Shakira A. Fantauzzi is a New York trial and litigation attorney whose practice spans criminal defense, federal litigation, complex immigration matters, matrimonial and divorce litigation, commercial disputes, and criminal record sealing and post-conviction relief.
Known for her aggressive courtroom advocacy, strategic judgment, and hands-on approach to representation, Ms. Fantauzzi established her trial record early in her career when her very first trial as an attorney—a federal jury trial—resulted in a victory for her client. Since then, Ms. Fantauzzi has maintained an undefeated record in jury trials.
Ms. Fantauzzi’s federal criminal practice includes complex and high-profile prosecutions, including serving as defense counsel in the nationally publicized federal case involving alleged high-stakes poker schemes connected to current and former NBA figures and organized crime.
Ms. Fantauzzi represents individuals, professionals, business owners, families, and corporate clients in a wide range of high-stakes matters, including state and federal criminal prosecutions, complex immigration proceedings, contested and uncontested divorces, matrimonial disputes, commercial litigation, and proceedings involving the sealing or clearing of criminal records.
She regularly represents clients through every stage of litigation, from initial investigation and pre-suit strategy through motion practice, hearings, negotiations, trial, and post-disposition proceedings. Her practice frequently involves matters in which criminal, immigration, financial, business, and family-law consequences overlap, requiring a broader strategic approach than any single area of law may provide.
Ms. Fantauzzi approaches every case with the belief that effective representation requires more than knowledge of the law. It requires meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, command of the facts, and the willingness to advocate forcefully when the stakes are highest. She remains personally involved in her cases and places particular importance on ensuring that clients understand both the legal strategy and the practical consequences of the decisions before them.
Ms. Fantauzzi’s work as a trial attorney has earned professional recognition, including selection to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 and recognition among the Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
A native New Yorker, Ms. Fantauzzi earned her bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she studied the Economics of Crime and the Scientific Study of Criminal Behavior. She later earned her Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University while also pursuing legal studies at Fordham University School of Law.
Her courtroom experience began before she graduated from law school. While still a law student, Ms. Fantauzzi was certified by the State of Indiana to litigate juvenile delinquency matters through the Marion County Public Defender Agency, allowing her to advocate for clients in court before formally entering the legal profession.
Ms. Fantauzzi is admitted to practice before all courts of the State of New York and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
- United States District Court, Southern District, N.Y.2019
- United States District Court, Eastern District, N.Y.2019
- United States District Court, Northern District, N.Y.2019
- New York State, All Courts2019