Mel Sachs, 60; Dapper New York Lawyer Had Many Famous Clients
Mel Sachs, 60, a New York trial lawyer who was known for his celebrity clients as well as his flamboyant fashion style, died Wednesday in Manhattan of pancreatic cancer.
He took on a wide range of cases but attracted attention when he defended high-profile suspects in criminal cases. He was attorney for boxer Mike Tyson, who pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges after a 2003 brawl in Brooklyn, N.Y., and did community service work. Sachs also defended rapper Lil’ Kim, charged with lying about a shootout in New York City. She was found guilty and spent almost 10 months in prison before being released earlier this summer.
Other famous clients included magician David Copperfield, Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter and comedian Jackie Mason.
Sachs’ high-profile cases put him in the spotlight, but he was also general counsel to a number of low-key clients, as well as various groups, including the Congress of Racial Equality and New York City’s Port Authority Police Benevolent Assn.
Sachs cut a figure in court with his bow ties, custom-tailored suits and a pocket watch he wore with vests.
Sachs was born in 1946 in the Bronx.
He graduated from Boston University and Brooklyn Law School before starting his own practice.
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