The conscientious spirit of the law is alive and well in the offices of Chesnoff & Schonfeld. The genesis of the firm was the partnership between the Honorable Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, the Mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada, and David Z. Chesnoff which began in 1987. David Z. Chesnoff joined Goodman as a partner and expanded the scope of representation. Chesnoff paired with Goodman to share responsibility for the firm's criminal defense efforts. Although based in Las Vegas, the firm members often argue cases throughout the nation.
The two attorneys considered themselves as interlocking pieces of a puzzle, forming a complete picture. Lawyers in the firm all intermittently assist each other, and regularly work together on significant civil litigation matters on a case-by-case basis. The firm's golden rule is to zealously advocate for their clients.
After Mr. Goodman was elected Mayor of Las Vegas he remained a partner until 2001. Since he devoted 100% of his time to the citizens of Las Vegas, Nevada he decided to retire from the firm. Upon that occurrence, the firm changed its name to Chesnoff & Schonfeld, and Richard A. Schonfeld became a named partner. Mr. Schonfeld brings the same reputation for zealous advocacy as required by the firm's reputation. The firm continues in the tradition of Mr. Goodman and Mr. Chesnoff in always putting the client's needs first and willingness to go to court and uphold the solemnity of the attorney's oath.
Preferring to maintain a boutique firm structure, the attorneys spurned the notion of delegating tasks to an army of assistants. They handle each and every matter personally.
Chesnoff & Schonfeld have taken the most difficult of cases, developed new law and have set precedents in the fields of constitutional, criminal and forfeiture law.
"A major distinction between our firm and other law firms is we take cases with the understanding that we're taking it to trial," said Chesnoff.
Chesnoff & Schonfeld earned national recognition for their legal expertise. Chesnoff travels the country lecturing on cross-examination and other trial techniques, and have often been called upon to represent his peers, as a "lawyers's lawyer."
The firm is listed as one of the country's top criminal law firms in several directories, including The National Directory of Criminal Lawyers. David Chesnoff has been featured on "48 Hours," "Nancy Grace," "ABC's Nightly News," "Charley Rose Show," A&E's "American Justice" and City Confidential.
The firm carries the highest legal ability rating in Martindale-Hubbell.
