Gideon Cashman

A nationally accomplished litigator and corporate advisor, Gideon was at the firm’s helm for nearly half a century. As a result of his steady leadership, today the full-service firm is one of the country’s most respected legal powerhouses.

From the time he and co-founder Pete Pryor started their new venture with a handshake deal at New York City’s Friar’s Club in 1963, Pryor Cashman has steadily grown. Known for his ability to recognize new market opportunities, new ways to serve the firm’s clients, and the potential of expanding areas of business and litigation, Gideon has taken the firm from four attorneys to more than 140 and expanded the firm’s practice groups from six to more than 20. He shaped a firm culture noted not for strict rules and oversight, but one where freedom sparks creativity and independent thinkers enjoy working together. Admired and beloved by his colleagues, today Gideon continues to practice law, serves as the firm’s general counsel, mentors fellow litigators, and provides strategic advice on how to approach complex disputes.

When former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg declared "Pryor Cashman Day" on October 8, 2013, in honor of the firm's 50th anniversary, he praised Gideon and his colleagues for their tireless dedication to serving clients across the nation. During that celebration, the firm was hailed for its role in helping a Vietnamese immigrant turn a single sandwich shop into a mini empire, as well as its ongoing partnership with entertainment giants and artists as they navigate the rapidly changing dynamics of their industry.

A Legendary Win

One of Gideon’s most notable trial victories came in 1975 when he was hired by the publisher of “He’s So Fine,” a tune popularized by the Chiffons, to sue George Harrison for plagiarizing the song when he wrote his biggest solo hit, “My Sweet Lord.” Gideon went straight to the heart of the matter to prove the two songs were so “strikingly similar” that even Harrison, when cross-examined by the veteran litigator, was forced to acknowledge the fact.

In the subsequent trial on damages, Gideon skillfully took on an expert witness who testified that the lyrics, rather than the music, were the most critical element of the song’s commercial success. In a memorable courtroom moment, Gideon asked the witness to sing the lyrics. When the witness failed to offer more than the three-word title followed by mumbled humming of the tune, the point was made. But Gideon didn’t stop there. He drove home his case by asking the witness if the same success would have been achieved had “My Sweet Lord” been set to the music of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” No answer was needed to make the desired impact.

Giving Back to the Community

Gideon is a staunch supporter of pro bono legal services and volunteer efforts that help improve the lives of those who live, work and play in the New York area. He, along with several Pryor Cashman colleagues, have been the recipients of the New York State Bar Association’s annual Empire State Counsel award given to those who dedicate 50 hours or more of free legal services during the year to pro bono clients. A steadfast supporter of the firm’s long-standing commitment to serving the legal needs of New York City’s fire officers, Gideon personally devoted a significant number of pro bono hours to them following 9/11.