The financial windfall would be the largest individual donation in the illustrious school's history - if only Harvard could prove it is entitled to Harvey Greenfield's bulging nest egg.

Greenfield died in July 2002. He was 74, and one of the few friends he left behind is convinced he wanted his millions to benefit Harvard.

"You could not meet Harvey and not know in very short order that he went to Harvard Law School," said attorney Laura Perrone, a colleague who took over much of his practice.

"He wanted everyone to know that his largess was to go to Harvard," Perrone said. "But he would not tell anyone how much money he had or when he planned to give it away."

Now, more than a year after Greenfield's death, his will - if one even exists - still has not been found.

Without the document or other compelling evidence that he wanted his fortune to go to Harvard, a cousin in Florida will get the money.

The dispute, first reported in yesterday's New York Law Journal, was supposed to be resolved by Brooklyn Surrogate Michael Feinberg at a hearing Aug. 1.

But that day, Perrone testified that Greenfield's receptionist had told her that he had once mentioned a videotaped will. Perrone said the receptionist also said Greenfield wanted to leave his money to Harvard.

Feinberg decided to give Harvard more time to dig up the will, and the school hired a high-powered investigation firm, Citigate Global Intelligence & Security, to lead the search.

The hunt, however, will not be easy, as Greenfield had few friends. A specialist in securities law, he amassed his fortune bringing class-action lawsuits on behalf of small investors.

Despite his considerable wealth, Greenfield lived in the same modest Brooklyn home from age 6 until his death.

He has been described as strange and solitary, garrulous and caustic.

"He was just the most unpleasant person," a securities lawyer told the law journal. Another colleague told Legal Times in 1992 that Greenfield was "a brilliant lawyer - with the interpersonal skills of a 2-year-old."

"That's probably fairly accurate," said Perrone.

Greenfield's cousin, Isabel Friedman of Boca Raton, Fla., could not be reached. Her lawyer, Richard Naidich of Bellmore, L.I., declined comment.

Yesterday, law school officials refused to discuss the suit, except to issue a statement reading: "Harvey Greenfield was a strong and faithful supporter of Harvard Law School. We are proud to call him a friend."