Kent, Beatty & Gordon, LLP

Bios

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  Michael B. Kent

  Senior Partner

  Michael, a founding partner at Kent, Beatty & Gordon, brings a wealth of experience spanning real estate, commercial litigation, business counseling, and entertainment law. With nearly four decades in practice, he has handled high-profile cases, including those at the Iran-United States Claim Tribunal and sports agency scandals. Michael's expertise lies in providing strategic advice to clients, often averting contentious situations before they escalate. He leads the firm's real estate practice, handling diverse matters such as conveyances, leasing, zoning, and financing. Additionally, he has a robust entertainment practice, representing renowned musicians, composers, and producers. Michael's commitment to his profession extends to teaching and community service, having served as a Village Justice and an adjunct professor. He is also actively involved in professional associations and holds memberships in various legal bodies. Despite his extensive experience, Michael remains dedicated to fostering new client relationships and achieving favorable outcomes through reasoned resolutions.

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  Link: Michael B. Kent

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  Harry C. Beatty

  Senior Partner

  Harry, a founding partner at Kent, Beatty & Gordon, boasts over four decades of legal experience, with a background that includes tenure at a major New York-based firm and eight years at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. His practice encompasses corporate and commercial law, with a focus on structuring transactions and ventures, handling SEC and treasury issues, and navigating employee relations and benefits. Notably, he has represented clients in the beverage industry, banking and financial institutions, and packaging industry, among others. Harry is also instrumental in KB&G’s Hemp Group, offering comprehensive commercial representation to leading hemp extract producers and CBD oil purveyors. His accolades include being named the NY Business and Corporate Attorney of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and KBG being recognized as the NY M&A Law Firm of the Year from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, Harry is actively involved in various professional and community organizations, reflecting his commitment to both legal excellence and public service.

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  Jack A. Gordon

  Managing Partner

  Jack Gordon, a founding partner at Kent, Beatty & Gordon, brings over four decades of litigation experience, having honed his skills at a major New York-based firm before venturing into private practice. Rated ‘AV’ by Martindale-Hubbell, Jack is recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer and a New York Metro Area Super Lawyer, with listings in prestigious publications like "Who's Who in American Law" and "Who's Who in the World." His practice spans commercial litigation, employment law, and hospitality law, with notable successes in high-profile cases involving intellectual property disputes, defamation, and breach of contract. Jack's expertise extends to the hospitality industry, where he provides comprehensive legal advice and is actively involved in teaching and lecturing on legal aspects related to restaurants and wine bars. He is also deeply engaged in community service, holding various leadership positions and contributing to historical and cultural initiatives in Roseland, New Jersey.

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  Adam Cohn

  Partner

  Adam's journey to the legal profession was unconventional, as he transitioned from an eighteen-year career as a chef and restaurateur to attending law school in New York City. With a unique background in the culinary world, Adam brings valuable insights to his law practice, particularly in representing clients in the hospitality industry. Over seventeen years, he has built a successful corporate and transactional practice, focusing on areas critical to restaurant, bar, and hotel development, including corporate formation, real estate, capital markets, intellectual property, employment law, and liquor licenses. Additionally, Adam represents international clients across various industries and countries and handles commercial litigation and arbitration cases. A graduate of the University of Texas, the Culinary Institute of America, and Hofstra University School of Law, Adam is admitted to practice in New York and the Southern District of New York. Beyond his legal work, he is involved in nonprofit organizations and enjoys sailing and boat building with his family in Alphabet City and Bellport, New York.

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  Alex Paradiso

  Partner

  Alex is an accomplished general commercial litigator and business counselor, boasting over a decade of experience handling business disputes, employment matters, and transactional issues. With a track record of success in complex cases, he represents a diverse clientele, including prominent individuals, closely held businesses, and multinational companies. Alex specializes in hospitality and food and beverage industries, serving as outside general counsel and guiding businesses through various stages of development. Recognized as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine for six consecutive years, his expertise extends to legal and accounting malpractice and professional liability matters. Alex's career highlights include defending a Michelin-starred chef in breach of contract claims, representing sellers in a landmark residential property transaction lawsuit, and securing pre-answer dismissals in high-stakes federal civil RICO actions. He graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law and clerked for federal district court judges before embarking on his legal career. Based in Brooklyn Heights, Alex is an avid Buffalo Bills fan and actively participates in legal and culinary societies.

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  Landey Strongin

  Partner

  Landey embarked on his legal journey at Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison, LLP, specializing in federal securities law and mergers and acquisitions. His experience included handling public and private offerings for companies across various industries. Transitioning to the public sector, Landey served as General Counsel for the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, overseeing programs related to energy financing and alternative energy research. Returning to private practice, he joined a boutique firm, where he spent over three decades representing middle-market companies in diverse sectors. In 2016, Landey joined Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, LLP, broadening his focus to the hospitality industry, where he represented prominent chefs and restaurateurs. In 2023, he brought his hospitality practice to KBG, seeing it as a natural fit. Landey's approach emphasizes the importance of well-crafted organizational documents in helping businesses navigate challenges and thrive. He is admitted to practice in New York and is a member of several legal associations.

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  Joshua B. Katz

  Partner

  Josh is a seasoned litigator handling commercial, employment, and intellectual property disputes for both plaintiffs and defendants across diverse industries. He has tried numerous cases in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration forums like AAA, JAMS, and FINRA. Some highlights include securing a judgment piercing the corporate veil in a $20 million dispute and prevailing in a federal civil RICO action seeking over $1 billion in damages. He also obtained significant trial victories for clients in cases involving fraud, defamation, breach of contract, and trademark disputes. Josh is dedicated to pro bono work, advocating for prisoners' rights, disability rights, and employment issues. He resides in Manhattan with his wife, dog, and two cats.

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  Margaret N. McGannon

  Attorney

  Maggie specializes in commercial litigation at KBG, drawing on her extensive experience in various types of litigation. She previously worked at reputable law firms in New York, tackling novel legal issues. Maggie clerked for Judge J. Douglas McCullough of the North Carolina Court of Appeals after graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Before law school, she taught eighth-grade science in Arizona through Teach for America, having earned a Master of Education from Arizona State University. Maggie also holds B.A.s in Philosophy and Political Science from Duke University, where she was Vice President of Duke Student Government.

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  Link: Margaret N. McGannon