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Elena Fast
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About Elena
Biography
Elena represents individuals and corporations charged with the most serious federal crimes including wire/ mail fraud, securities and bank fraud, money laundering, violations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), insurance fraud, federal tax violations, cybercrime, homicide and narcotics and weapons trafficking. In state courts, Elena represents clients charged with financial crimes, attempted murder, sex crimes, child pornography, narcotics and weapons possession, and violent assaults.
Prior to private practice, Elena worked as a Felony Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York where she handled thousands of cases from arraignment to disposition. During her six years at the District Attorney’s Office, Elena investigated and prosecuted a wide array of crimes. She has tried dozens of cases to verdict, ranging from misdemeanors to violent felonies.
Elena has presented over 200 cases to the Grand Jury for murder, assault, kidnapping, home invasion, pattern robberies and burglaries, grand larceny, narcotics and firearm possession. Elena frequently worked with the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on long-term investigations involving identity theft, schemes to defraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud and possession of forged instruments and forgery devices.
As a Brooklyn prosecutor, Elena prosecuted several high profile cases. Notably, Elena handled the double homicide prosecution of Nikolai Rakossi, the “Russian Rambo.” It was the first case in New York history to proceed to trial in the Russian Federation due to lack of extradition. Elena worked in conjunction with the Department of Justice, the Tula Region Prosecutors Office and other Russian authorities on the transfer of prosecution to Russia, Rakossi’s apprehension and subsequent trial in the City of Tula. Rakossi was found guilty and received the maximum sentence of 19 years in a Russian prison camp.
Elena attended the night division of New York Law School and participated in Moot Court. During law school, Elena worked as an investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration. During her tenure with the Department of Labor, Elena investigated fraud, theft, and mismanagement of employer-sponsored healthcare and pension plans. Prior to law school, Elena worked in financial roles at Vicis Capital UK and State Street Global Advisors.
Elena graduated first in her class from the College of Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She completed part of her undergraduate coursework at Said Business School at the University of Oxford. Elena is fluent in Russian.
Elena is admitted to practice before the State Bar of New York, the State Bar of New Jersey, Supreme Court of the United States, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and United States District Courts: The Southern District of New York, The Eastern District of New York, The Western District of New York, The Northern District of New York, The Northern District of Illinois, The District of New Jersey and The District of Connecticut. Elena is a member of The First Decade Committee of the Federal Bar Council and the New York Criminal Bar Association.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
14 years | 900 cases
Federal Crime
30%
14 years | 100 cases
White Collar Crime
30%
14 years | 100 cases
Securities and Investment Fraud
10%
14 years | 20 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2022 2021
...
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3
2021 2020 2019
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1
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 12 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 12 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
The Fast Law Firm, P.C.
(833) 611-0759
Mobile
521 5th Ave, 17th Floor, New York, NY, 10175
fastlawpc.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Elena online.
Elena Fast's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 62 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Amy | October 14, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Highly recommend
Elena was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful . She immediately assisted with a young client in a potentially life changing situation and brought calm and perspective. Young client went from full on panic to actually feeling hope.
Posted by anonymous | September 25, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
This is a call you will not regret.
Attorney Elena Fast went above and beyond to assist my son, who, at almost eighteen, seemed to me (and others) to be teetering on the edge of a downward spiral that could affect his future. Elena graciously agreed to an in-person consult, and he left the meeting with a profound understanding of stake...
Posted by Amanda | August 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Most Dedicated Attorneys
Elena is an incredible negotiator and true results oriented attorney. She will not accept the easiest option but always push for the very best outcome. She retains genuine care and compassion for her clients that causes her to go above and beyond....exactly who you need when it seems no one else is ...
Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
When the system is moving slow, call FAST.
Fast is the perfect name for this firm, quick and efficient. Always ready and willing to go toe to toe with city hall to ensure the integrity of our justice system is upheld and the clients they represent are getting the defense everyone deserves. Can not thank and recommend this all-star team enough...
Posted by Vincent | July 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Physician
Ms. Fast is a phenomenal, compassionate and very responsible attorney. She helped me through a very difficult time and kept me updated throughout my entire case. I highly recommend Ms. Fast without any reservation.
Elena Fast's Lawyer Endorsements
"Elena is the kind of Attorney I would retain if I ever needed it. I was lucky enough to find her when my client desperately needed the best and the best is what he got. Elena is sharp, professional, and extremely competent. She stands by her clients and is committed to getting them the best possible result."
"It is clear from reading Attorney Fast’s analysis here in the Avvo community they she is incredibly knowledgeable. The kind of thinking she exhibits leaves me no doubt that she is an excellent pick if you need an attorney."
"I have know Elena for nine years, we meet when I first started law school. As two young law students preparing for a career in criminal law, we bonded over our drive to do the right thing and protect justice in our society. After law school both of us sharpened our teeth in the district attorney's office before moving on to the noble practice of Criminal Defense. She is a smart, capable, and fast witted attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Elena is not only an extremely competent attorney but she is also a dream to work with. We have worked together multiple times to protect clients from adverse immigration consequences that could potentially be triggered by poorly negotiated pleas. Elena is excellent at using her skills to obtain the best outcome for her clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer as she over-delivers every time I’ve worked with her!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Elena Fast! Ms. Fast has seen the criminal justice system from both sides: as a former prosecutor—who worked hand-in-hand with local and federal law enforcement—and now, as a defense attorney."
"Elena consulted with me on a criminal case in New Jersey. Even though she practices primarily in New York, her knowledge of the law in New Jersey rivaled that of experienced New Jersey practitioners. She is tenacious, smart, skilled. Whenever I encounter someone in need of a top notch criminal defense attorney in New York she is on a short list of names that I feel comfortable making the referral. I highly recommend her and hopefully I have a chance to work with her in the future."
"Elena is an incredibly attentive and personable lawyer. Her ability to evaluate a case, identify the relevant issues, and prepare a matter for trial are excellent. I endorse her unreservedly and encourage anyone who is considering hiring her to retain her - you won't be disappointed."
"Elena has seamlessly transitioned from being a prosecutor at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office to working as a defense attorney with our firm. She is an incredibly knowledgeable, kind, patient, tough and hardworking lawyer who is genuinely devoted to helping clients and their families through every step of the case. Elena is a great addition to our team and I highly recommend her for any federal or state matter."
"Elena and I worked together on a lengthy, complex trial, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a bright, aggressive, hardworking attorney who will go the extra mile to defend her clients and work tirelessly until she achieves the desired result."
"I worked with Elena for a number of years. She is as dedicated, detail oriented and intelligent an attorney you could ask for. Highly recommend Elena Fast for any criminal matter."
"Outstanding young lawyer with excellent courtroom presence."
"I’ve had opportunity to work with Elena during our time at the Brooklyn DA’s Office. During that time, I’ve found her to be an excellent attorney with a keen understanding of criminal law, an ability to develop a rapport with witnesses, and an amicable personality. She was a pleasure to work with and I am honored to have had opportunity to work alongside her."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Elite Lawyer Federal Criminal Defense, Elite Lawyers
2020
Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2020
Client's Choice, Avvo
2020
Top Contributor, Avvo
2020
Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2020
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2020
Lawyers New York, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2019
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2019
Top Contributor, Avvo
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Clients’ Choice Award, Avvo
2018
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2018
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Grand Jury - Highest Number of Indictments Obtained, KCDA - Trial Zone Green
2014
Hughes Scholarship, Hughes Foundation
2014
Public Interest Fellow Award, New York Law School
2014
Judge William Smith Hirshberg Scholarship, Judge William Smith Hirshberg Foundation
2013
Public Service Recognition Award, U.S. Department of Labor
2011
Public Service Recognition Award, U.S. Department of Labor
2009
Summa Cum Laude, University of Massachusetts Boston
2009
College of Management Valedictorian, University of Massachusetts Boston
2008
State Street Honors Program, State Street Advisors
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Managing Partner, The Fast Law Firm
2020 - 2021
Managing Partner, The Blanch Law Firm
2018 - 2020
Junior Managing Partner, The Blanch Law Firm
2012 - 2018
Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office
2010 - 2014
ERISA Advisor, U.S. Department Of Labor
Associations
2020 - Present
New York Criminal Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2019 - Present
First Decade CommitteeMember
2018 - Present
Federal Bar CouncilMember
2014 - Present
New York City Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
USA v. KJ (SDNY)
No jail time, weekly counseling.
USA v. MAB (SDNY)
Client plead to conspiracy to distribute a misbranded substance, resulting in a 60 month sentence.
PSNY v. DP (NY County Supreme Court)
Case dismissed before Indictment.
Education
2013
New York Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
University of Massachusetts, Boston
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2020
Vanity Fair True Crime
Criminal Defense Attorney Reviews Court Room Scenes for Accuracy
2019
ABC Australia
Analysis of Harvey Weinsten Case
2018
Russian Television News
Prosecution of Hate Crimes and Cyber Bullying in New York
2018
News 24 Hong Kong
Analysis of Chi Ping Patrick Ho’s SDNY case
2009
University of Massachusetts Boston Graduation
Valedictorian Speech
Publications
2025
Fast Law Blog
Fast Law Blog
Languages
English
Russian
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Elena earned significant contribution points in 2021.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will I still have an arrest’able warrant in NY for a grand larceny charge from 8 years ago?
04 Dec 2021
Q&A
Will a sealed violation of disorderly conduct show up on a fbi background check?
17 Nov 2021
Q&A
Can I say I've never been arrested if I receive at ACD at sentencing?
10 Nov 2021