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lvin Schein's law firm, Seiden & Schein, was a leading force in New York real estate law, particularly in complex areas like tax issues and zoning. The firm worked with top developers to assemble new towers across the city. However, everything fell apart when David Shamshovich, Schein's former partner and protégé, left for Belkin Burden Goldman along with several lawyers and clients.

    Schein claims that Shamshovich's departure was a deliberate attempt to destroy his firm, which ultimately led to its demise. "He killed the firm," Schein said in an interview. His lawyer, Adam Leitman Bailey, has filed a lawsuit alleging that Shamshovich engaged in a malicious scheme to drive Seiden & Schein into financial ruin.

    Shamshovich's lawyer, Preston Ricardo of Vedder Price, denies these allegations, stating that his client left for better professional opportunities and is proud that many prominent developers have chosen to work with him at Belkin. The lawsuit also accuses Shamshovich of stealing confidential information from Seiden & Schein.

    Schein hired Shamshovich as an associate in 2016, mentoring him in the firm's inclusionary housing practice. However, by November 2023, Shamshovich had become a shareholder and was allegedly breaching his fiduciary duties to Schein and the firm. The lawsuit claims that Shamshovich promoted his own interests over the firm's, including starting a podcast that he used to self-promote.

    Shamshovich's departure was marked by heated arguments with Schein, verbal abuse of other attorneys, and soliciting clients to transfer their business to Belkin. The lawsuit alleges that Shamshovich took proprietary information from Seiden & Schein before leaving for good.