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Kristen Epifania
About Kristen
Biography
Kristen N. Epifania brings nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense and family law to her practice, combining aggressive advocacy with compassionate client care. Admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York, Ms. Epifania has built her reputation on transparent communication, dedicated representation, and a no-nonsense approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Ms. Epifania earned her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School, where she distinguished herself as a Dean’s Merit Scholar and recipient of the prestigious Lisle and Lark-Barranco Scholarships. Recognizing her passion for criminal law early in her career, she pursued a specialized Certificate in Criminal Law, completing advanced coursework in Federal Criminal Investigations, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Securities Fraud, Law and Police Policy, and Forensic Science.
Her unique perspective comes from experience on both sides of the courtroom. During law school, Ms. Epifania gained invaluable insight working with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children bureau, where she assisted with prosecutions involving sex crimes, assault charges, and homicides. Prior to graduation, she also served with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, handling complex immigration matters intersecting with criminal law. This prosecutorial experience, combined with her subsequent years in defense practice, provides her with an unparalleled understanding of criminal case strategies and negotiations.
Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the defense and family sectors early on, Ms. Epifania dedicated significant pro bono hours while pursuing her Juris Doctor. In New York, Ms. Epifania worked with Sanctuary for Families, assisting survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking with divorce proceedings. She also provided pro bono service as a Juvenile Justice Representative with the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, where she collaborated on hearings pertaining to abuse, competency, and neglect matters, as well as had the unique opportunity to serve on foster care review board panels.
Following graduation, Ms. Epifania honed her skills at a premier criminal defense firm in Manhattan, representing clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges throughout New York City’s five boroughs. She later served as a trial attorney with the Monmouth County Public Defender’s Office in New Jersey, where she routinely handled cases involving assault, domestic violence, theft, narcotics, and various other criminal matters heard in New Jersey’s Superior Court. It was after her time at the Public Defender’s Office that Ms. Epifania returned to the private sector where she continued to defend individuals accused of crime, as well as those navigating the difficulties of divorce and custody.
Ms. Epifania’s excellence has earned recognition from her peers and the legal community. She has been selected as a New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2024 and 2025, following her designation as a New York Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 through 2021. In 2019, she was honored as a Top 40 Young Lawyer by the National Alliance of Women in Law and named to the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40.
Ms. Epifania believes that effective representation begins with clear communication and a deep understanding of each client’s unique situation. Whether defending against criminal charges or navigating complex family law matters, she combines her extensive trial experience, comprehensive legal knowledge, and genuine empathy to fight tirelessly for those she represents. Her direct and transparent approach ensures clients are fully informed and empowered throughout their legal journey.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New Jersey for 8 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 8 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Kristen Epifania, LLC
45 Court Street, Suite 201, Freehold, NJ, 07728
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Kristen Epifania's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
27 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
She genuinely cares and has a wealth of experience
Kristen represented me in an exceptionally complex case that required an understanding of not just criminal charges but civil charges as well. From my first interaction with her in person, I knew from the very start that I was in confident, steady, knowledgeable and empathetic hands. Through her expe...
Posted by Sangida | September 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Ideal Lawyer
Throughout my experience with Kristen as my lawyer, she was very patient, empathetic and kind. She truly cares about her clients and frequently made sure I was mentally okay during the most difficult time of my life. Although she is very young, she has extensive knowledge of the criminal defense syst...
Posted by DeSean D. | April 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Satisfied client
After an extensive search for criminal defense attorneys, I sought consultation on sealing a criminal record in New York with Kristen and because the state only recently enacted an expansive criminal conviction sealing law, I did not know what to expect. Kristen worked with me on my case and provide...
Posted by Jorge | January 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Administrative Law
Summons- PANYNJ
I live in Dallas Tx. Ms. Epifania assisted me with a summons issued by the Port Authority at LGA in November 2017. From the first conference, it was evident she was capable and efficient with the matter. She investigated my matter and prepared me for the court hearing. We were successful and the Summ...
Posted by anonymous | September 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Competent Lawyer
Last year when I had a criminal case on my record I called Julie Rendelman's office to take on my case. Julie and her associate Kristen Epifania diligently worked on clearing my name. I was always able to easily reach Kristen with any questions that I had and she would walk me through the process to...
Kristen Epifania's Lawyer Endorsements
"Kristen is an extremely effective advocate and she is tough as nails! Don't let the fact that she is so nice fool you. She is one of the best out there and anyone being represented by her should consider themselves lucky to have her as their counsel."
"Kristen is a phenomenal attorney. She has extensive knowledge of criminal law and an incredible demeanor with her clients and opposing counsel. She gets results, and gets them quickly and efficiently."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for Criminal Defense as a general area of practice. Ms. Epifania displays a talent for substantive and procedural understanding of the law. I have personally observed her rhetorical skill as well as her talent for problem solving. Her approach to client meetings, courtroom practice, and litigation shows that she is clearly the kind of attorney that can be trusted to help with a criminal case."
"I endorse Kristen! Ms. Epifania's answers to questions on this forum shows her passion for criminal law. Additionally, Ms. Epifania is generous with her time, as shown by the time she takes to answer questions from those seeking answers to their problems."
"Kristen is an exceptional criminal defense attorney who's no-nonsense approach and painstaking attention to detail makes her a go-to attorney in the industry. Any potential client should trust her with the most complex of criminal legal issues. Without hesitation, I highly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. She’s professional, prompt and knowledgeable. I’ve seen her in court handle an array of cases and will set your expectations and explain every step of your case. Great attorney !"
"I have known Ms. Epifania for the past several years and presently work with her. She is both a tenacious and compassionate attorney who is confident and talented beyond her years."
"Kristen is an asset to have as a lawyer fighting on your side. She is tenacious and will go the extra mile to help you get the best result on your case."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"Ms. Epifania is a talent and bright criminal defense attorney who exerts extra effort for her clients. She is an asset to the New York City legal community and I endorse her wholeheartedly."
"I happily endorse Ms. Epifania who is always helpful and knowledgeable on criminal law issues. She has been a great resource for me. She is an intelligent and dedicated lawyer."
"Ms. Epifania is a knowledgeable attorney, and her presence in the AVVO community reflects a demonstrated commitment to helping those in need of legal help. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Epifania is a terrific lawyer. She is caring, compassionate, intelligent and hard-working. I have no hesitation in referring cases to her. She is an excellent advocate and has strong writing skills."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kristen is one of the most diligent and thoughtful attorneys I have ever met. She always goes the extra mile for her clients. I would not hesitate to hire Kristen if myself or my loved one were in trouble."
"Kristen is a passionate, knowledgeable, and reliable colleague I can always count on. She will not shy away from extending a helping hand for her clients irrespective of the time of the day. In her current practice, she has already accomplished so much, and I have no doubt that she will continue to do so for years to come."
"Kristen is a compassionate and caring attorney with a focused drive and understanding of the law. I have known and worked with Kristen since she was a law student, and she has proven herself as an exceptional attorney to her clients and her co-workers. I highly recommend this attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Top 40 Young Lawyer, National Alliance of Women in Law
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
Top Contributor, Avvo
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Certificate in Criminal Law, Brooklyn Law School
2013
Lark-Barranco Scholarship, Brooklyn Law School
2013
Dean's Merit Scholarship, Brooklyn Law School
2013
Lisle Scholarship, Brooklyn Law School
2012
Magna Cum Laude, Marist College
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Managing Partner, Law Office of Kristen Epifania, LLC
2023 - 2025
Associate Attorney, Rozin Golinder Law
2022 - 2023
Associate Attorney, Williams Law Group
2021 - 2022
Assistant Deputy Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender
2016 - 2021
Associate Attorney, Law Offfices of Julie Rendelman LLC
2015 - 2015
Civil Litigation Intern, United States District Attorney's Office - Eastern District of New York
2015 - 2015
Internship with the Kings County District Attorney's Office, Kings County District Attorney's Office
2014 - 2014
Juvenile Justice Representative, Shelby County Public Defenders Office
2013 - 2014
Student Legal Representative, Sanctuary For Families
Associations
2019 - Present
Bar of the Eastern District of New YorkLicensed Attorney
2019 - Present
New York City Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Bar of the Southern District of New YorkLicensed Attorney
2018 - Present
Licensed AttorneyNew Jersey State Bar
2018 - Present
New Jersey State Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New JerseyMember
2017 - Present
New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2017 - Present
New York State BarLicensed Attorney
2016 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
Dismissed
Unlawfully Possessing or Selling Noxious Material- NY County
Dismissed
Petit Larceny
Dismissed
Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree
Violation - Non-Criminal Disposition
Forcible Touching
Violation - Non-Criminal Disposition
Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug in the Fourth Degree
Sealed pursuant to C.P.L. § 160.59
Aggravated Harassment
Dismissed
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree
Violation - Disorderly Conduct
Education
2016
Brooklyn Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
Marist College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Brooklyn Law School "Career Conversations"
Criminal Defense Career Paths
Publications
2017
Appellate Brief, Second Judicial Department
People of the State of New York v. John Doe
2017
Sentencing Memorandum
United States v. John Doe
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Pre pti rejection is it possible for the prosecutor to change their mind?
13 Nov 2025
Q&A
I have a restraining order on my daughter’s father and his mother has custody of my child she’s a protected party?
31 Oct 2025
Q&A
What can I do to ensure the other parents license are suspended
01 Nov 2025