CNN: September 11th 2001

Just prior to the private practice of law, Furman was Deputy Director for Public Affairs at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He served as spokesman for the Safety Board in connection with major aviation, rail, highway, marine, and pipeline accident investigations. In addition to his work in Washington, D.C., he responded as part of the agency's "Go-Team" to the site of numerous aviation disasters and also worked at passenger and cargo rail accident sites all across the country. In September 1985 his efforts at inspiring new federal regulations prohibiting alcohol and drug abuse in railroad operations were recognized with a special government award. After his return to New York to practice law, Furman engaged in a pro bono (without compensation) effort to bring to light evidence of consistent fraud in safety procedures and record keeping by Eastern Air Lines. His presentation of this evidence to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Justice Department preceded the federal indictments of airline officials and the closing of Eastern. Additional pro bono efforts in furtherance of public safety include Furman testifying as an expert before the United States Senate Aviation Subcommittee about shortcomings in Federal Aviation Administration management of aviation safety. He also provided free consultation on proposed air safety legislation to the then-ranking member of the Committee. Since leaving the NTSB, Furman has used his unique background in the investigation of aircraft accidents to assist in news coverage of aviation disasters and to further the interests of those who are the victims, or relatives of victims, of air crashes and other accident-related events. He has been consulted in connection with many national and internationally known events, including the Lockerbie Pan Am 103 bombing, the TWA 800 flight that exploded over Long Island, and disappearance of the Malaysia MH 370 airlines flight. On the morning of September 11, 2001 he went live on CNN as part of its reporting on an apparent aircraft accident at the World Trade Center. His on-air analysis and commentary that the unfolding event was not “an accident” was likely the first such suggestion of terrorism to be broadcast and published worldwide. After being an associate and later a partner in a New York law firm, Furman created a law practice that principally serves corporate clients and small businesses, especially those in which his first-hand knowledge of government bureaucracy and regulatory issues can be used to the client's advantage. He has represented clients in federal court and internationally in connection with art fraud, forgeries, disputed provenance and title, and has an established relationship with legal counsel in Geneva, Switzerland.