Lena Konanova New

In her most recent uploads (tagged as her "Autumn/Winter 2024 capsule"), Konanova has abandoned the tropical backdrop for urban landscapes—think rainy Tokyo alleys and brutalist architecture in Berlin. The lighting is darker, the clothing more structured (leather trench coats, wide-brim hats, and chunky boots).

In August 2024, Porsche featured Konanova in a digital campaign for the all-electric Macan. This was a departure from her usual swimwear endorsements. The ad, set in the Swiss Alps, shows Konanova in a business suit, driving the vehicle. It has been viewed 23 million times on YouTube.

Lena (Yelena) Konanova is a prominent American trial and appellate litigator and a founding partner at the law firm Selendy Gay PLLC. She has gained significant recognition for her work in complex commercial litigation, often involving high-stakes financial disputes and public interest cases. Professional Background and Education

Education: Konanova earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2008, where she served on the Harvard Law Review. Before law school, she graduated from Northwestern University.

Early Career: Even as a law student, she was noted for her skill, arguing a successful employment discrimination case before the First Circuit Court of Appeals before she was even admitted to the bar. Notable Legal Achievements

Konanova’s career is defined by recovering billions of dollars for clients and handling "bet-the-company" litigation. Notable cases and roles include:

Financial Litigation: She represents the Litigation Oversight Committee to Genesis Global Holdco in multi-billion dollar lawsuits involving crypto assets. She has also played key roles in major Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) actions.

Public Service and Pro Bono: She successfully represented public service workers in a suit against student loan servicer Navient, addressing misleading information about loan forgiveness. She also secured a settlement against the U.S. Department of Education regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Advocacy: She has authored influential amicus briefs, including those urging the preservation of race-conscious admissions at universities and advocating for students' constitutional right to literacy. Recognition

Her impact on the legal field has earned her several prestigious accolades:

Crain’s New York Business: Named one of the "40 Under 40" in 2022.

Bloomberg Law: Recognized as one of the 40 best lawyers under 40. New York Law Journal & Law360: Named a "Rising Star". lena konanova new

National Law Journal: Recognized as a "Plaintiffs' Lawyer Trailblazer". Personal Motivation

Konanova's drive for justice is often linked to her personal history. As a child, she fled religious persecution in Ukraine, an experience she cites as a primary motivator for her career in law and her commitment to public service. Lena Konanova - Partner | Selendy Gay PLLC

Lena Konanova is a partner at the law firm Selendy Gay who specializes in complex commercial litigation, consumer protection, and bankruptcy.

As of April 2026, her recent work and prominent "papers" (primarily legal filings and case-related documents) include: Recent Legal Contributions (2024–2025)

Konanova has been actively involved in high-stakes bankruptcy litigation related to the recovery of assets from the Bernard L. Madoff Ponzi scheme. Fairfield Sentry Limited Liquidation

: She submitted several declarations in 2024 and 2025 in support of the Liquidators' opposition to various motions to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. These filings are critical in the ongoing "decades-long effort" to recover billions of dollars for Madoff victims. Jurisdictional Expertise : Her work often involves complex questions of specific jurisdiction

and the extraterritorial application of U.S. bankruptcy safe harbor provisions. United States Courts (.gov) Notable Past Cases & Recognition Gary B., et al. v. Whitmer - UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS 23 Apr 2020 —

Lena Konanova: The "New" Era of High-Stakes Litigation and Legal Advocacy

In the fast-evolving legal landscape of 2026, few names carry as much weight in high-stakes commercial litigation as Lena Konanova . A founding partner at Selendy Gay, Konanova has become a central figure in defining the "new" standard for modern litigators: combining aggressive commercial strategy with a deep commitment to public interest. A New Standard in Commercial Disputes

As of 2026, Konanova remains at the forefront of some of the most complex financial battles in the country. Her recent and ongoing work includes:

The Crypto-Asset Fight: She currently represents the Litigation Oversight Committee for Genesis Global Holdco, LLC in multi-billion dollar lawsuits against Digital Currency Group and its founder. This case is a landmark in the "new" era of bankruptcy and fraud litigation involving digital assets. In her most recent uploads (tagged as her

The Madoff Aftermath: Konanova continues to play a leading role in recovering $6 billion in redemption payments for the liquidators of Fairfield Sentry, a major feeder fund in the Madoff Ponzi scheme.

Structured Finance Expertise: Her track record includes securing an $806 million judgment for the Federal Housing Finance Agency against Nomura and RBS, a case that remains a cornerstone of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) law. Championing Public Interest and Student Rights

What makes the "new" Lena Konanova such a formidable force is her refusal to separate high-value corporate law from social justice. She has consistently leveraged her expertise to protect the rights of individuals against powerful institutions:

Student Loan Reform: Konanova spearheaded a nationwide class-action settlement against Navient, one of the country's largest student loan servicers. This victory secured enhanced practices for public service workers like teachers and nurses, ensuring they receive the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) they were promised.

Educational Equity: She has argued for a federal constitutional right to a minimally adequate education and has authored amicus briefs for the U.S. Supreme Court on race-conscious admissions policies. Mentorship and the Next Generation

Beyond the courtroom, Konanova is architecting the future of her firm. As the head of Selendy Gay’s recruiting and training programs , she is credited with building a "new" kind of legal team. Her focus on mentorship and professional development has earned her recognition as a "Rising Star" and one of the 40 Under 40 by Bloomberg Law and Crain’s New York Business.

Whether she is recovering billions for creditors or fighting for the rights of public servants, Lena Konanova’s latest work continues to demonstrate that the most effective litigators in 2026 are those who can navigate both the boardroom and the front lines of social change. Lena Konanova - Partner | Selendy Gay PLLC

Lena Konanova (Yelena Konanova) is a prominent trial and appellate litigator and a founding partner at the New York-based law firm Selendy Gay PLLC. Known for her high-stakes commercial litigation and advocacy for public service workers, her career is defined by a commitment to the rule of law, rooted in her childhood experience as a refugee from Ukraine. Professional Profile & Expertise

As a cornerstone of Selendy Gay PLLC, Konanova specializes in complex commercial disputes across multiple sectors, including:

Commercial Litigation: Recovering billions of dollars in matters involving securities, contracts, torts, and antitrust law.

Public Interest Advocacy: Successfully representing public service workers in cases against student loan servicers and the U.S. Department of Education to secure loan forgiveness rights. Looking ahead to Q1 2025, public records and

Trial & Appellate Leadership: Recognized for her expertise in trials and arbitrations, she has been named a "Plaintiffs' Lawyer Trailblazer" by the National Law Journal. Major Career Milestones

Madoff Ponzi Scheme Recovery: Played a central role in representing Fairfield Sentry Limited in efforts to recover approximately $6 billion in redemption payments from various financial institutions.

Recognition: Named to Bloomberg Law’s "40 Under 40" and Crain’s New York Business "40 Under 40" in 2022.

Firm Leadership: Beyond casework, she oversees the firm's recruiting, training, and professional development programs. Background and Education

Early Life: Immigrated to the U.S. at age nine to flee religious persecution in the former Soviet Union (now Ukraine).

Education: A graduate of Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review and won the prestigious Ames Moot Court competition.

Clerkship: Previously served as a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Current Roles

In addition to her practice, Konanova serves as a senior advisory board member at the Health Finance Institute and continues to drive innovation in legal training at her firm. Bloomberg Law names Lena Konanova to 40 Under 40

Partner Lena Konanova has been named to Bloomberg Law's list of 40 outstanding lawyers under age 40 from across the United States. Selendy Gay PLLC Lena Konanova - Partner | Selendy Gay PLLC

Lena Konanova is best known as a contemporary abstract artist based in London, recognized for her vibrant, large-scale gestural paintings that explore color theory and emotion.

Here is a complete feature article:

Looking ahead to Q1 2025, public records and industry whispers suggest three major "new" announcements: