Y. David Scharf

Partner & Chair, Real Estate Loan Work-Outs, Restructurings & Foreclosures
Morrison Cohen LLP

One of the country’s leading trial lawyers and litigators, David has more than 25 years of experience representing clients in securities litigation matters, complex commercial and real estate disputes, and other high-stakes business crises. He is lead trial and appellate counsel in cases around the country in state and federal trial and appellate courts, and in arbitration forums. Recognized as a Crain’s New York Business “40 under 40” and as a New York Super Lawyer, David leads a vibrant litigation and counseling practice that services some of the country’s foremost companies, financial institutions and entrepreneurs.

In the financial arena, he has broad national experience representing private equity funds, hedge funds, public companies, financial institutions and other stakeholders in all facets of financial and business litigation. During the financial crisis, he focused on significant restructuring, counseling, advisory work and related litigation matters, representing investors, lenders and borrowers across the country. He has successfully litigated multi-million-dollar corporate takeovers, shareholder disputes and securities-related matters.

In the real estate sector, David’s experience encompasses all aspects of real estate and business litigation. He has represented sponsors, developers, hospitality companies, lenders, purchasers, brokers and other stakeholders. Mr. Scharf has obtained successful outcomes for parties linked to iconic properties in New York and Chicago.

A native of New York, David organizes and heads various pro-bono projects. Among his philanthropic activities, he serves as vice president and member of the board of directors of the U.S. Tennis Association Foundation, and as a trustee and board member of the Lifetime Care Foundation for the Disabled, Inc.