Overview
TaLona Holbert is an Associate in the firm's Commercial Litigation group, where her practice includes an array of complex state and federal litigation, concentrating on financial services matters involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, and other similar state and federal statutes.
In addition to financial services matters, TaLona has experience handling complex insurance coverage disputes, antitrust issues, real estate disputes, consumer class actions, and audit malpractice litigation.
TaLona maintains an active pro bono practice, focusing on advancing the rights of women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. She is currently serving as co-chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Minorities in the Professions Committee.
- New York
- US District Court, Southern District of New York
- US District Court, Eastern District of New York
- J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 2017
- B.A., Adelphi University, 2013
Representative Matters
- Led a team representing students with learning and other disabilities who alleged they were illegally and systematically pushed out of a New York-based charter school due to their disabilities and obtained a $2.4 million settlement. Lawton et al. v. Success Academy Charter Schools, et al.
- Represented a group of diverse plaintiffs who alleged they were subjected to unconstitutional stops by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in a landmark civil rights class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs received a six-figure settlement and the action led to termination of the NYPD's "digital stop-and-frisk" policy, department-wide training regarding the policy change, and comprehensive patrol procedures reform. Belle et al. v. City of New York et al.
- Successfully argued before the New York Supreme Court that fee restrictions set forth in the State's 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act did not apply to brokers' commissions or landlord agents, allowing real estate agents across the state to earn commissions without fear of punitive legal action. REBNY v. New York state Department of State, et al.
Noteworthy
- Schneps Media, Manhattan Power List (2023)
- Crain's New York Business, "40 Under 40" (2022)
- Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," Insurance Coverage (2022)
- City & State, "NYC 40 Under 40 Rising Star" (2022)
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Pathfinder Program (2022)
- National Black Lawyers, "Top 100 Black Lawyers in New York" (2021-2022)
- Legal Aid Society, Pro Bono Publico Award (2021)
- Chambers' Diversity & Inclusion Awards, Future Leader – Minority Lawyers (2019-2020)
Professional Affiliations
- Life Fellow, The American Bar Foundation (2023)
- Co-Chair, ARIAS Forms & Procedures Committee (2022-present)
- NYC Board of Directors, Peer Health Exchange (2021-present)
- Co-Chair, New York City Bar Association, Minorities in the Profession Committee (2017-present)