Ilann Margalit Maazel

Ilann Margalit Maazel is a nationally recognized civil rights lawyer known for representing survivors of sexual abuse, disability abuse, bullying, police misconduct, prison abuse, wrongful convictions, and discrimination. His work spans landmark class actions, public-impact litigation, and high-stakes matters that defend vulnerable communities and protect fundamental rights nationwide.

Ilann earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 1997, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif, and his B.A. magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1993. This distinguished academic background supports his extensive civil rights and public-interest litigation practice across federal and state courts.

Throughout his career, Ilann has led major efforts such as class actions to end the tampon tax, reduce delays in Bronx Criminal Court, secure services for disabled preschoolers, and curb violence in New York City prisons. He has also taken on cases involving NSA surveillance and represented survivors in significant #MeToo matters, including a $10 million jury verdict in Breest v. Haggis.

Ilann’s commercial litigation record includes victories against high-profile figures and representation of prominent organizations across technology, nonprofit, cultural, and governmental sectors. He has also played key roles in election-related litigation, including leading the 2016 Pennsylvania presidential recount effort.

A frequent commentator on civil rights issues, Ilann Margalit Maazel has been published in national media and contributes the civil rights litigation column for the New York Law Journal. His work has been featured on NPR, in The New York Times, and in the Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour. Recognized by Lawdragon as one of the “500 Leading Civil Rights Lawyers,” he continues to advocate for justice, accountability, and systemic reform.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Council
• Member, New York County Lawyers’ Association

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• University of Michigan
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Harvard University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges