Desirae Krislie C. Tongco
OF COUNSEL

Fax:
212-486-3099

Email:
dtongco@leaderberkon.com

Attorney Info:
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Desirae Krislie C. Tongco is Of Counsel in the Business and Commercial Litigation practice group at Leader Berkon Colao & Silverstein LLP. She is an accomplished litigator specializing in high-stakes business litigation and helps clients navigate their most significant litigation risks from inception through trial. She has represented Fortune 100 companies in complex state and federal court proceedings across the pharmaceutical, media, and insurance industries.

Experience

Desirae’s practice is defined by a sophisticated command of evidentiary rules and trial strategy. She has a proven track record of dismantling opposing arguments through nuanced interpretations of complex legal standards, such as Rule 702 and Daubert motions. In addition to her commercial practice, Desirae is a dedicated advocate for pro bono causes, leading litigation strategies for veterans’ benefits, juvenile justice reform, and families affected by the Family Separation Policy.

Her representative experience includes defending a major pharmaceutical manufacturer in a two-month bench trial against the State of Oklahoma—a case The New York Times described as “one of the most complicated and gargantuan legal battles in American History”—which resulted in a full defense victory on appeal. She also participated in the historic defense of the AT&T-Time Warner merger and served as a lead strategist in a multi-billion-dollar California pharmaceutical case recognized as the #1 Most Impressive Defense Verdict of 2021 by Courtroom View Network.

Before law school, Desirae gained foundational legal experience interning for former Vice President Kamala Harris during her tenure as San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General.

Education

Howard University School of Law, J.D., cum laude

Senior Articles Editor, Howard Law Journal

American University, M.S., Justice, Law, and Society

Mills College, B.A.

Professional Activities & Admissions

New York

United States District Court, Southern District of New York

New York

United States District Court, Southern District of New York

Professional Leadership & Community

New York Junior League: Associate, Strategy, Advocacy, and Communications.

Leadership Council on Legal Diversity: 2023 Pathfinder.

Practice Areas

Business and
Commercial Litigation
Securities Litigation
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