Alex Spiro

Spiro was born in New York and grew up in Boston.{{Cite news |last=Charity |first=Justin |date=June 9, 2016 |title=He Who Would Defend Shmurda |url=https://www.theringer.com/2016/6/9/16040732/alex-spiro-bobby-shmurda-thabo-sefolosha-1-oak-f28073829b51 |access-date=2018-08-23 |work=The Ringer}} He is the eldest of four children to a clinical psychologist mother and a dentist father.{{Cite magazine |last=Kolhatkar |first=Sheelah |date=2023-07-24 |title=How Alex Spiro Keeps the Rich and Famous Above the Law |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/07/31/how-alex-spiro-keeps-the-rich-and-famous-above-the-law |magazine=The New Yorker |issn=0028-792X}}

Spiro studied biopsychology at Tufts University, graduating summa cum laude.{{Cite news|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20180708/beat-wellesley-bred-lawyer-alex-spiro-matchup-nightmare-on-court-and-in-courtroom|title=The Beat: Wellesley-bred lawyer Alex Spiro a matchup nightmare on the court and in the courtroom|author=Tim Whelan Jr.|work=MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816081555/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20180708/beat-wellesley-bred-lawyer-alex-spiro-matchup-nightmare-on-court-and-in-courtroom |archive-date=August 16, 2021}} While in college, he considered a career in psychiatry and worked on an adolescent psychiatry unit at McLean Hospital.{{Cite news|url=https://today.law.harvard.edu/basketball-stars-go-guy/|title=Basketball Stars' Go-To Guy - Harvard Law Today|work=Harvard Law Today|access-date=2018-08-23}} In 2008, Spiro received his J.D. from Harvard Law School. During the program, he did a fellowship at the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 2016, Spiro filed a lawsuit against the University of Oregon on behalf of two basketball players who were expelled after being accused of sexually assaulting a freshman at an off-campus party in 2014. The lawsuit alleged that Oregon investigators were biased against the expelled students and asked for damages in the amount of $10 million for each player.{{Cite news|url=https://kval.com/news/local/ex-uo-basketball-players-accused-of-rape-file-lawsuit-against-university|title=Ex-UO basketball players accused of rape file lawsuit against university|last=KVAL|work=KVAL|access-date=2018-08-25|language=en-US}} The lawsuit was dismissed by a federal district court, and that ruling was upheld by a unanimous three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2019.{{Cite web | agency=Associated Press|title=Appeals court upholds 2014 dismissal of Oregon players|url=https://www.si.com/college/2019/06/04/oregon-players-appeal-dismissal-rape-allegations|access-date=2022-02-23|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=4 June 2019 |language=en-us}}

Also in 2016, Spiro represented Aaron Hernandez in his double homicide trial and the appeal of his 2015 murder conviction{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/16053466/aaron-hernandez-hires-new-defense-team-includes-lawyer-represented-casey-anthony|title=A. Hernandez hires Casey Anthony lawyer, others|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-08-25|language=en}} in which he was initially acquitted, although Hernandez's murder conviction was reinstated in a ruling from Massachusetts’ highest court in 2019.{{cite web |last1=Durken Richer |first1=Alanna |title=Court reinstates late Aaron Hernandez's murder conviction |url=https://apnews.com/article/north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-football-professional-football-2a80cc5593d14d598b0b5e3eb133a93a |publisher=AP News |date=March 13, 2019}}

In 2017, Spiro won a lawsuit against New York City, which agreed to pay $4 million to Thabo Sefolosha, who was an NBA player for the Atlanta Hawks at the time. In the federal lawsuit, he accused five police officers of false arrest and using excessive force during an encounter outside a Manhattan nightclub.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/05/nyregion/thabo-sefolosha-ny-atlanta-false-arrest-suit.html|title=New York City to Pay N.B.A.'s Thabo Sefolosha $4 Million to End False-Arrest Suit|author=James C. McKinley Jr.|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 6, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://abovethelaw.com/2017/10/quinn-emanuel-pulls-off-coup-with-big-time-criminal-defense-hire/|title=Quinn Emanuel Pulls Off Coup With Big-Time Criminal Defense Hire|last=Patrice|first=Joe|work=Above the Law|access-date=2018-08-23|language=en-US}}

In 2018, Spiro was part of the defense team for David Demos, defending his case involving the use of illegal sales practices, including fraud for lying to clients.

In February 2019, Spiro was asked by Jay-Z and Roc Nation{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/attorney-alex-spiro-explains-how-jay-z-roc-nation-fights-to-free-21-savage|title=Attorney Alex Spiro Explains How JAY-Z and Roc Nation Will Fight For 21 Savage|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2019-11-07}} to help with the immigration arrest of rapper/songwriter 21 Savage, resulting in the rapper's release from federal custody.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/12/arts/21-savage-released.html|title=21 Savage to Be Released From ICE Custody, His Lawyers Say|last=Stack|first=Liam|date=2019-02-12|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-11-07|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

In March 2019, Spiro was chosen to be part of Robert Kraft's legal team, defending him against misdemeanor charges of solicitation.{{cite news|last1=Francescani|first1=Chris|date=March 10, 2019|title=Patriots' owner Robert Kraft has assembled a legal dream team to handle his misdemeanor sex solicitation case; can they save him?|work=ABC News|url=https://www.yahoo.com/gma/patriots-owner-robert-kraft-assembled-legal-dream-team-234510439--abc-news-topstories.html|access-date=March 10, 2019}}

In September 2019, Spiro obtained a dismissal of a breach of contract and unjust enrichment claim brought by a former trainer of tennis player Naomi Osaka.{{Cite news|url=https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2019/09/13/dismissed-broward-judge-swats-trainers-lawsuit-against-tennis-star-naomi-osaka/|title=Dismissed: Broward Judge Swats Trainer's Lawsuit Against Tennis Star Naomi Osaka|date=September 13, 2019|author=Zach Schlein|website=Daily Business Review|language=en|access-date=2019-11-07}}

In December 2019, Spiro defended Elon Musk in a defamation case raised by Vernon Unsworth from statements made relating to their involvement in the Tham Luang cave rescue. The jury ultimately found Musk not liable.{{cite web |last1=Kolodny |first1=Lora |title=Elon Musk found not liable in 'pedo guy' defamation trial |website=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/06/unsworth-vs-musk-pedo-guy-defamation-trial-verdict.html |date=December 6, 2019}} Spiro has also represented Musk in a suit brought by shareholders over Tesla acquiring SolarCity.{{cite web |last1=Hull |first1=Dana |title=Lawyer Who Helped Musk Beat Defamation Suit Takes on Tesla's Investors |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-24/lawyer-who-helped-musk-beat-defamation-suit-takes-on-investors |publisher=Bloomberg |date=February 24, 2020}} In 2022, after Musk took control of Twitter, Spiro has taken an active role in the legal team, and led conversations about a 25% layoff of employees.{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Musk's inner circle worked through weekend to cement Twitter layoff plans |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/10/31/elon-musk-twitter-layoffs/ |access-date=November 1, 2022}}

In March 2020, Spiro and hip-hop artists Killer Mike, Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, and Chance the Rapper sent a brief to the United States Supreme Court, detailing the ways rap music is stigmatized and stereotyped by the legal system.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/spotlight-alex-spiro-hip-hop-criminal-justice-reform-attorney/|title=Spotlight: Jay-Z and Meek Mill Lawyer Alex Spiro Is Hip-Hop's Most Sought-After Criminal Justice Attorney|first1=Tatiana|last1=Cirisano|magazine=Billboard|date=March 3, 2020}}

In May 2020, Spiro filed a lawsuit against the health care providers for inmates at Mississippi prisons, after Jay-Z's Roc Nation filed their own lawsuit on behalf of a group of inmates. The lawsuit accuses them of an "entire breakdown in Mississippi prisons' healthcare system."{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/roc-nation-attorney-sues-mississippi-prison-health-care-provider-news.111256.html|title=Roc Nation Attorney Sues Mississippi Prison Health Care Provider|date=May 27, 2020|website=HotNewHipHop}}

In May 2021, the family of Don Lewis hired Spiro to investigate his 1997 disappearance which gained renewed interest after the airing of the Netflix series Tiger King.{{cite web |last1=Best |first1=Paul |title=Tiger King: Family of Carole Baskin's ex-husband hires attorney Alex Spiro to investigate his disappearance |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/tiger-king-family-of-carole-baskins-ex-husband-hires-attorney-alex-spiro-to-investigate-his-disappearance |work=Fox News |date=May 15, 2021}}

In June 2021, Spiro obtained a temporary restraining order against Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash in Manhattan federal court, blocking a planned non-fungible token auction of his copyright interest in Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt.{{cite web |last1=Brittian |first1=Blake |title=Jay-Z label Roc-A-Fella blocks co-founder's 'Reasonable Doubt' NFT auction |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/jay-z-label-roc-a-fella-blocks-co-founders-reasonable-doubt-nft-auction-2021-06-22/ |publisher=Reuters |date=June 22, 2021}}

In November 2021, a New York Jury decided in favor of Spiro, finding Jay-Z not liable in a suit stemming from a cologne deal in 2013. Jay-Z was awarded $4.5 million as a result.{{cite web |last1=Donahue |first1=Bill |title=Jay-Z Wins $4.5M In Unpaid Royalties Over Failed Cologne Partnership |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/jay-z-wins-unpaid-royalties-cologne-partnership-1235036145/ |publisher=Billboard |date=February 24, 2022}}

Spiro has previously been involved with investigations and litigation surrounding Robert Durst,{{cite web |last1=Silva |first1=Daniella |title=Robert Durst to Face Wrongful Death Suit From Family of First Wife, Kathleen |website=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/robert-durst/robert-durst-face-wrongful-death-suit-family-first-wife-kathleen-n445581 |date=October 15, 2015}} Alec Baldwin and Philip Seymour Hoffman.{{cite web |title=No Jail Time for Jazz Musician Arrested in Philip Seymour Hoffman Death Probe |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/philip-seymour-hoffmans-death-probe-musician-6236444/ |publisher=Billboard |date=August 24, 2014}} Spiro has represented musical artists, such as Mick Jagger{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Dan |date=March 6, 2023 |title=How Alex Spiro Became Elon Musk's (and Megan Thee Stallion's and Jay-Z's) Go-To Lawyer |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/03/alex-spiro-lawyer-elon-musk-megan-thee-stallion-jay-z |work=Vanity Fair}} and Bobby Shmurda, as well as athletes, including Charles Oakley{{cite web |last1=Begley |first1=Ian |title=Criminal case against Charles Oakley officially dismissed |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22300292/criminal-case-charles-oakley-officially-dismissed |work=ESPN |date=February 2, 2018}} and Julian Edelman.{{cite web |last1=Breech |first1=John |title=Julian Edelman is appealing his suspension and here's his plan to get it overturned |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/julian-edelman-is-appealing-his-suspension-and-heres-his-plan-to-get-it-overturned/ |date=June 25, 2018}}

In a filing against SEC to rescind a consent decree, Spiro paraphrased Eminem's song "Without Me": (SEC) won’t let me be or let me be me so let me see; They tried to shut me down,{{cite web |title = Defendant Elon Musk's Reply in Further Support Of His Motion To Quash & To Terminate Consent Decree |url = https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21562401/03292022-musk-reply-filed.pdf |publisher = Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP |date = March 29, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Lyons |first1=Kim |title=Elon Musk cites Eminem song in latest volley with the SEC |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/29/23001516/elon-musk-eminem-tesla-sec-tweets/ |publisher=The Verge |date=March 29, 2022}} replacing FCC with SEC.{{cite web |last1=Rubino |first1=Kathryn |title=Elon Musk cites Eminem song in latest volley with the SEC |url=https://abovethelaw.com/2022/04/quinn-emanuel-partner-decides-quoting-eminem-best-way-to-represent-elon-musk/ |publisher=Above the Law (website) |date=April 4, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Stempel |first1=Jonathan |title=Elon Musk invokes rapper Eminem in opposing SEC decree |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/elon-musk-invokes-rapper-eminem-opposing-sec-decree-2022-03-29/ |publisher=Reuters |date=March 29, 2022}} That SEC decree requires Musk's tweets about his businesses, especially Tesla, to be vetted by Tesla's lawyers before posting.{{cite web |title=Elon Musk seeks to end SEC 'muzzle' requiring pre-approval of tweets |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/musk-asks-us-judge-end-2018-sec-consent-decree-2022-03-08/ |publisher=Reuters |date=March 9, 2022}}

In 2022, Musk appointed Spiro to oversee Twitter's legal, marketing, and trust and safety teams, which included responsibility for Twitter's elections work.{{Cite news |last1=Vynck |first1=Gerrit De |last2=Zakrzewski |first2=Cat |date=2022-11-07 |title=Musk's celebrity lawyer now plays key role in Twitter overhaul |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/06/alex-spiro-musk-twitter-lawyer/ |access-date=2023-06-19 |issn=0190-8286}}

In February 2023, Spiro represented Elon Musk in a securities fraud trial, leading to a verdict that found Musk not liable. The investors in the trial had alleged that Musk misled them when he tweeted in 2018 that he had 'funding secured' to take Tesla private.{{Cite news |last=Greene |first=Jenna |date=2023-02-11 |title=What does Musk lawyer Alex Spiro say is the secret to winning? A very good question. |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/what-does-musk-lawyer-alex-spiro-say-is-secret-winning-very-good-question-2023-02-10/ |access-date=2023-06-19}}

Spiro also represented Tesla in a retrial involving a lawsuit filed by former contract worker Owen Diaz. Initially, Diaz was awarded $136.9 million in damages for facing racism at Tesla's premises. However, after an appeal and a new trial with Spiro on the defense team, the damages were significantly reduced to approximately $3.2 million.{{Cite web |last=Ruffo |first=Gustavo Henrique |date=2023-04-05 |title=Owen Diaz Sued Tesla for Racism and Won $136.9 Million, But May Get Only $3.2 Million |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/owen-diaz-sued-tesla-for-racism-and-won-1369-million-but-may-get-only-32-million-213008.html |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}

In May 2023, Spiro, leading Twitter's legal team, accused Microsoft of misusing Twitter's data, potentially exceeding usage limits and breaching usage agreement terms related to government entities, setting the stage for a potential legal battle over AI development.{{Cite news |last1=Conger |first1=Kate |last2=Mac |first2=Ryan |last3=Metz |first3=Cade |date=2023-05-18 |title=Twitter Accuses Microsoft of Improperly Using Its Data |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/technology/twitter-microsoft-misusing-data.html |access-date=2023-06-19 |issn=0362-4331}}

In July 2023, Spiro, on behalf of Twitter, threatened to sue Meta Platforms on the day of the launch of Threads app. Twitter claimed that Meta engaged in the misappropriation of trade secrets and intellectual property owned by Twitter and that certain features and functionalities present in their app closely resemble proprietary elements and innovations that Twitter has developed over time.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-06 |title=Twitter threatens legal action over Meta's "copycat" Threads |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/twitter-threatens-lawsuit-meta-threads-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}

Spiro represents Charlie Javice in her defense against JPMorgan Chase's lawsuit in which she was charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy.{{Cite news |last=Feeley |first=Jef |date=2023-08-09 |title=Prosecutors Accused of Pressuring Frank Founder Javice With Suit-Delay Request |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-09/prosecutors-accused-of-pressuring-javice-with-suit-delay-request |work=Bloomberg News}}

In March 2024, Spiro represented Elon Musk in a defamation lawsuit from Benjamin Brody that accused Musk of falsely suggesting that Brody was a government agent who participated in a neo-Nazi brawl.{{Cite news |date=2024-03-28 |title=Musk questioned in defamation lawsuit over X post about street brawl |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/musk-questioned-defamation-lawsuit-over-x-post-about-street-brawl-2024-03-28/ |work=Reuters}} Since then, Spiro has faced sanctions over the case for "unauthorized practice of law" due to not being licensed to practice in Texas, where the case was brought.{{Cite news |date=2024-04-09 |title=Musk lawyer Alex Spiro faces sanctions bid in Texas defamation fight |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/musk-lawyer-alex-spiro-faces-sanctions-bid-texas-defamation-fight-2024-04-09/ |work=Reuters}}

In July 2024, Spiro defended at trial Alec Baldwin from a New Mexico manslaughter charge stemming from the movie Rust where the cinematographer was shot and killed by Baldwin from a prop gun. On July 12, Spiro filed a successful motion to dismiss the charge against Baldwin with prejudice over withheld evidence, meaning Baldwin cannot be retried.{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/12/arts/rust-trial-pause-alec-baldwin-shooting.html | title='Rust' Case Against Alec Baldwin is Dismissed over Withheld Evidence | work=The New York Times | date=12 July 2024 | last1=Jacobs | first1=Julia }}

In August 2024, Spiro was hired by YouTuber MrBeast in the midst of multiple controversies surrounding him.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title=MrBeast Reportedly Hires Elon Musk's Lawyer to Silence Former Employee |url=https://www.si.com/esports/news/mrbeast-elon-musk-lawyer |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Esports Illustrated On SI |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Dodgson |first=Lindsay |title=MrBeast is in a tough spot. But PR experts say an aggressive 'super lawyer' isn't the fix he needs. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-jimmy-donaldson-hiring-celebrity-lawyer-wont-help-reputation-experts-2024-8 |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

In September 2024, Spiro was an attorney for New York City Mayor Eric Adams after Adams was indicted in a federal corruption case.{{Cite web |last1=Dienst |first1=Jonathan |last2=Winter |first2=Tom |last3=Russo |first3=Melissa |last4=Copenhagen • • |first4=Courtney |date=2024-09-26 |title=FBI searching Gracie Mansion, home of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, amid investigation |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/gracie-mansion-search-fbi-eric-adams/5831074/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |author= |date=2024-09-26 |title=Mayor Eric Adams Indicted Over Corruption: Live Updates |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/eric-adams-indicted-new-york-city-mayor-live-updates-commentary.html#they-took-his-phone-again |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Intelligencer |language=en}}

In December 2024, he defended Musk after the SEC renewed its investigation into Neuralink.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-13/musk-ups-sec-feud-by-posting-letter-disclosing-neuralink-probe|title=Musk Ups SEC Feud by Posting Letter Disclosing Neuralink Probe|publisher=Bloomberg}}

Spiro represented Jay-Z after allegations that he sexually abused women in 2000.{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Thania |title=Jay-Z's Accuser Can Remain Anonymous, Judge Criticizes His Lawyer's 'Relentless' Legal Filings |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/jay-z-accuser-remain-anonymous-judge-criticizes-his-lawyers-1236260405/ |website=Variety |date=27 December 2024}}{{cite news |title=Judge rules that accuser in rape lawsuit against Jay-Z, Sean "Diddy" Combs can remain anonymous for now |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rape-lawsuit-against-jay-z-sean-diddy-combs-accuser-can-remain-anonymous/ |work= CBS News |date=26 December 2024}}{{cite web |title=Jay-Z Brutally Slapped Down By Judge in Teen Rape Case |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/jay-z-and-lawyer-alex-spiro-brutally-slapped-down-by-judge-in-diddy-linked-teen-rape-case/ |website=The Daily Beast |language=en |date=26 December 2024}}

Spiro worked at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney until 2013. In 2012 he prosecuted Rodney Alcala, known as “The Dating Game Killer," for two New York murders committed in the 1970s.

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Category:1982 births

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Category:American criminal defense lawyers

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