When the federal government finally came for Sean "Diddy" Combs, everyone expected a media circus. They got one. But while the headlines were screaming about baby oil and "freak-offs," a much more calculated drama was unfolding inside a Manhattan courtroom. At the center of it were Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos.
They aren't just names on a legal brief. They’re the architects of a defense strategy that basically turned the tide when everyone thought the case was a slam dunk for the prosecution.
Marc Agnifilo is the veteran. He’s the guy who looks like he’s seen it all because, honestly, he has. Teny Geragos is the rising force, carrying a name that carries weight in every courtroom from New York to LA. Together, they form the core of Agnifilo Intrater LLP, and in 2025, they pulled off what many legal pundits called the "victory of all victories."
The Legal Tag Team: Who Are Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos?
If you’ve followed high-profile trials over the last decade, you’ve seen Marc Agnifilo. He’s the former federal prosecutor who decided the other side of the aisle was more interesting. He’s defended "Pharma Bro" Martin Shkreli, NXIVM leader Keith Raniere, and even the alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter, Luigi Mangione.
Agnifilo doesn't just "defend" people. He dismantles the prosecution’s narrative bit by bit. He’s got this way of talking to a jury—sorta like a teacher who’s slightly disappointed in the government’s homework.
Then there’s Teny Geragos.
Yeah, that last name sounds familiar for a reason. She’s the daughter of Mark Geragos, the legendary attorney for Michael Jackson and Chris Brown. But Teny isn't just riding coattails. She’s a founding partner at their firm and has spent years at Brafman & Associates, learning from the best in the business.
In the Diddy trial, she was the one who went toe-to-toe with "Jane," the pseudonymous star witness. For three days, Geragos grilled her. She didn't just ask questions; she pointed out every single inconsistency in a way that made the jury sit up. It was aggressive, yeah, but it was surgical.
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Why This Partnership Works
You’ve got the old-school grit of Agnifilo and the sharp, modern litigation style of Geragos. They don't just split the work; they seem to share a brain. While Agnifilo was out there giving interviews to TMZ (which the prosecutors hated, by the way), Geragos was in the trenches of discovery, managing the mountain of electronic evidence that usually sinks these cases.
- The Prosecutor's Perspective: Marc knows how the feds think because he was one.
- The Legacy Factor: Teny grew up in the "court of public opinion."
- The Work Ethic: They’re known for late-night strategy sessions that would break most people.
The Diddy Verdict: A Partial Win That Felt Like a Total One
Let’s be real: when the indictment dropped in late 2024, people thought Diddy was going away forever. The charges—racketeering, sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution—were heavy.
But then July 2, 2025, happened.
The jury came back with a partial verdict. Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos watched as their client was acquitted of the biggest charges: racketeering and sex trafficking. He was convicted on two counts related to transporting prostitutes, which is serious, but it wasn't the "life in prison" outcome the feds wanted.
Agnifilo stood outside the courthouse and told the press, "Winning is winning."
He wasn't lying. For a guy facing a RICO conspiracy charge, getting a "not guilty" on the racketeering count is basically a miracle. It was a masterclass in shifting the narrative from "criminal enterprise" to "excessive lifestyle."
The "Freak-Off" Defense
Agnifilo’s strategy was bold. He didn't deny the wild parties happened. Instead, he leaned into them. He mocked the government for seizing hundreds of bottles of baby oil and lubricant. He basically told the jury, "Yeah, he’s a superstar with a swinger lifestyle. That doesn't make him a kingpin."
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It worked.
While the media was obsessed with the salacious details, Teny Geragos was focusing on the money. She hammered home the idea that many of the accusers were looking for a payday. During her cross-examination of "Jane," she asked point-blank: "You weren't willing to give up your home, right?"—referring to the house Combs was still paying for.
That moment was a turning point. It made the witness look like she was benefitng from the very man she was accusing. It's that kind of nuance that separates great lawyers from the ones who just yell.
Life After the Big Win
The fallout of the Combs case has cemented Agnifilo Intrater LLP as the go-to firm for anyone in deep trouble. But it’s not just about celebrities.
Agnifilo is still dealing with the Luigi Mangione case, and Geragos is active on the board of the New York Criminal Bar Association. They’re busy. Like, "don't-have-time-to-sleep" busy.
What’s interesting is how they handle the "villain" label. Both have defended some of the most hated people in America. Agnifilo has been quoted saying he doesn't judge; he just fights to win.
Honestly, that’s what you want in a lawyer. You don't want a moral compass; you want a shield.
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What You Can Learn From Their Strategy
If you're looking at their careers from the outside, there are a few things that stand out about how they operate. They don't play by the standard PR playbook.
- Own the Narrative: Don't let the prosecution define who the client is. If they say "criminal," you say "eccentric."
- Vulnerability is a Weapon: They weren't afraid to let Combs show emotion in court.
- Aggressive Cross-Examination: Teny Geragos proved that you can be tough without being a bully, as long as you have the receipts.
The dynamic between Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos is a reminder that the law isn't just about what's on the books. It's about stories. It's about who tells the better story to twelve strangers in a box. In 2025, they told the story that kept Sean Combs from a life sentence.
Actionable Insights for High-Stakes Situations
Whether you're facing a legal battle or just a massive professional crisis, the Agnifilo-Geragos playbook offers some real-world utility:
1. Don't hide from the "bad" facts. Agnifilo’s decision to mock the baby oil evidence instead of ignoring it took the power away from the prosecution. If there’s a "smoking gun" in your situation, address it first and define what it means before someone else does.
2. Scrutinize the incentives. Teny Geragos won her cross-examinations by following the money. In any conflict, look at what the other side stands to gain. Often, the "truth" is colored by the payoff.
3. Build a diverse team. Agnifilo provided the "been-there-done-that" gravitas, while Geragos brought the sharp, modern technical skills. Don't surround yourself with clones; find people who see the angles you miss.
4. Preparation is the only real edge. Geragos's work on the Jane testimony wasn't just "good questioning"—it was the result of months of digging through texts and emails. There are no shortcuts in high-stakes environments.
To stay updated on the latest developments in federal criminal defense or to track upcoming trials involving Agnifilo Intrater LLP, monitor the Southern District of New York (SDNY) court calendars and official filings on PACER.