Charles Esther
As the New York Knicks dominated the Boston Celtics in May, fans of Bing Bong Nation flooded Madison Square Garden, celebrating a rare playoff appearance.
Justin Brandel watched from his Manhattan apartment, juggling excitement and envy, while tracking a flurry of text messages about ticket prices for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Though money wasn’t a barrier for Brandel, he faced a unique obstacle: he was banned from entering Madison Square Garden, courtesy of CEO James Dolan.
Dolan’s Controversial Banning Practices
James Dolan’s habit of banning individuals from MSG is well-documented.
The most famous case involved Knicks legend Charles Oakley in 2017, banned after an altercation with security.
Since late 2022, reports revealed that MSG maintains a “banned list” primarily targeting lawyers engaged in lawsuits against Dolan’s companies, including MSG, Radio City Music Hall, and the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Over a thousand lawyers across approximately 90 firms have been barred since 2022, making the list infamous in New York’s legal community.
The Impact on Lawyers and Their Families
For lawyers like Brandel, the ban extends to all Dolan-owned venues, affecting personal plans and family outings.
When his parents gifted him tickets to see John Oliver and Seth Meyers at the Beacon Theatre, Brandel had to decline, fearing ejection without refunds.
Even after his lawsuit was settled, uncertainty remained, keeping him from attending high-priced Knicks games despite his desire.
How Lawyers Are Notified of Bans
MSG notifies banned lawyers via formal letters from the general counsel, delivered by FedEx.
The letters cite the adversarial nature of litigation as justification and revoke any tickets previously purchased by the attorneys.
Recipients join a “club” without perks, experiencing public embarrassment and professional frustration.
High-Profile Examples of the Bans
Mark Seitelman received his notice after filing a personal injury lawsuit at MSG, and Morgan & Morgan, one of the largest law firms in the U.S., has multiple lawyers affected.
Even minor acts, such as wearing a critical T-shirt about Dolan, have resulted in immediate bans, showing the wide reach of the policy.
Frank Miller Jr., the Hot 97 art director, was banned after wearing a “BAN DOLAN” T-shirt to a Knicks game, illustrating the policy’s extremes.
Technology Meets Vengeance
MSG employs facial recognition technology to enforce the bans, identifying lawyers in crowds at concerts, basketball games, and other events.
In December 2022, the New York Times reported the use of this technology to remove banned lawyers, including incidents involving innocent family members and children.
The policy sparked civil rights inquiries from the New York attorney general, yet Dolan defended it, citing property rights and legal prerogatives.
Legal and Ethical Controversies
Critics argue the ban exceeds its stated purpose, targeting uninvolved colleagues while sparing support staff.
Lawyers maintain the ban is designed to intimidate litigation against MSG, chilling legal actions and deterring claims.
Some firms attempted to challenge the ban in court, but appellate rulings reinforced its enforcement.
Personal Stories of Banned Lawyers
Dan Watts of Morgan & Morgan recounted multiple encounters with security and misidentifications while attending Knicks and Drake events.
Nicolette Landi faced similar obstacles while trying to see Mariah Carey, eventually learning to evade security with masks and hats.
Despite the inconvenience, some lawyers report a sense of defiance and even pride in resisting the policy.
James Dolan’s Justification and MSG’s Policy
From Dolan’s perspective, the ban is logical: a plaintiff’s lawyer should not be allowed access to a defendant’s property during active litigation.
MSG frames the policy as necessary for safety and security, reinstating attorneys once their litigation concludes.
Nonetheless, many lawyers see the ban as a punitive, preemptive measure against legal challenges rather than a neutral security procedure.
Resolution and Lessons Learned
After extended bans, some lawyers eventually receive letters reinstating their access to MSG events.
For others, like Brandel, uncertainty continues, particularly if their firms continue litigation against Dolan’s companies.
Lawyers and their families navigate the consequences while imparting lessons about power, money, and decency to younger generations.
