Alumni Showcase - Syracuse University College of Law

Robert B. Feinberg L’81
Tax Americas Transaction Tax Lender
Ernst & Young
New York, N.Y.
Robert Feinberg is America’s Leader of the Transaction Tax practice within
Ernst & Young’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) group. He has extensive
experience serving financial buyers and venture capital funds, often working
closely with senior management, investment bankers, tax and corporate
counsel. Mr. Feinberg’s training includes international and domestic tax planning, financing,
structuring and due diligence for strategic and financial buyers.
Mr. Feinberg earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from the State
University of New York at Oswego. He has a J.D. degree from Syracuse University College
of Law, a master’s degree in accounting from the Whitman School of Management, and an
L.L.M. in taxation from New York University.
Martin D. Gorman L’72
Chief Counsel
Kraft Foods Inc.
Tarrytown, N.Y.
Martin Gorman is responsible for the legal services of the Kraft Beverage
Sector located in Westchester County, N.Y., with annual revenues of
approximately $5 billion. These include all Kraft beverage and coffee brands.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Gorman worked for the Federal Trade
Commission before joining General Foods Corporation. During his 30 years at General Foods
and its successor, Kraft Foods, he has served in positions of increasing responsibility as legal
counsel and member of the president’s Operating Committee.
Mr. Gorman earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1969 and a J.D. degree
from Syracuse University College of Law in 1972. He subsequently received his L.L.M. from
New York University School of Law.
Melanie Gray L’81
Partner
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Houston, Texas
Melanie Gray represents a variety of corporations and lenders in complex
commercial litigation. She serves as the co-chair of her firm’s Bankruptcy
Litigation Practice Group. Ms. Gray acted as co-lead counsel and senior
litigation counsel responsible for managing and administering the firm’s
representation of Enron in one of the most complex Chapter 11 cases ever filed. Currently, Ms.
Gray is involved in the Chapter 11 cases of General Growth Properties, the largest real estate
Chapter 11 ever filed, and in the defense of Anadarko Corp. in an actual and constructive
fraudulent transfer lawsuit brought by Tronox Incorporated.
Ms. Gray was recognized in 2001 as one of 10 Houston “Women on the Move” by Texas
Executive Women and the Houston Chronicle. In 2003, Ms. Gray was selected as a “Woman
Achiever” by the New York YWCA. In addition, Ms. Gray was first recognized in 2004 by Texas
Monthly as a Texas Super Lawyer for her work in business litigation and bankruptcy and in
2005 as one of the Top 50 Female Business Litigators in Texas. Most recently, Ms. Gray was
named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine. Ms. Gray is
a frequent lecturer on legal topics.
Ms. Gray currently is a vice chair of the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University, serves on
its Executive Committee, and is an Executive Committee member of the Board of Advisors
of Syracuse University College of Law. Ms. Gray also serves as a co-chair of the $1 Billion
Campaign for Syracuse University. Ms. Gray’s other community involvement includes serving
on the national board of Girls Incorporated, the board of Planned Parenthood of Houston and
Southeast Texas, on the Executive Committee of Houston’s Society of Performing Arts, and as
an emeritus member of the board of her children’s school, The Post Oak School. Ms. Gray is
also a member of Class XXVI of the American Leadership Forum.
Amy M. Hawkes L’01
Partner
Ernst & Young
Los Angeles, Calif.
Amy M. Hawkes is a partner in Ernst & Young’s Fraud Investigation &
Dispute Services practice. She focuses her practice in the areas of forensic
accounting, financial fraud investigations, accounting malpractice, and
litigation support matters. Her experience includes leading a significant
number of investigations for special committees, advising clients on generally accepted
accounting principles and SEC matters, and assisting management with technical accounting
and restatements.
Ms. Hawkes spent several years with the SEC’s division of enforcement where she was
responsible for the performance of investigations for securities violations primarily related to
financial fraud and insider trading. These matters involved investigating potential securities
actions involving accounting, financial reporting, and disclosure. Ms. Hawkes also spent
nearly 10 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in its audit practice.
Ms. Hawkes earned a juris doctor degree cum laude from Syracuse University and a
bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in accounting and economics from the State University
of New York College at Oswego. She is a certified public accountant, a member of the
California bar, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a
member of the Association of SEC Alumni.
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