About Us Robert Simels, a principal member of Legal-Help, was admitted to law practice in 1974. He investigated and prosecuted corruption in the New York City criminal justice system as a member of the acclaimed Office of the Special Prosecutor in New York. In that role, Simels handled complex cases involving politicians, judges, attorneys, and members of law enforcement, honing investigative, writing, and courtroom skills. From 1979 to 2009, Simels led a litigation boutique that focused on white-collar criminal matters, civil rights, complex securities litigation, and corporate and commercial matters in more than 25 jurisdictions. He was unparalleled in securing acquittals and obtained the highest civil jury award ever granted against the City of New York for a civil rights violation, worth $74 million.