Celebrity Lawyer Sal Strazzullo Found Dead at 52

Celebrity Lawyer Sal Strazzullo Found Dead at 52

3 minute read
Published: 8/14/2024

Salvatore Strazzullo, the 'Night-Life Lawyer' known for his scandalous clients and legal battles, was found dead Saturday morning in his car in Brooklyn at age 52, with no immediate signs of foul play.

The sudden death of Salvatore Strazzullo, a high-profile attorney notorious for his representation of strippers, nightclub workers, and celebrities, has sparked a probe into the many controversies that surrounded him. Strazzullo was entangled in multiple legal troubles, including accusations of grand larceny and fraud, amid allegations he misused client funds to support a lavish lifestyle. His passing leaves a complex legacy and an array of unanswered questions, including those related to the forthcoming criminal court hearings against him.

Salvatore Strazzullo was found dead in his car around 3:30 a.m. near the intersection of 16th and Cropsey Avenues in Brooklyn. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene, with no initial signs of foul play. Strazzullo's death is currently under investigation, though authorities have yet to determine a cause.

Known in legal circles as the 'Night-Life Lawyer,' Strazzullo built his career representing individuals in high-profile, and at times, scandalous cases. His client roster included nightclub workers, strippers, and celebrities. Among his most notable cases was representing Milana Dravnel, who sued boxer Oscar De La Hoya for $100 million over photographs that purportedly showed De La Hoya dressed in women's lingerie.

Strazzullo also gained attention by defending rapper Foxy Brown when she was accused of mooning a neighbor. These cases bolstered his reputation as a go-to lawyer for late-night and controversial situations, earning him significant media attention over the years.

Before entering the legal profession, Strazzullo worked as a nightclub manager, a background that perhaps gave him unique insights into the needs and challenges faced by his clientele. Despite his professional prominence, Strazzullo's career has not been without its difficulties.

In more recent years, Strazzullo faced an array of legal challenges himself. He was set to appear in Brooklyn criminal court later this month, facing charges of grand larceny and fraud. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez alleged that Strazzullo operated a Ponzi scheme through his escrow account, further accusing him of defrauding clients to finance a luxurious lifestyle.

Among the accusations were claims that Strazzullo spent misappropriated funds on a $100,000 BMW and a $13,000 per month apartment in Battery Park City. These allegations contributed to his plethora of ongoing legal battles, with Strazzullo maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty to multiple charges.

Another significant scandal involved a former paralegal who sued Strazzullo for sexual harassment. This lawsuit added to his growing list of legal issues and public controversies.

At the time of reporting, Strazzullo's firm’s website was down, further reflecting the turmoil surrounding his professional life. Despite his legal challenges and the cloud of suspicion hanging over him, Strazzullo's sudden death raises numerous questions that investigators will seek to answer in the coming days.

In life, Strazzullo walked a precarious line between fame and notoriety. His death, amidst pending court dates and ongoing legal scrutiny, adds another layer of mystery to his already complicated story. As investigations proceed, the legal community and his many clients remain interested in the outcome, which may have widespread implications.

The circumstances surrounding Strazzullo's death and his complex legacy will undoubtedly be scrutinized over the coming weeks. While the investigation continues, those who knew and worked with him are left to grapple with both his absence and the unresolved legal issues that now mark his final chapter.