Craig M. Reiser
Partner
Craig Reiser is a trusted litigator clients turn to when reputations are on the line. He excels in defending high-profile, high-value, and high-complexity commercial claims on behalf of both companies and individuals. Known for his sharp legal insight, Craig swiftly identifies the critical legal issues in each case and crafts winning strategies tailored to his clients’ unique needs. His approach has earned not only impressive results but also the lasting confidence of those he represents.
Craig M. Reiser
Partner
Craig Reiser is a trusted litigator clients turn to when reputations are on the line. He excels in defending high-profile, high-value, and high-complexity commercial claims on behalf of both companies and individuals. Known for his sharp legal insight, Craig swiftly identifies the critical legal issues in each case and crafts winning strategies tailored to his clients’ unique needs. His approach has earned not only impressive results but also the lasting confidence of those he represents.
Craig has defended malpractice and breach-of-duty claims against major international law firms, in numerous forums, with collective exposures in the billions. He represented a global law firm in federal bankruptcy court, has represented numerous major law firms in connection with malpractice claims arising from various commercial transactions, and won a precedent-setting dismissal of a $7 billion putative class action brought against a global law firm by non-client investors.
Craig also represents clients in an array of other high-profile litigations, including his successful defense of chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen in a headline-grabbing defamation and antitrust lawsuit brought by another grandmaster against Carlsen and four other defendants. He is currently defending a global pharmaceuticals company in two of the largest multidistrict litigations in the United States, one involving antitrust claims and the other involving the opioid crisis. When consistent with his clients’ business objectives, Craig excels at securing favorable resolutions that help avoid the costs and burdens of prolonged litigation.
In addition to his work with high-profile clients, Craig maintains an active pro bono practice, representing economically disadvantaged clients in federal appellate courts on civil and immigration matters. He also serves as Axinn’s General Counsel.
Experience
Craig’s representative matters include the following:
Professional Liability
- Defended global law firm in connection with malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty claims arising from its defense of the rapper 50 Cent in rights of publicity dispute.
- Defended global law firm in connection with claims asserted by the Stanford Financial equity receiver and investors, securing dismissal of investor claims in precedent-setting interlocutory appeal of $7 billion putative class action.
- Defended global law firm in connection with multimillion-dollar malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty claims arising from real estate transaction.
- Defended global law firm in connection with malpractice claims arising from tax advice.
Antitrust Litigation
- Currently defending Google in multidistrict litigation challenging Google’s advertising technology business.
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Currently defending Alvogen, Inc. in the sprawling Generic Pharmaceuticals MDL, where plaintiffs allege participation in an industry wide conspiracy to raise prices of generic drugs.
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Secured favorable resolution for health care technology company in class action alleging conspiracy to monopolize electronic prescribing.
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Representing high-profile technology company in connection with the FTC’s action against Meta and related proceedings.
Other Complex Litigation
- Secured dismissal of claims against chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen in dispute arising from the high-profile chess cheating scandal.
- Currently defending Alvogen, Inc. in the Opioids MDL.
- Currently defending a leading global food company in connection with claims for an alleged multimillion-dollar breach of contract.
- Successfully defended affiliate of Mercury Public Affairs in high-profile contract and corporate governance dispute.
- Represented investment bank in connection with litigation relating to mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations in state and federal courts across the country.
- Successfully defended trade secret claims asserted against registered broker-dealer in an eight-figure FINRA arbitration.
Honors
- Benchmark Litigation,"Future Star" (2024 – 2025)
- Benchmark Litigation, "40 & Under" (2023 – 2024)
- Lawdragon, "500 X – The Next Generation" (2024)
- Lawdragon, "500 Leading Litigators in America" (2025)
- New York Law Journal, "Rising Star" (2023)
- The Legal 500 United States (2022 – 2023)
- The National Law Journal, "Litigation Trailblazer" (2023)
- Recognized in Am Law "Litigator of the Week" column for representation of chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen
- Super Lawyers, “Rising Star” for Business Litigation (2024)
Education
- JD, summa cum laude – University of Pennsylvania Law School (2010)
- Honors BA, Political Science, summa cum laude – University of Delaware (2007)
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Quotes
The combination of a client-first attitude and knowledge of the facts...coupled with their practical problem solving abilities, makes them pragmatic litigators.
The Legal 500 United States
Axinn proves to have not just the necessary knowledge and skill to handle complex and sophisticated matters, but the depth of experience to anticipate unforeseen hurdles.
Chambers USA
News & Insights
News & Insights
Global Legal Group Global Class Actions Symposium 2024
Speaking Engagement
Litigation & Trials
Axinn Partners Ranked in the 2025 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
Awards & Recognitions
Intellectual Property
Axinn Partners Named to Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America 2025
Awards & Recognitions
Antitrust
Axinn Attorneys Named to 2024 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation
Awards & Recognitions
Antitrust
United States: Class Actions
Byline Articles
Litigation & Trials
Substance Over Form: Application of Anti-SLAPP Statutes in Federal Court
Publications
Litigation & Trials
Axinn Partner Craig Reiser Honored as a 2023 Litigation Trailblazer by The National Law Journal
News
Antitrust
Something to Talk About: Recent Developments in Federal Court SLAPP Suits
Axinn Viewpoints
Litigation & Trials
Axinn Partners Ranked in the 2024 Edition of Benchmark Litigation
News
Litigation & Trials
Axinn Partner Craig Reiser Named a Rising Star by the New York Law Journal
News
Antitrust