +

“If I ever needed a lawyer, Helen would be my first call. She is just that good.”

Benchmark Litigation

“A terrific lawyer who is incredibly smart and digs incredibly deeply for her clients in a way that is truly impressive.”

Chambers USA

“Helen Gredd is one of the best and brightest attorneys around, and she is a superior strategist on behalf of her clients.”

The Legal 500

“Willing to go to the ends of the earth for her clients.”

Chambers USA

“One of the most careful, tenacious and strategic lawyers I’ve ever worked with.”

Chambers USA

Top 250 Women in Litigation

Benchmark Litigation

Shortlisted for White Collar and Government Investigations Lawyer of the Year 2018 – New York 

Chambers USA

National Practice Area Star and Local Litigation Star in White Collar Crime

Benchmark Litigation

“[Gets] fantastic results … a very smart, very tactical and incredibly hard-working lawyer.”

Chambers USA

She is brilliant, tactical, and relentless in defense of her clients.

Chambers USA

She is incredibly thorough and she has a very deep knowledge and comfort level with the SEC.

Chambers USA

Helen is conscientious, savvy, a great communicator and an excellent advocate.

Chambers USA

Recognition

  • Chambers USA
    • Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations – New York 
    • Shortlisted for White Collar and Government Investigations Lawyer of the Year 2018 – New York
  • Benchmark Litigation
    • Top 250 Women in Litigation
    • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
    • National Practice Area Star and Local Litigation Star in  Securities and Commercial Litigation
  • The Legal 500 
  • The Best Lawyers in America 
  • Super Lawyers (every year since 2006)

 

Show More +

Activities

Professional Affiliations

  • Criminal Justice Act Advisory Committee, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
    • Court-appointed Member (2004-present)
  • Indigent Defense Organization Oversight Committee (IDOOC), NYS Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department
    • Chair (2009-present)
    • Court-appointed Member (2004-present)
  • Federal Bar Council
  • New York City Bar Association
  • New York Council of Defense Lawyers
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Women’s White Collar Defense Association
Show More +