Herald Price Fahringer, Famed Free Speech Attorney, Dies

NEW YORK — Attorney Herald Price Fahringer, who represented numerous high-profile adult entertainment entrepreneurs in a wide range of criminal and civil matters involving free speech, died last week of prostate cancer.

Fahringer, 87, mounted hundreds of legal challenges over adult entertainment zoning involving topless bars and peep-show enterprises and defended scores of cases on behalf of famous clients such as Larry Flynt and Al Goldstein in his 50-plus years as a New York City attorney.

His stunning list of adult entertainment clients was only outmatched by his win-loss record in the courts, as well as his number of appearances.

In about 100 obscenity cases he had argued in 25 states, Fahringer almost always prevailed. Of the 15 times he has stood before the U.S. Supreme Court in First Amendment cases, he was defeated only twice.

In addition, he argued or briefed more than 400 cases in federal courts of appeals, as well as the high courts of New York, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

William Dobbs, who worked with Fahringer while focusing on community organizing and media strategy over censorship zoning 20 years ago in New York City, said that his work “surely had a big impact on free expression, the adult industry and culture.”

“Herald was a marvelous guy and very talented advocate with great legal acumen,” Dobbs told XBIZ. "Amidst the legal and the formal, Herald was usually in the midst of outrageousness."

Fahringer not only handled free speech cases involving zoning and pornography; he handled the defense of individuals charged with extortion, racketeering, gambling arson and homicide.

He was a former general counsel to the First Amendment Lawyers Association and appeared on numerous national TV programs such as “Good Morning America" and “Inside Edition.”

Fahringer attended Buffalo Law School and became a name partner of a Buffalo firm now known as Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria, which handles many adult entertainment cases. He was for many years based in Buffalo, frequently commuting to New York to argue cases.

His law firm will remain Fahringer & Dubno, name partner Erica Dubno told XBIZ.

"We will continue his legacy and work," she said.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 28, in New York City for Fahringer. Dubno said she is still finalizing the details but that individuals can email her at erica.dubno@fahringerlaw.com for more information.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Elizabeth Skylar Performs Her 1st B/B/G in Latest From New Sensations

Elizabeth Skylar has performed her first B/B/G in the latest scene from New Sensations, with Codey Steele and Milan Ponjevic.

Eye of Love Introduces 'Matchmaker Collection' Display Planogram

Eye of Love has debuted a new display planogram for its Matchmaker Collection of pheromone-infused scents.

ImLive Announces Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

Lynna Nilsson Fronts Latest From Immoral Productions

Lynna Nilsson performs her first DVP in a new trilogy from Immoral Productions, alongside Matt Bird and Brad Knight.

Daisy Fox Makes Her TeamSkeet Debut

Daisy Fox has made her TeamSkeet debut in studio series “She’s New,” alongside Nicky Rebel.

Fleshlight Debuts Taylor Vixxen Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Pro stroker, molded on the anatomy of Taylor Vixxen.

Anna Claire Clouds: From Nashville to XMA Gold

The photo shoot is going great. Anna Claire Clouds knows all her angles. The moment the cap comes off the camera lens, Clouds tilts her head just so and deploys her signature dreamy eyes with all controls set to “smoldering.” Girl knows what she’s doing.

Lilly Bell Takes the Spotlight in 2 New Adult Time Scenes

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars in two new scenes from Adult Time.

LorReign Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator and former Colorado sheriff's deputy LorReign has made her debut for new Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Anthony and Jax Slayher.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Derek Savage in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Boom Boom Angela.”

Show More