Mehdi Essmidi

PRO

Mehdi Essmidi

also known as Mehdi

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 9 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at New York, NY
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Gun Law, Child Custody

One Grand Central Place, Suite 4600, New York, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Mehdi

Biography

Solving problems for clients and providing first class representation.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

50%
Gun Law 20%

NYC gun permit and article 78 litigation.

20%
White Collar Crime 20%

20%
Child Custody 10%

Custody and visitation representation.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 4

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 9 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2016

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, P.L.L.C.

One Grand Central Place, Suite 4600, New York, NY, 10165

essmidilaw.com

The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi P.L.L.C.

300 Cadman Plaza West, 12th floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11201

essmidilaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Mehdi online.

Mehdi Essmidi's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

106 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Ryan | February 06, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mehdi saved my life.

I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer. Mehdi Essmidi represented me in a Federal criminal investigation. Mehdi was professional, highly knowledgeable and kept me informed throughout the entire process. He took a stressful situation and handled it with total confidence, ultimately securing a suc...cessful outcome. I highly recommend Mehdi Essmidi.

Posted by anonymous | April 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A Life Saver

I have started to write this review many times over the past weeks, but never finished. The reason is that Mehdi did such an amazing job, but I could not find the right words to express just how much he accomplished. The best way I can put it is that Mehdi saved my friend's life. My friend was up aga...inst a notoriously hateful and biased D.A. office. Their intention was to have my friend convicted and sentenced to life in prison. After several other attorneys basically worked on auto-pilot, we were lucky enough to find Mehdi. Mehdi took the time and interest to dig into the case. Mehdi is a VERY smart attorney, and a VERY good person. Mehdi was able to uncover serious issues in the case that other attorneys had not been willing to investigate or deal with. As a result, the case was settled and my friend received an appropriate, lenient sentence. I thank God for leading us to Mehdi; because of him my friend will be home soon. Thank you Mehdi!

Posted by Maz | August 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The Only Lawyer I’ll Call

TLDR: Mehdi is a smart, attentive, and available lawyer. Will always get back to you, will fight for you for real, and is ACTUALLY affordable (honestly you’re getting way more than your monies worth, he deserves more than what he asks for) I must have called 10 or 15 (literally) Lawyers before I c...ame across Mehdi and he was THE ONLY one that actually talked to me like a normal person. He explained to me what cases like mine have looked like, he clearly broke down for me everything I needed and the game plan and genuinely calmed me down (multiple times lol). He always kept me informed, whenever I called him or texted him he called me back & answered all my questions. He hounded the ADA on my case making sure they looked at it with the same importance as their other cases. Most importantly I could afford him. Not a single lawyer I called before him quoted me less thank almost 3 months worth of my rent (90% sure you are on the same boat if you’re reading this) if you’re like me you make too much for public defender and not enough to to afford to pay 3 months worth of rent. Mehdi was fair in what he charged me. He understood what I was going through and worked with me. Honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better person to represent me. He got my case literally the best outcome possible (very happy about that!) and all while keeping me from panicking and stressing out on a regular basis. Frankly this dude deserves 3 months of my rent but he never even asked for it. I hope I’ll never need him again but if I do he’s gonna be my first call.

Posted by Yeimi | March 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Case Dismissed & Sealed

I am extremely grateful for Mehdi Essmidi’s professionalism, honesty & hard work while working on a criminal case against one of person I love the most in this world . My spouse had been wrongfully arrested based on the lies of the mother of eldest child and Essmidi Mehdi went on and beyond to prov...e His innocence. The case was dismissed and seal and my husband’s name & integrity was cleaned. I would highly recommend Mehdi because of his knowledge, professionalism, honesty, hard work, & fairness. If you need a criminal lawyer who you can trust make sure you hire Mehdi Essmidi. Once again Thank you so much Mehdi Essmidi!

Posted by Richard | March 09, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Best lawyer very attentive

I had a custody case in regards to my daughter, Me. Essmidi went the extra mile. Always answered my text no matter the time and gave me all the information needed and necessary.

See All Client Reviews

Mehdi Essmidi's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Mehdi
David Elihu Ourlicht II headshot
David Ourlicht

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mehdi Essmidi is one of the best attorneys I’ve had the privilege to work with — sharp, dedicated, and relentless in his pursuit of justice for his clients. He’s not only an exceptional trial attorney but also a true advocate who stands up for people when it matters most. Whether defending clients in serious criminal cases or protecting individuals’ Second Amendment rights, Mehdi is the attorney you want in your corner."

Patrick Jason Marshall headshot
Patrick Marshall

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Mehdi is able to bring his experience as a former prosecutor to his defense practice whether it is at trial, in motions, or plea negotiations. He is a zealous defender of his clients with his ability to apply the law to real world situations."

Elena Fast headshot
Elena Fast

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mehdi is an incredibly talented attorney. I trust his judgment and often get his insight on my cases. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any criminal case."

Ben Pearce headshot
Ben Pearce

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Other

"I have had an opportunity to watch Mehdi practice on both sides of the criminal law spectrum. First as a prosecutor and now has a defense attorney. His confidence in the courtroom is an invaluable asset that has provided benefit to both the State, and now his private clients. Should I find a friend or family member in need of help, I would rest easy that Mehdi would be able to provide them the same compassionate and effective representation that he has shown time and time again."

Dustan Orlando Neyland headshot
Dustan Neyland

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Other

"Mehdi is a very good trial attorney and advocate for his clients. He was a very respected prosecutor and is now an asset to the defense bar."

Julie Rendelman headshot
Julie Rendelman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the fortune of working with Mehdi on several matters and watching him in action. Mehdi is an incredibly talented attorney with the necessary passion that clients look for in hiring an attorney."

Jeffery L. Greco headshot
Jeffery Greco

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Other

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Mehdi cut his teeth as a New York City Assistant D.A. in the Bronx DA's office. He handled 100's of serious felony matters of all sorts. His transition to the defense bar was a seamless one, and he immediately began the arduous task of fighting against the machine that chews up and spits out criminal defendants each and every day. Mehdi is a compassionate advocate for the criminally accused, and he takes pride in helping every one of his clients. Having someone like Mehdi in your corner is something you will be glad you did when you hire a lawyer to actually fight for you. You can't go wrong with Mehdi by your side."

Kristen Epifania headshot
Kristen Epifania

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Essmidi is an intelligent, passionate, and extremely effective attorney. His experience as a former prosecutor, combined with his extensive knowledge of criminal law, makes him a powerful advocate to have in your corner. He sincerely cares for his clients, and I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance."

Scott Brandon Richman headshot
Scott Richman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Essmidi is an exceptional criminal defense attorney. I routinely refer criminal matters to him and my referrals have always been pleased with the results. I thoroughly endorse this attorney for criminal defense matters."

Lee A. Koch headshot
Lee Koch

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Mehdi is an excellent attorney, and he will do everything in his power to make sure his clients have the best defense possible. Mehdi is an accomplished former Assistant District Attorney who thoroughly knows the ins and outs of prosecuting and defending a case. I have known Mehdi since the first day of law school, through his internships at the Manhattan and Queens DAs' offices, his clerkship with a Kings County (Brooklyn) criminal court judge, and his eventual career with the Bronx DA's office. If I was ever accused of a crime, I would not hesitate to call Mehdi to handle my case."

View All Endorsements
Patrick Jason Marshall headshot
Patrick Marshall

Unknown lawyer

Elena Fast headshot
Elena Fast

Criminal defense lawyer

Ben Pearce headshot
Ben Pearce

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Brandon Richman headshot
Scott Richman

Litigation lawyer

Lee A. Koch headshot
Lee Koch

Immigration lawyer

Kristen Epifania headshot
Kristen Epifania

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2024

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2023

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2021

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2021

2021 New York Metro Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2019

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2014

Continuing Prof. Ed. Scholarship and Leadership Award, ALI-ABA

2012

Service Award, New York State Courts

Work Experience

2022 - Present

Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi

2019 - 2022

Senior Trial Attorney, Greco Neyland P.C.

2014 - 2019

Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorney’s Office

Associations

2023 - Present

New York City Bar Association

Member

2022 - Present

Muslim Bar Association of New York

Member

2021 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2021 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2019 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

2019 - Present

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Law

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Forcible Touching on the Subway

Case dismissed because the DA couldn’t meet their burden of proof without using impermissible character evidence.

Arrest for Drinking and Driving: Black male that doesn’t drink alcohol

Jury trial to a verdict acquitting him of all DWI charges.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2014

New York Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2008

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Asian Americans for Equality Career Fair

High School Career Fair

2019

Muslim American Society of New York Career Building Event

Legal Careers and the Practice of Law

2019

Asian Americans for Equality Career Fair

Legal Careers in Government and Criminal Justice

Publications

Languages

Arabic

French

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution