One of NY's Best Lawyers to Get 3-9 years in Prison (MORE, CLICK HERE)

BIG HOUSE FOR REALTY BIG CROOK
The New York Post By LAURA ITALIANO

February 15, 2008 -- A real-estate attorney named "one of the best in New York" by New York magazine a decade ago will serve at least three years in prison for ripping off his law firm's escrow account. A handcuffed Ira Berman admitted in Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday that he stole $2.1 million in down payments.

At least eight people have filed complaints with the DA's Office against the Mount Kisco resident, who formerly taught real-estate investment at the New School and ethics at NYU. "I want to sincerely apologize," Berman told the court. "I've been an attorney for 40 years, and I've brought disgrace to myself and my family."

His office at 60 E. 42 St. handled multimillion-dollar commercial properties, but the state Judicial Department's Disciplinary Committee, alerted to the thefts, suspended his license six months before last week's arrest.

He is expected to be sentenced on Feb. 28 to three to nine years in prison and ordered to repay the $2.1 million.