Kenneth Padowitz is a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Trial Attorney at Kenneth Padowitz P.A.
Kenneth Padowitz Aggressively and Strategically defends people accused of crimes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A Trial Attorney for 35 years, Ken has tried over 300 Jury Trials and 35 First Degree Murder Trials.
Ken is a former Homicide Prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorneys Office for 16 years and a practicing Trial Lawyer for 35 years. Ken is an “AV” rated lawyer, for 17 years in a row, known as Preeminent, the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell. Best Lawyers has awarded Broward criminal lawyer, Kenneth Padowitz, recognition and inclusion in Best Lawyers. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession. Best Law Firms has been designated by U.S. News and World Report recognizing Kenneth Padowitz P.A. He is in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers and recognized by Super lawyers for 5 years as a Super Lawyer– only 5% of Lawyers in the State. Ken Padowitz has also been awarded America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney’s. Broward criminal lawyer, Kenneth Padowitz, is rated 10.0 out of 10 on Avvo.com and was honored in South Florida’s Top Rated Lawyers, Who’s Who in America, Florida Trend Magazines “Legal Elite“ and is “Lead Counsel” rated.
Kenneth Padowitz Does Not Delegate Important Duties
With a 34 to 1 win/loss record in First Degree Murder Trials, 300 plus trials, hundreds of National Television appearances and law lectures, over 50 Grand Jury presentations and thousands of depositions in 35 years, Kenneth Padowitz retains superior qualifications which can not and will not be delegated on important matters. Ken Padowitz has intentionally limited the size of his firm so that less qualified and less experienced attorney’s will never attempt to duplicate skills that can not be duplicated. From pre-indictment, pre-trial, trial and post conviction appeals, Kenneth Padowitz has the skills to confront and aggressively defend you for the best resolution to your case.
Kenneth Padowitz has Uniquely Qualified Experience
From Federal criminal trials to State criminal trials; 1983 Federal Civil-Rights Lawsuit Trial to Multi-million dollar Civil Trial verdict, Kenneth Padowitz is the Real Deal. While recommending Kenneth Padowitz for Circuit Court Judge in 2006, the Miami Herald stated:
“Mr. Padowitz…was an Adjunct Law Professor a Nova Southeastern Law School for seventeen years and has an extensive record of public service. With his professional demeanor and career record, it’s no surprise that Mr. Padowitz was found qualified by the Judicial Nominating Commission in 2001.”
The Sun-Sentinel also endorsed him for Circuit Judge in the same race and said:
“His knowledge of the law is extensive…He has the intelligence, experience and fair-mindedness to be an excellent Judge”
The Sun-Sentinel described a recent Cross-examination of a witness by Ken Padowitz during a high profile trial this way: “Defense lawyer Ken Padowitz chiseled away at Chait’s credibility for most of the afternoon Wednesday.”
Buddy Nevins, a Political Expert at Browardbeat.com commented on a high-profile trial and said: “There are other reasons for the Krafts’ victory. Both had outstanding defense attorneys. She had Ken Padowitz…”
The Naples Daily News covered a Strategic Win for Ken Padowitz when he got all charges dropped against an innocent client. The clients mother stated “She hired Padowitz months later because she was tired of the delays and wanted a top attorney outside Collier County.” “Cindy Hendricks…hired defense attorney Kenneth Padowitz of Fort Lauderdale, a former high-profile prosecutor and Court TV commentator.”
Adjunct Law Professor
Broward criminal and personal injury attorney, Kenneth Padowitz, was an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University Law Center for 17 years and has taught and lectured extensively in the areas of trial advocacy, scientific evidence and trial exhibits. He was also a Faculty Instructor for:
- The National Institute of Trial Advocacy
- Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association
- University of Florida Law School Prosecutor/Public Defender course
- Institute of Police Technology and Management
- The National Student Leadership Conference at American University in Washington D.C. and Stanford University in California.
Ken was the Director of the Pre-Law program at American Heritage High School where he taught students five days a week before going to court. Padowitz previously sat as Chairman of a Grievance Committee for the Florida Bar, which handles matters of attorney misconduct and discipline.
Kenneth Padowitz is Uniquely Qualified to resolve your criminal investigation or charge
A veteran 16-year former Prosecutor, Ken Padowitz retains the knowledge, experience and relationships to be there for you in your time of adversity – when you can’t afford to lose. A criminal charge carries with it a threat to your reputation, career and your freedom. The pressure on families of the criminally accused is stressful enough. Ken Padowitz protects you and your loved ones with time proven, multi-faceted skills, to negotiate the legal maze you find yourself in. From the expertise to maneuver high profile media cases, to misdemeanor charges, Ken Padowitz retains the legal strategy and laser focus, unmatched by most other lawyers. When what you have built in your life is placed in jeopardy, the caliber of your Criminal Defense Trial Attorney is crucial. (See 5 things to look for Before Hiring a criminal Lawyer – Huffington Post)
Why Strategic Defense from the Real Deal?
Attention to detail culminates in 34 wins out of 35 First Degree Murder Trials. Attention to detail results in only one First Degree Murder Trial reversed on Appeal out of 35, as a prosecutor. Attention to detail results in which expert to call, which witness to put on the stand, what move will win the case. These skills can be applied to your Defense for the results that you need. Trial is always the last resort. Broward criminal lawyer, Kenneth Padowitz, will always prepare and work up the case specifically to exhaust every possible alternative to trial. It is only by doing the in-court and out-of-court work from a real experienced trial lawyer, that the best alternative options to trial materialize. When a battle hardened Criminal Trial Attorney like Kenneth Padowitz comes up to the plate, there is no substitute for your case or for your life.
Former Assistant State Attorney
As an Assistant State Attorney in the Homicide Unit, Kenneth Padowitz prosecuted many high-profile trials, which include the case against Lionel Tate, a 12 year old indicted by a grand jury as an adult in the murder of a 6-year-old girl, Tiffany Eunich. The defendant blamed professional wrestling for the child’s death. The jury convicted him of 1st degree murder. Another one of those high profile trials include the case against Kenneth Pierce, convicted of the hit and run death of little Nicole Rae Walker. Pierce drove off the road on a Dania street and drove into a group of five children. A two-month manhunt led to the widely publicized trial and conviction of the defendant. A computer animation reenactment of the crime was introduced into evidence at trial, by Padowitz, for the first time in a Florida courtroom. The appellate court upheld this visual evidence in a written opinion – the first case law in the United States to allow the use of animation in a criminal trial.
Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
Kenneth Padowitz won a jury verdict over Two Million dollars from a lawsuit he filed, representing a Miami Hurricanes Football player who was attacked by the former Heavyweight World Boxing Champion, Shannon Briggs. To see story and Million Dollar Judgement CLICK HERE.
Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, Kenneth Padowitz, works closely with a team of personal injury lawyers and accident attorneys to help you receive the highest level of compensation possible, by hiring an attorney you’ll make sure to avoid certain mistakes when filing a claim. Based on the fee structure guidelines we follow, filing a personal injury lawsuit with our law firm costs you nothing – we only get paid if YOU are compensated.
Ken is Frequently Called Upon by the News Media
Ken is frequently called upon by the media for opinions and discussion on various legal issues being debated in the country and our community. He has appeared on:
- 20/20 with Barbra Walters
- ABC-Good Morning America
- Larry King Live
- The O’Riley Factor
- Nancy Grace
- CNN News and Headline News
- CNN-The Morning Show
- NBC-The Today Show
- The John Walsh Show
- Montel Williams
- Phil Donohue
- Wolf Blitzer Reports
- MSNBC News
- Burden of Proof
- Hannity & Colmes
- Gretta Van Susterns’ ‘The Point’
- Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
- Politics Nation with Al Sharpton
- Court T.V.
- Forensic Files
- American Justice
- The Mitch Album Show
- NBC Miami
- National Public Radio ‘All Things Considered
Kenneth Padowitz is a frequent legal expert on the Fox News Channel, and appeared in such publications as:
- National Trial Lawyers Magazine
- The Washington Post
- CNN News
- American Bar Association Journal
- People Magazine
- Rosie Magazine
- USA Today and USA Today
- ESPN
- Maclean’s magazine
- MTV News
- Dallas Morning News
- Multimedia World
- Info World
- The Prosecutor Magazine
- OZY.com
- Readers Digest
- BBC News
- The Daily Mirror – United Kingdom
- The Daily Mail – United Kingdom
- The Florida Bar – Daily News Summary
- National Enquirer
- JET Magazine
- UPI
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Orlando Sentinel
- Books – Ken Padowitz Quoted in numerous Books: Research Design;
- Radio – The Sports Junkies – Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area
- The front page of The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Litigated over Three Hundred Jury Trials including Thirty-Five First Degree Murder Trials
- Adjunct Professor, Nova Southeastern Law School, 17 years
- AV – Highest Rating (Very High to Preeminent)15 years in a row Martindale-Hubbell Attorney Peer Review Rating
- Best Lawyers – Recognition and inclusion. Best Lawyers lists have earned the respect of the profession, the media, and the public, as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals anywhere and recognizes 5% of lawyers practicing in the United States.
- Best Law Firms – Firms included in the 2021 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers award
- Super Lawyers – Super Lawyers award and inclusion. Top 5% of Lawyers in the State
- America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney’s – National Criminal Defense Award
- Google Reviews – Top Rating – 5 Stars
- Avvo.com – rated 10.0 out of 10
- Expertise.com – Top Rated
- Who’s Who in America – Distinguished as one of the leading achievers from around the country
- South Florida’s Top Rated Lawyers – The definitive Guide to Legal Representation in South Florida
- Legal Elite – Florida Trend Magazine
- Lead Counsel Rated
- Found Qualified – Broward Judicial Nominating Committee for appointment as Circuit Judge, 2001
- Faculty Instructor, National Institute of Trial Advocacy and Fl. Prosecuting Atty. Assoc.
- Faculty Instructor, University Of Florida Law School, Prosecutor/Public Defender course
- Faculty Instructor, University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management
- Director, American Heritage High School, Plantation, Fl, Pre-Law program
- Faculty Instructor, National Student Leadership Conference, American University, Washington D.C.
- Faculty Instructor, National Student Leadership Conference, Stanford University, California
- Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice Institute, Broward Community College
- Guest Lecturer, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit and Detective training.
- Textbook – Reviewed and Advised Author (page xviii): From Crash to Courtroom – Collision Reconstruction for Lawyers and Law Enforcement; By John Kwasnoski
- Former Chairman, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Florida Bar Grievance Committee
- Member, Florida Bar, United States District Court Southern District of Florida, United States District Court Middle District of Florida, United States Court of Appeals.
- The first admission of Computer Animation as evidence in a criminal trial in the state of Florida. A forensic computer generated reconstruction of a hit and run collision of five children was created as demonstrative evidence for courtroom presentation during jury trial. Procedures were developed and strategies implemented to insure admission into evidence of this new technology. My work was ratified in the first written appellate decision in a criminal case in the United States that upheld computer animation as evidence. State v. Kenneth Pierce, 718 So.2d 806 (4 DCA 1997).
EDUCATION
- NOVA UNIVERSITY, Law School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Juris Doctor, May, 1986
- First Place Team Award, ATLA 1985 Spring Trial Competition (Mock Trial Team Partner – Leslie Rothenberg, 3rd DCA Appellate Judge)
- Distinguished Achievement Award, ATLA Trial Competitions, November 1984, May 1985, November 1985, April 1986
- President, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity – Recognition for Outstanding Leadership
- Special Achievement Award – Student Bar Association, 1985
- Certificate of Appreciation – Student Bar Association, 1985 and 1986
- Who’s Who Among American Law Students, 1985 and 1986
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, Gainesville, Fl. Bachelor of Arts in Education, December, 1982 Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Alpha Kappa Delta, Sociology Honor Society – Distinguished Interest and Study in the Area of Sociology
- Student Government Senator, College of Education
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Vice President Membership, B’nai B’rith Justice Unit, 2007
- Board of Directors, B’nai B’rith Justice Unit, 2005, 2006
- Broward Sheriff’s Office, Detective training, 2005
- Broward Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit, Guest Lecturer, 2015
- Florida Department of Children and Families, Keynote Speaker, Child Abuse Prevention Conference, 2003
- Broward County Bar Association, 1987, 1993, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2018, 2019
- National Television Legal Consultant, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS, COURT T.V., B.E.T., 2000-2017
- Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Faculty Instructor, Evidence Seminar, Palm Beach, 1993
- Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Faculty Instructor, D.U.I./Vehicular Manslaughter Seminar, Tampa, 1993
- Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Faculty Instructor, D.U.I. Trial Advocacy School, Miami, 1991,1992, 1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001
- Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Legal Panel Member, Seminar on media and Legal community, 2005
- Weston Rotary Club, Lecture Presentation, Criminal Justice System, 2006
- Institute of Police Technology and Management, Faculty Instructor, D.U.I. Manslaughter Prosecution, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, 1991
- Institute of Police Technology and Management, Faculty Adviser, Development of a felony level course for police officers, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, 2001
- Criminal Justice Institute, B.C.C., Guest Lecturer, Sex Crimes, D.U.I. Manslaughter, Criminal Justice System, 1990, 1991, 1992
- Broward County Trial Lawyers Association, Lecture Presentation, Computer Animation in the Courtroom, 1993
- Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Criminal Law Class, Lecture, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
- Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Instructor/Coach, Mock Trial Team, 1987-1988, 1995
- Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Guest Lecturer, Scientific Evidence class, Computer Animation as Evidence, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
- Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Guest Lecturer, Student Orientation, 1987, 1988, 1989
- Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Guest Lecturer, Trial Advocacy Class, Opening Statement, 1996
- Nova Southeastern University School of Law, Guest Lecturer, The prosecution of Lionel Tate v. State of Florida, 2001
- University of Florida, College of Law, Gainesville, Lecture Presentation, Computer Animation as Evidence, 1997
- St. Thomas Law School, Miami, Guest Lecturer, Computer Animation as Evidence, 1993
- Broward State Attorney’s Office, Lecture Presentation, County Court Division; Opening Statement, Closing Argument, Cross Examination, Direct Examination, Jury Selection, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
- Broward Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Guest Lecturer, Victims Rights, 1990
- Anglia Polytechnic University, Great Britain, N.S.U., Ft. Laud., Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice System,1996, 1997
- M.A.D.D., Guest Speaker, Roundtable Discussion/Victims Rights, 1991
- Plantation Police Department, Guest Lecturer, Roll call Training, 1986
- Piper High School, Guest Lecturer, Florida Gun Laws and the Criminal Justice System, 1991
- Wilton Manors Kiwanis Club, Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice,1994
- S.T.O.P. (Stop Turning Out Prisoners), Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice System, 1994
- Sunrise Chamber of Commerce, Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice System, 1994
- Boca Raton High School, Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice System, 1994
- Sawgrass Elementary School, Guest Lecturer, Career day, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
- Seminole Middle School, Plantation, Fl., Lecture, 2003, 2004
- Coral Springs High School, Lecture, Criminal Justice System, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- Pre-Law Advisory Committee, Fort Lauderdale High School Magnet Program, 2000-2001
- Croissant Park Elementary School, Guest Speaker, Student Council installation, 2006
- Hallandale Police Department, Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, 1998-2001
- The Riviera Parliament, Guest Lecturer, Criminal Justice, 2019
- Young Professionals for Covenant House, 1995-1997
- Broward County Public School Teacher, 1982
- American Cancer Society, 1997-1998
- March of Dimes, 1994-1996
- Daily Bread Food Bank, 1996-1997
- Gold Key Civic Association, 1985-1990
- American Bar Association, 1986-1992
- National District Attorney’s Association, 1986-1991
- Weston Business Chamber of Commerce, 2005, 2006
- Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 2005, 2006
- American Cancer Society, Jail and Bail 1986-2019
AWARDS
- Distinguished Faculty Award, Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Presented FPAA Annual Conference, 2001
- ABA Trial Team Coach’s Award, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Nova Southeastern University, 1995
- Appreciation for Dedicated Service Award, Broward State Attorney’s Office Homicide Trial Unit, Advocate Par Excellence, Minister of Justice, 2002.
- Outstanding and Dedicated Performance Award, Broward State Attorney’s Office, Sex Crimes Unit Plaque, 1990
- Judges Certificate of Appreciation, Nova Southeastern University, Law Center
- Mock Trial Competition Judge, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.
- First Place Team Award, ATLA 1985 Spring Trial Competition (Mock Trial Team Partner – Leslie Rothenberg, 3rd DCA Appellate Judge)
- Certificate of Appreciation, Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Mid-Level Felony Trial Advocacy Course, 2000
- Certificate of Appreciation, Broward State Attorney’s Office, Take your child to work day – Mock Trial, 2001
888 South Andrews Avenue # 205, Fort Lauderdale
Kenneth Padowitz, P.A.
Thankfully this case never made it to court.
As much as I like Ken, I hope I never need … More his services again.
Steve
Honest, honest, … More honest!
You don’t find that in a lot of law firms these days!
I highly recommend Joshua Padowitz and this law firm to anyone who needs a great defense team.