Karen Friedman Agnifilo is a prominent figure in the legal world, with a career spanning decades in both the public and private sectors. Known for her work as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan and later as a high-profile defense attorney, she has worked on some of the most significant legal cases in recent history. Her involvement in cases such as Martin Shkreli’s securities fraud trial, Keith Raniere’s NXIVM case, and Peter Gotti’s mafia prosecution has brought her into the public spotlight.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo Biography
Early Life and Education
Born on September 5, 1966, Karen Friedman Agnifilo grew up in New York City, where she developed a passion for law from a young age. She pursued her undergraduate degree at Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, where she excelled in her studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, Karen went on to attend NYU Law School, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.
Her interest in justice and public service led her to begin her career in the Southern District of New York as a federal prosecutor. This role allowed her to gain valuable experience in high-stakes cases involving white-collar crime, racketeering, and organized crime.
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Professional Career: From Prosecutor to Defense Attorney
Karen Friedman Agnifilo began her career as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, working on high-profile cases, including those involving the mafia and white-collar crime. She was instrumental in several key mafia prosecutions, including those against Peter Gotti. During this period, she built a reputation for her legal expertise and dedication to justice.
After years as a prosecutor, Karen transitioned into the role of Chief Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan under Cyrus Vance, where she helped lead the office through numerous high-profile investigations and legal battles.
In 2006, she left the U.S. Attorney’s Office and pivoted toward defense cases, joining her husband Paul Agnifilo at Agnifilo & Raniere’s LLP. In this role, Karen defended clients facing charges ranging from securities fraud to sex trafficking, most notably representing Martin Shkreli in his infamous securities fraud case and working on the defense in the Keith Raniere NXIVM trial.
Her career showcases a rare blend of public service and private practice, giving her unique insights into the American legal system from both sides of the courtroom.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s Age
As of 2024, Karen Friedman Agnifilo is 58 years old. Her career, which began in the 1990s, has spanned several decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Karen continues to remain active in both legal defense and public commentary, frequently appearing in media discussions on significant legal matters.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s Husband and Family
Paul Agnifilo: A Legal Power Couple
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s husband, Paul Agnifilo, is a prominent lawyer in his own right. Born in 1968, Paul graduated from Seton Hall University Law School in 1993. He began his legal career in the U.S. Attorney’s Office but left in 2006 to start his own private defense practice. The couple met while both were working in New York City, and they married in 1998.
Together, they have worked on numerous high-profile legal cases. Paul’s expertise in defense, coupled with Karen’s prosecutorial background, has made them a formidable team in the legal world. The couple has three children:
- Lily Agnifilo (born in 2000)
- Amanda Agnifilo (born in 2003)
- Ryan Agnifilo (born in 2008)
Family Life
The Agnifilos are known for maintaining a low-key but luxurious lifestyle. They reside in an elegant apartment in Manhattan and own a vacation home in the Hamptons, where they often spend time with their children. Despite their busy careers, both Karen and Paul make it a point to balance their professional responsibilities with family time.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s Wedding
The wedding of Karen Friedman and Paul Agnifilo took place in 1998 at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. The ceremony was a traditional Jewish wedding that blended Karen’s Jewish heritage with the couple’s shared values of family and togetherness.
The event was intimate yet luxurious, with guests enjoying a reception catered by Vera Wang and a cake that cost over $5,000. The wedding was one of the defining moments in their relationship, marking the beginning of their partnership both in life and in law.
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Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s Podcast: “In Defense Of”
In 2018, Karen launched her podcast, “In Defense Of,” which quickly became popular on platforms like iTunes. On the podcast, she explores complex legal topics, offering insider perspectives on high-profile defense cases. Notably, her episodes have featured in-depth discussions on the Martin Shkreli securities fraud trial and the Keith Raniere NXIVM case.
The podcast has been praised for offering an ethical and detailed look into the world of legal defense. Each episode provides insight into not only legal strategies but also the human stories behind major legal battles.
Notable Podcast Episodes:
- Episode 10: “The Trial of Martin Shkreli: Beyond the Headlines”
- Episode 15: “Inside the NXIVM Cult: The Case of Keith Raniere“
- Episode 20: “Defending Against Securities Fraud: Lessons from Wall Street”
Karen’s podcast is a reflection of her extensive legal knowledge and her passion for public education on legal issues.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s Net Worth
Karen Friedman Agnifilo has built a successful career both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. As of 2024, her estimated net worth stands at $5 million. Her income comes from a variety of sources, including:
- Hourly legal fees: Karen’s rate as a defense attorney exceeds $1,000 per hour for high-profile clients.
- Podcast revenue: Income from iTunes and other platforms contributes to her earnings.
- Media appearances: Karen frequently appears as a legal analyst on news networks like CNN.
Additionally, the Agnifilo family’s assets include their Manhattan apartment and a Hamptons beach house, further contributing to their financial stability.
| Financial Asset | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Hourly Rate | Over $1,000 per hour |
| Primary Residences | Manhattan apartment, Hamptons beach house |
| Podcast Revenue | Income from iTunes and media platforms |
| Wedding Cost (Cake) | Over $5,000 |
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Conclusion
Karen Friedman Agnifilo is an accomplished American lawyer, celebrated for her impressive contributions to the legal world. From her early work as a federal prosecutor to her later career as a defense attorney, she has been involved in some of the most high-profile cases of our time. Her podcast, “In Defense Of,” continues to educate and inform the public on crucial legal matters. While her family’s strong presence in the legal community makes her a true power player in New York City.
With a net worth of $5 million, a thriving legal career, and a podcast that keeps growing, Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s legacy is only just beginning.
FAQs
Q: What is Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s net worth?
Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2024.
Q: What is Karen Friedman Agnifilo’s podcast called?
Her podcast is called “In Defense Of,” where she discusses high-profile defense cases and legal strategies.
Q: When did Karen Friedman Agnifilo and Paul Agnifilo get married?
They got married in 1998 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Q: How many children do Karen and Paul Agnifilo have?
They have three children: Lily (born 2000), Amanda (born 2003), and Ryan (born 2008).
Q: What legal cases is Karen Friedman Agnifilo known for?
She is known for her work on the Martin Shkreli securities fraud trial. The Keith Raniere NXIVM case, and various mafia prosecutions including Peter Gotti’s.
Charles Burns is a seasoned blogger at Bright Wista with a keen eye for entertainment and celebrity news. With years of experience, Charles delivers the latest scoops and in-depth insights, keeping readers hooked on trending stories.
