Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel has tapped Barry Berke to co-lead its litigation department with Gary Naftalis, who had been the only chair of the 90-attorney department. Berke cochairs the firm’s white-collar defense and SEC regulatory practice. He will remain in that role and as a member of the firm’s executive committee. Berke said the new position, effective this week, reflects the increase in the number of cases the litigation department handles and takes to trial.
Berke’s practice has grown significantly too. A Kramer Levin partner since 1999, he represents individuals and corporations in investigations and litigation. His clients have included Bear Stearns and AIG; executives from financial services firms; and board of directors for private and public companies. He now represents Michael Steinberg, a senior portfolio manager for hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors who faces insider trading charges.
