Michael Kawi is the founding attorney of Michael Kawi Law, LLC, where he dedicates his career to fighting for the rights and freedoms of individuals in both state and federal courts. With extensive jury trial experience, Michael has earned a reputation as a top-tier attorney capable of finding ways to succeed even in the most challenging cases.

Before starting his own practice, Michael worked as an Assistant Federal Public Defender at The Office of the Federal Public Defender in the Northern District of Texas in Dallas, TX. In this role, he represented clients sentenced to death in federal post-conviction proceedings and trained post-conviction attorneys in courtroom procedure and technique. Michael also served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Trial Unit, representing clients facing federal criminal charges, conducting multiple federal jury trials resulting in acquittals, and extensively litigating over 50 other federal cases.

Michael began his legal career as a trial attorney at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office in Miami, Florida. He gained invaluable trial experience there and quickly built a reputation as a lawyer who tirelessly defended his clients’ rights in court. Working in various divisions, including the Felony Division, Juvenile Unit, and Domestic Representation Unit, Michael conducted numerous jury trials, bench trials, and depositions. This experience allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of trial work intricacies and the importance of tailoring his approach in each case to achieve the best possible result for his clients.

Michael Kawi is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and is admitted to practice in Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, the District of Columbia, and many federal courts. With extensive experience presenting and training on a wide range of topics, Michael is a respected voice in the legal community. He is a member of multiple professional associations, including the American Association for Justice, The Illinois Trial Lawyer’s Associaiton, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), demonstrating his commitment to excellence and professional development.

With his extensive experience, Michael Kawi brings his clients a wealth of knowledge and skill. He understands the importance of thorough case preparation, effective courtroom presentation, and the ability to adapt to the unique challenges of each case. Whether representing clients in state or federal court, Michael’s experience sets him apart as a trusted advocate dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for those he represents. His commitment to justice and unwavering support for his clients make him a standout in the field of criminal defense law.

Education:
  • Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C., Juris Doctor, 2012
    • During his time at Georgetown, Michael developed his advocacy skills as a student attorney at the Georgetown Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic and received the Michael Feldman Advocacy Award, which is given to the clinic’s top advocate.  He was also awarded the Greenfield Trial Practice Award for his commitment to public defense. 
  • Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, Bachelor of Arts, 2009
Bar Memberships:

State Courts:

  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • District of Columbia

Federal Courts (eligible for case-by-case admission in most federal jurisdictions nationwide, even if not listed below):

  • 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Northern District of Illinois
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • Western District of Wisconsin
  • Northern District of Texas
  • Southern District of Texas
  • Southern District of Florida
Professional Memberships:
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Lake County Bar Association
Presentations and Trainings:
  • Intellectual Disability in Pre-Trial Cases: Spotting the Signs and Finding the Proof, August 2023 NDTX Federal Public Defender
  • United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1 – A Complex Drug Case, July 2021, NDTX Federal Public Defender
  • Ethically Representing Your Client in the COVID-19 Era, May 2021, Philadelphia Federal Public Defender’s Office
  • The Entrapment Defense: Turning the Tables on the Prosecution, November 2020, Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office
  • Pandemic Era Jury Trials: What to Expect, November 2020, Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office
  • Ethically Representing Your Client in the Age of Corona, August 2020, NDTX Federal Public Defender’s Office
  • Not Guilty: The First Federal Criminal Trial, June 2020, Defender Services Office
  • Strategies for 911 Calls: Constitutional and Evidentiary Issues, Miami Public Defender: Circuit Court, Sept 2016; County Court, Aug 2016 & 2015; Domestic Unit, Sept 2015 & 2014; Juvenile Unit, May 2017 & Fall 2013
  • Defending Against Character Attacks: Litigating 90.404(2)(a) “Williams Rule” Evidence, Miami Public Defender, Domestic Unit, September 2014
  • Defending a County Court Domestic Case: Pretrial Motions and Evidentiary Issues, Miami Public Defender, Domestic Unit, Fall 2013