nathan.lefko@wilsonelser.com

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Nate Lefko is a seasoned litigator whose practice focuses on commercial litigation, securities litigation, general liability matters, and medical malpractice defense. With a reputation for meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy, Nate represents corporations, government agencies, and professionals in high-stakes cases across a broad spectrum of industries.

From pre-suit investigation through motion practice and trial, Nate is experienced in guiding clients at every stage of the litigation process. Nate has successfully managed cases from the initial demand letter through resolution, ensuring that clients are well-positioned for favorable outcomes whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Nate worked for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where he served in FINRA's National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Program, within the Member Supervision division. While at FINRA, Nate developed insight into how regulators conduct investigations and determine whether to pursue disciplinary actions. His investigations focused on potential violations of FINRA rules and federal securities laws and other financial crimes. 

While in law school, Nate served on Syracuse University College of Law’s National Trial Team and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. He also served on the editorial board of Syracuse Law's Journal of International Law and Commerce. He gained valuable courtroom and administrative experience through internships with the Honorable Magistrate Judge Francis Stacy of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the Honorable Dennis Phillips, Administrative Law Judge for the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

    Education

    • Syracuse University College of Law (J.D., 2017)
      • Notes and Comments Editor, Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce
    • University of California, Santa Barbara (B.S. Political Science, 2013)

    Bar Admissions

    • Maryland
    • New York
    • District of Columbia

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
    • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia

Nathan Lefko

Terranova, Lefko, and Davis Win Unanimous Defense Verdict in 30 Minutes After Two-Week Medical Malpractice Trial

Jodi Terranova (Partner-Washington, DC), Nathan Lefko (Associate-Washington, DC), and Stuart Davis (Associate-Washington, DC) secured a defense verdict in a medical malpractice case in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, Maryland, following a two-week-long trial. The case involved allegations of negligence against Wilson Elser’s gastroenterologist client arising from a colonoscopy that was complicated by a perforation, which was identified in the PACU following the procedure. The plaintiff alleged the perforation resulted from excessive use of CO₂ (barotrauma) during the procedure, and sought damages for a subsequent ileocecectomy, ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium (along with his wife), and past medical bills. Jodi, Nate, and Stuart demonstrated that the physician encountered a tortuous colon with extensive diverticula immediately upon entering the colon and relied primarily on water infusion, with continuous suctioning throughout the procedure, rather than excessive CO₂. The team further established that the perforation was consistent with a shearing injury due to the tortuous colon, supported by pathology findings showing microscopic adhesions and a bowel-on-bowel connection. After just 30 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the client.

Jodi V. Terranova, Nathan Lefko and Stuart W. Davis

Duffy, Warin, and Lefko Obtain Summary Judgment for FINRA

Washington, D.C. partners Ryan Duffy and Kathleen Warin and associate Nate Lefko obtained summary judgment in the District of Columbia Superior Court on behalf of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The plaintiff sought to expunge decades-old customer complaints from his registration records and requested wide-ranging equitable relief, including equitable expungement, declaratory judgment, and a permanent injunction. The Wilson Elser team successfully demonstrated that the doctrine of laches barred all the plaintiff’s claims. In granting summary judgment, the Superior Court found that the plaintiff delayed in bringing his claims and material evidence had been lost, which resulted in prejudice to FINRA.  

Ryan M. Duffy, Kathleen H. Warin and Nathan Lefko