Salvatore Strazzullo, a well-known New York City lawyer who often handled scandalous cases, was found dead in his car in Brooklyn early Saturday morning.
Strazzullo was nicknamed the “Nightlife Lawyer” because of his clientele, which included both celebrities and people involved in nightlife escapades.
He was 52 years old at the time of his death. Police believe it was suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, but the official cause of death is pending confirmation by the coroner.
Strazzullo’s career as a lawyer has been marked by both notoriety and controversy. He rose to prominence by representing clients such as rapper Foxy Brown and exotic dancer Milana Dravnel, who sued boxer Oscar De La Hoya for allegedly doctored photos that showed him in women’s underwear.
The case involved a defamation lawsuit filed by Milana Dravnel (pictured below). Hoya claimed that she had manipulated the photo that the lawsuit referred to.
The case was settled out of court. Strazzullo was also involved in the defense of Adam Hock, who was charged following a brawl with the Prince of Monaco Pierre Casiraghi, and he represented Foxy Brown in a case in which she was accused of violating a protection order.
Strazzullo fees
In recent years, Strazzullo has faced serious legal challenges of his own, facing charges of grand theft and fraud and being accused of embezzling millions from his clients, most of whom were elderly.
Prosecutors alleged he ran a Ponzi scheme in which he used money from new clients to pay off the debts of older clients while funding a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, expensive restaurants and upscale accommodations.
His legal troubles led to his disbarment after he was accused of professional misconduct, including embezzlement of client funds.
Despite his once celebrated status in New York’s legal and nightlife circles, Strazzullo’s legacy is overshadowed by allegations of betraying his clients’ trust. His sudden death has shocked the legal community and those familiar with his work and marks the tragic end of a tumultuous career.
