When everything is on the line, get me on the line.
We routinely take on cases with undertones of David vs. Goliath—David in who we represent, but Goliath to those we go against.
When clients are targeted for a payday, we’ve ensured it was only the targeting party that pays.
When a client was targeted for his 10% company equity ahead of a $10M merger, we blocked the clawback attempt and converted an at-risk $233,000 into a $1,140,000 settlement — a gain of $907,000 (+389%) — in 7 days.
When a $10B private equity firm offered a below-market severance package and withheld a client's annual bonus, we converted a $43,000 offer into $141,000 — a gain of $98,000 (+228%).
When Brooklyn Mirage, a popular New York concert venue, terminated their Director of Premium Sales without severance and withheld earned commissions, we negotiated an immediate $45,000 payment within 12 days of engagement.
When a serial plaintiff's firm threatened a California CIPA class action unless our client settled for $15,000, we rejected the demand and advised: "File if you must." They filed. Then quietly dismissed — without receiving a cent.
Lawson advises companies in high-stakes commercial matters from transactions to disputes involving corporate governance, equity clawbacks, business torts, and bet-the-company litigation. Known for high-delta outcomes, Lawson consistently resolves disputes resulting in asymmetric gains for clients of up to 389% over initial valuations, often concluding within days of engagement for non-litigated matters.
Blockbuster achievements include:
Equity Clawback. Defended client’s 10% equity in AI start up securing $1.14M settlement (+$907,000 net value secured) after company attempted to clawback $233,000 in vested equity right before its $10M merger.
Severance Negotiation. Engineered a 228% uplift in severance compensation, adding $98,000 and increasing the final settlement from $43,000 to $141,000.
Wage & Hour Defense. Secured favorable settlement terms on behalf of Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen in confidential employment mediation involving FLSA and NYLL claims.
Severance Negotiation. Represented former Director of Premium Sales in severance negotiations with Brooklyn Mirage involving disputed termination and compensation claims, converting no-severance termination into $45,000 payment within 12 days.
CIPA Class Action. Secured plaintiff’s voluntary dismissal of privacy class action against client by challenging the merits of their demand, including lack of redressable injury.
High-Velocity Recoveries: Secured $125,000 in combined settlements on $140,000 in contested balances, with an average 90% recovery rate achieved within 72 hours of engagement.
Lawson graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 2016 where he was the Managing Director of the Moot Court Honor Society and a two-time National Quarterfinalist and Finalist at the Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition (2013-2014). During law school, Lawson spent two semesters as a law clerk to United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley in the Eastern District of New York and United States Circuit Judge Denny Chin for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Lawson began his career at international law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP before clerking for the Hon. Andrea Masley in the New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, New York County.