Your Trusted Legal Advocate in New York City

Mr. El Ashmawy is an elite litigator, with a wealth of litigation experience in the most serious cases. Whether death eligible Federal criminal charges, an A.C.S. investigation or contested child custody proceedings, Yusuf centers the needs of each client and is truly passionate about delivering honest, impact driven and highly effective representation.

Don’t expect a paid “yes man” if you consult with, or hire, Mr. El Ashmawy. Expect an advocate who will respectfully and empathetically challenge you, advise you and fight for you ferociously—whether it is in court or through settling your matter on terms that center your goals and interests.

With a combination of skill, legal insight and a relentless work ethic defined by diligence and technical competence, Mr. El Ashmawy has a career-long track record of meeting and exceeding client expectations.  A combination of life, military and professional experience inform Yusuf’s no nonsense approach to litigation.

Yusuf’s career began with service as a prosecutor of child abuse and neglect cases in the Family Court Legal Services division of the Administration for Children’s Services for two years. In 2011 Yusuf decided to start his own practice and was appointed to the Family Court Assigned Counsel Panel, after receiving glowing recommendations from judges and colleagues from all sides of the table. After entering private practice, Yusuf was a named partner in a private law firm and served as the head of firm’s criminal and family defense Practices for over eleven years. In private practice, Mr. El Ashmawy has represented countless wealthy and professional clients—including celebrities, lawyers, doctors and investment bankers—dealing with serious family and criminal matters.

Yusuf currently serves on the prestigious Criminal Justice Act Panel in the Southern District of New York, along with the Felony and Family Court Assigned Counsel Panels in Manhattan. He previously served on the Family Court Advisory Committee and was the Recording Secretary of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the New York City Bar Association. Yusuf has been certified in all four Departments of the Appellate Division to conduct CLE trainings including Child Protective proceedings, Juvenile Delinquency proceedings, and defense practice alleged Adolescent and Juvenile Offenders in the Youth Part Mr. El Ashmawy has been a featured speaker by the Practicing Law Institute (PLI), Franklin Williams Commission and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association.

Yusuf has been dedicated to public service throughout his life and enlisted in the Navy out of high school. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. El Ashmawy enrolled in John Jay College of Criminal Justice, from which he graduated, cum laude, with a degree in Government, with a concentration on law, policy and society and attended Valparaiso University School of Law. Yusuf was born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.