Survivor Advocates is the alliance of two nationally respected law practices — Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo & Plotkin LLP in New York and Girard Bengali, APC in California — united by a single mission: to pursue justice on behalf of survivors of sexual assault, abuse and trafficking.
Together, these firms bring together decades of experience in high-profile litigation, record-setting verdicts and settlements, and the ability to take on powerful individuals and institutions while maintaining a survivor-centered approach.
Though headquartered on opposite coasts, our advocacy spans the nation. Through a trusted network of elite attorneys, we can provide survivors across the country access to the same trusted counsel, resources, and relentless pursuit of justice that define Survivor Advocates.
Located in New York City, Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo & Plotkin LLP is one of the nation’s leading personal injury and civil litigation firms. With a history spanning over four decades, the firm has developed a strong reputation for taking on complex, high-profile cases, particularly in the realm of sexual abuse, civil rights, and institutional accountability. Known for securing substantial verdicts and settlements, the firm is widely respected for its strategic, impactful legal advocacy.
Thomas Giuffra is a senior partner at Rheingold Law and an internationally recognized trial attorney. Licensed to practice in New York, Giuffra has led numerous landmark cases involving sexual assault, civil rights violations, and medical malpractice. He is most recently recognized for his role in the civil case involving music mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, in which he represented several men alleging sexual assault.
Click here to watch his press conference after filing three of those lawsuits.
Mr. Giuffra has also represented survivors in cases against powerful individuals and institutions such as Harvey Weinstein, Dr. Robert Hadden, and many others. With a history of securing significant jury verdicts, Giuffra brings legal firepower and relentless advocacy to every case.
Omar H. Bengali is an attorney and founding partner of Girard Bengali, APC. He represents survivors of sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and institutional betrayal, including cases involving major corporations, healthcare providers, religious institutions, entertainment executives, and high-profile public figures.
With a tireless commitment to justice, Mr. Bengali has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of survivors, holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable for acts of abuse, harassment, and exploitation. He is known for his fearless advocacy, strategic litigation approach, and deep respect for the courage of those who come forward.
Mr. Bengali understands the emotional weight of these cases. His approach is trauma-informed and survivor-centered. He partners closely with his clients to ensure they feel safe, supported, and heard every step of the way. Many of his clients choose him not only for his track record of success, but because of his ability to fight fiercely while honoring their dignity.
Robert J. Girard II is the Founding and Managing Partner of Girard Bengali, APC, and a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and institutional betrayal. For more than twenty-five years, Mr. Girard has built a career focused on holding powerful institutions accountable, an approach he now brings to his work representing survivors in cases involving corporations, universities, medical providers, religious organizations, employers, executives, and high-profile public figures who abuse positions of trust.
Mr. Girard has spent his career litigating complex matters involving misconduct, exploitation, and abuses of authority. He has secured significant recoveries for clients, including substantial awards on behalf of vulnerable individuals who were taken advantage of by those in positions of power. His experience challenging large financial institutions and navigating sensitive disputes gives him a strong foundation for representing survivors in cases where institutions often attempt to conceal or minimize wrongdoing.
Survivors deserve justice and a trusted advocate with the courage, skill, and experience to stand with them. Mr. Girard is committed to helping survivors reclaim their power and obtain the accountability they deserve.
Your story matters, your voice matters, and your healing matters. We walk beside you at every step, fighting for justice with the same care and determination we would give our own family.
When you are ready talk, we are here to listen.
Engagements are with the firm identified in your agreement; when both firms are engaged, we will provide written disclosure of any fee division and obtain your written consent in advance, consistent with California Rule 1.5.1 and New York Rule 1.5(g).
