NewsMartin Gelfand, In Memoriam
Irell & Manella LLP mourns the passing of its partner emeritus Martin Gelfand who passed away peacefully on February 28 at his home in Beverly Hills.
"Marty was a great partner and an important member of our firm community for more than two decades. To many young lawyers, he was a tremendous resource and mentor from everything on questions of law and research to where to eat and find good wine and cheeses," said Irell partner David Siegel. "Marty loved life and the fine things that fill it. To all who knew him, he was a quick laugh, a very fast companion who brought almost immediate joy with his unique style, outlook and humor. And, to many of us, he was a very dear friend. He touched many, and I know of no one he met who will not truly miss him."
Marty's practice was focused on defending criminal tax, civil tax and white collar crime. As outside counsel for the Los Angeles Rams, he advised the team in all aspects of the team’s business activities and sports-related issues, including its move from Los Angeles to St. Louis. When the IRS came after sports stars for tax evasion, they turned to Marty, as did so many others over the years.
Marty joined the firm as of counsel in 1990 and was elevated to the partnership in 1992. He previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, Tax Division. Marty earned his LL.M. from Stanford University and his LL.B. from DePaul University.