Deborah S. Mallgrave

Litigator and trial lawyer Deborah S. Mallgrave describes her work defending survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking as a heavy responsibility that demands a trauma-informed approach.

"It's a humbling experience," Mallgrave said in a recent interview. "Survivors of childhood sexual assault have such strength and courage. It's an honor to be able to work with them."

Mallgrave is a partner and head of the sexual abuse and human trafficking litigation practice at Greenberg Gross LLP. She's also a longtime volunteer for the Public Law Center of Orange County, including serving as past president of the nonprofit's board of directors.

Her current caseload includes a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York accusing the lead singer of electropunk band Mindless Self Indulgence of sexual battery of a minor. Doe v. Elektra, James Euringer, et al. 1:21-CV- 06868 (S.D. N.Y. Filed August 9, 2021). The singer, James Euringer, allegedly had a three-year sexual relationship with a 15-year-old starting in 1997, when he was 27. The suit alleges his manager and music companies Elektra and Warner Communications knew Euringer was a pedophile and promoted it as part of his brand.

Mallgrave said the music promoters were looking for "shock value" while ignoring the damage being done to an underage girl.

"If we can't put this pedophile in jail, at least we can get some sort of justice for the wrongs done to her," Mallgrave said.

Mallgrave is also defending an heiress of the Gucci fashion family in a childhood abuse case against members of her family. Zarini v. Gucci, Palombo, Ruffalo and Does 1-10, 20STCV34041 (L.A. Sup. Ct. Filed September 8, 2020).

Greenberg Gross LLP filed a lawsuit in September 2020 on behalf of Alexandra Zarini against her mother Patricia Gucci, grandmother Bruna Palombo, and stepfather Joseph Ruffalo. The case alleges her stepfather was sexually abusive starting when she was six years old, while her mother was physically and emotionally abusive, and both her mother and grandmother were negligent.

The case is in discovery; the trial date hasn't been set.

- JenniferMcEntee