Overview
Iricel E. Payano is a litigator whose practice focuses on white collar defense and government investigations, employment litigation, and commercial contract litigation. Iricel has represented individuals, corporations, and financial institutions in investigations and proceedings brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the New York Attorney General (NYAG). In this capacity, she has managed and led e-discovery projects, conducted witness interviews, and presented to company leadership. Iricel also defends public agencies, including railroads, in employment discrimination, civil rights, and other matters, including claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
Prior to joining Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney in 2020, Iricel was an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and white-collar boutique, Gerger, Hennessy & McFarlane. During law school, Iricel served as a Writing Advisor to first year students and was the Academic Co-Chair of UCLA’s Latinx Law Students Association. Iricel worked in education for four years, prior to law school, and is a Teach for America alumna. She maintains an active pro bono practice, focusing on immigration and indigent criminal defense.
Experience
Experience
Secured a favorable outcome for client seeking clemency.
Conducted internal investigations, arising from whistleblower allegations, and assisted with presenting findings to company executives.
Represented Venezuelan individuals in connection with the DOJ’s investigation of alleged bribery at Venezuelan entity, PDVSA.
Represented multinational companies in connection with government (domestic and cross-border) investigations of alleged money laundering and bribery.
Ongoing defense of a public agency in a civil rights class action challenging the constitutionality of New York’s Statewide Offset Program.
Admissions
Admissions
- Bar of the State of New York
Practice Areas
Education
Columbia University (B.A. 2009)
CUNY Hunter College (M.S. 2011)
University of California, Los Angeles (J.D. 2016)
- UCLA Law Review