Yankwitt LLP Announces That Nathaniel Putnam Has Joined the Firm as Counsel

Yankwitt LLP has announced that Nathaniel Putnam has joined the firm as counsel. A former Assistant U.S. Attorney with extensive experience in both public service and high-profile private practice, Putnam becomes the fifth former AUSA in Yankwitt LLP’s growing team of litigators and trial attorneys.

Known for his courtroom presence and sharp legal writing, Putnam brings a combination of civil and criminal litigation experience to Yankwitt LLP’s already formidable bench.

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Connecticut, he earned accolades including the Civil Division’s Distinguished Service Award and the 2023 Appellate Advocacy Award for his work on class actions, constitutional claims, and high-stakes appeals. He argued multiple cases before the Second Circuit, including two in the same 24-hour span, and led a successful defense in a two-week federal jury trial, which he then upheld on appeal.

“Nate is a powerhouse litigator with a proven ability to win complex cases in and out of the courtroom,” said managing partner Russell Yankwitt. “His insight into how judges think, combined with strategic precision and persuasive advocacy, makes him an exceptional asset to our clients and team.”

Prior to government service, Putnam practiced at two AmLaw 100 firms—Chadbourne & Parke and Cooley— where he handled complex matters across the commercial and regulatory spectrum. His notable work included representing a major Latin American energy company in a $14 billion environmental lawsuit brought by the State of New Jersey and vacating an arbitration award in a widely covered dispute between two Major League Baseball teams over telecast rights.

Putnam also has deep experience in arbitration-related litigation and has handled cases ranging from commercial disputes and business torts to narcotics conspiracies and civil rights challenges.

Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP Is Pleased to Announce that Andrew M. Spatz, Esq. Has Joined the Firm as a Partner

Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP is pleased to announce that Andrew M. Spatz, Esq. has joined the firm as a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate & Land Use Department. With over 25 years of legal experience, Andrew is a seasoned attorney and litigator whose practice spans a diverse range of areas, including aviation, land use, real estate, and civil litigation. In the aviation sector, Andrew has advised and represented clients across the industry on issues such as regulatory compliance, airline management, passenger rights, aviation liability, crisis response, and operational risk. His in-depth knowledge of the aviation landscape has earned him a strong reputation as both a legal authority and a strategic advisor to stakeholders in the airline and aviation industries. Andrew also brings substantial experience in commercial real estate law, having handled complex transactions involving acquisitions, sales, development, zoning, planning, and environmental matters.