Damani Sims is an associate in the Business Trial Practice Group in the firm’s New York office.
Areas of Practice
Damani represents corporations, healthcare providers, and individuals in connection with government investigations, qui tam actions, and contract disputes in both federal and state courts.
Prior to joining Sheppard Mullin, Damani briefly served as a law clerk to the Honorable Roanne L. Mann, Chief Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Immediately preceding that clerkship, Damani was a law clerk for the Honorable Dora L. Irizarry, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Before clerking, Damani served as an Assistant District Attorney for almost nine years in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted financial crimes, and later, hate crimes and police integrity matters as the Deputy Chief of the Civil Rights Bureau. While serving as a Deputy Bureau Chief in the Office’s Rackets Division, Damani served as the lead investigator on a multi-million dollar counterfeit luxury goods smuggling operation in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and other border enforcement agencies.
Practices
Education
J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2006, Moot Court Honor Society
B.A., Duke University, 2000
Admissions
Memberships
New York City Bar Association
National Bar Association
New York County Lawyer’s Association
Federal Bar Council
American Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Ms. Mesidor is a highly accomplished attorney, specializing in employment actions against Fortune 500 companies and smaller organizations accused of discrimination, including claims of sexual misconduct. With a remarkable track record of success, she has secured over $75,000,000 in verdicts, awards, and settlements for her clients.
In 2013, Marjorie gained notoriety for her victory in the landmark case Johnson v. STRIVE, addressing discrimination within the same race. Her work against the impact of "poor door" policies on rent-stabilized tenants earned recognition from the Office of the Public Advocate.
With extensive experience in state and federal courts, Ms. Mesidor is a respected legal correspondent who has appeared on major news networks. She has received multiple accolades, including being named among the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 Attorneys Civil-Plaintiff and the National Black Lawyers' Top 100 Black Lawyers. Fluent in multiple languages, Ms. Mesidor passionately advocates for her clients in complex employment law matters. Serving a global New York client base, she actively participates in professional associations and advisory boards. Trustworthy and dedicated to justice, Marjorie Mesidor is an exceptional attorney protecting her clients' rights.
AWARDS
- Most Influential Woman in Employment Discrimination Law
- Top 100 Verdicts in NY
- Top 50 Employment Verdicts in United States
- National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Attorneys Civil- Plaintiff,
- National Black Lawyers’ Top 100 Black Lawyers,
- National Women Trial Lawyers – Top 25
- Avvo’s Client Choice Award, 2022
- New York Rising Star and New York Super Lawyer for 12 years
- Top Women Attorneys in New York City by CRAIN
- Exceptional Service to the Law School Award
- Exceptional Service to the Public and Community Award
- Service to the Bar Award
- Scholarship Recipient from the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association
- Minority Fellow of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York
Education: Dartmouth College (Class of 2013, BA in History); Harvard Law School (Class of 2017, J.D.)
Professional Background: I am a corporate attorney based in New York City and specializing in complex financing transactions, including senior secured credit facilities, venture debt financings, acquisition financings, search fund financings, cannabis financings, cross-border financings and related US collateral matters, and restructurings. I advise both borrowers (including private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, search funds and emerging growth businesses) and lenders across a range of industries, with particular depth in healthcare, private equity, technology, energy, AI, cannabis, and financial services. While based in New York City, I am also licensed to practice in the state of Texas.
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy automotive photography, history, football, and soccer. I am an avid supporter of the Dartmouth College football team (of which I was a member from 2009 to 2011) and the Jamaica National Football Team, in addition to the Brooklyn Nets.
Jason Lawrence - Dentons | LinkedIn
Carmen Otey handles a wide variety of corporate work, including securities matters, debt financings, and mergers and acquisitions.
Carmen provides regulatory advice and transactional support in securities matters. She assists issuers of securities in public and private offerings of equity. They have experience handling disclosure filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Carmen also counsels investment managers in the formation and operation of private equity funds, real estate funds, and hedge funds accommodating U.S. and non-U.S. investors.
In addition to her securities work, Carmen counsels businesses on entity formation and related corporate governance matters. They also represent clients in mergers and acquisitions, including drafting sale and acquisition documentation. Borrowers, including commodities merchants, investors, and public and private companies, look to Carmen for legal guidance on various financing deals, including syndicated and direct lending transactions, secured, unsecured, and asset-based lending credit facilities.
Bar Admissions
Degrees
- J.D., New York University School of Law, 2021
- B.A., New York University, College of Arts and Sciences, 2016
Leslie Luke is an experienced attorney practicing at WSHB's New York office. As a member of the senior counsel class, Leslie litigates a diverse range of legal matters, including product liability, premises liability, property damage, and contract disputes. Her clients include property managers, property owners, real estate developers, service providers, maintenance companies, product manufacturers, construction firms, security companies, and elevator companies. Additionally, she handles personal injury, labor law, and wrongful death cases in her practice.
Leslie is well-versed in all aspects of civil litigation, which includes investigating claims, drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and taking as well as defending depositions. She has experience in drafting and arguing motions, as well as writing and arguing appeals in the Appellate Division.
Ms. Luke recognizes the importance of listening to her clients to fully understand their specific needs and strive for the best possible outcomes.
Education
- American University, Washington College of Law (J.D., 2012)
- Hampton University (B.A., 2009)
Licensed to Practice in
- New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York