Zuckerman Spaeder Announces New Partner and Counsel Promotions
Zuckerman Spaeder LLP is pleased to announce that three firm associates, Nicholas M. DiCarlo, Nell Zora Peyser, and Ivano M. Ventresca, have been named to the partnership effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, associate Ezra B. Marcus has been promoted to counsel.
“We have a talented and diverse bench of associates who are doing truly remarkable work and playing pivotal roles in the firm’s varied representations,” said Caroline Judge Mehta, chair of Zuckerman Spaeder’s Executive Committee and Partnership Board and managing partner of the firm. “Nick, Nell, Ivano, and Ezra have each demonstrated the leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence and to our clients that will assure their continued success within the firm. They not only are outstanding attorneys, but are also genuine team players and exemplary colleagues.”
Nick DiCarlo has a strong track record representing corporate clients and individuals in complex litigation and government enforcement matters – including high-stakes insurance and bankruptcy matters, and government investigations. Mr. DiCarlo was named to Bloomberg Law’s 2024 “40 Under 40” List for his recent accomplishments, such as successfully representing multiple clients in insurance coverage cases worth hundreds of millions of dollars and obtaining a declination for a bank CFO as part of an SEC probe. Notably, he has played a leading role representing and advocating for over 1,700 child sex abuse victims in connection with the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy. Although Mr. DiCarlo’s practice spans various industries, it often centers on health care, where he litigates statutory rights and advocates for providers against health insurers. His dedication to this work stems from his five years as a policy advisor in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, where he focused on health care issues.
Nell Peyser handles civil litigation, with a particular focus on health care-related issues. She has played a key role in several high-profile and groundbreaking health insurance cases, including representing patients and providers in complex Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) class action litigation. Her work to address widespread behavioral health claim denials and improper reimbursement reductions has helped ensure patient access to potentially life-saving care. In one notable case on behalf of over 100,000 mental health patients/insureds, she helped secure a $10 million settlement against one of the nation’s largest health insurance companies. The settlement not only resulted in financial relief through repayments, but also led to a change in the insurer’s reimbursement policies. In addition to her health care work, Ms. Peyser represents individuals and companies in business and employment disputes. She has played a leading role in securing favorable settlements for various high-profile clients, including financial institutions, executives, and athletes.
Ivano Ventresca represents clients in complex litigation and high-profile investigations involving individuals and corporations. He has litigated cases at all levels, including in state and federal trial courts, appellate courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. In his practice, he has extensive experience with a number of key statutes, including the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the False Claims Act (FCA), the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). He has further litigated and advised clients in trade secret matters under state and federal law. He has been instrumental in the firm’s representation of a national pharmacy chain facing thousands of suits by state and local governments seeking to recover costs alleged to have been caused by the distribution of prescription opioids. Notably, Mr. Ventresca developed a key theory that is reflected in the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision to preserve the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Ezra Marcus represents clients in complex civil litigation, investigations, and criminal prosecutions. He is a highly versatile attorney sought out by colleagues and clients alike for his judgment, creativity, and analytical insight. He has advised lawyers and law firms, corporate executives, and a wide range of individuals and entities facing high-stakes challenges in litigation or government investigations. Ezra was a member of the trial team that obtained a jury acquittal of former White House Counsel Gregory Craig on Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)-related charges after a high-profile Special Counsel’s Office investigation.
Zuckerman Spaeder congratulates Mr. DiCarlo, Ms. Peyser, Mr. Ventresca, and Mr. Marcus on these well-deserved promotions and looks forward to their continued contributions to the firm’s success.
Related people
Media contact
Kalie Hardos
Email | 202.822.3637