Gerard Michael Karam

Gerard Michael Karam

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Scranton, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime

425 Biden Street, Suite 300, Scranton, PA

About Gerard

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 38 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1987

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Stevens & Lee

425 Biden Street, Suite 300, Scranton, PA, 18503

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Gerard Michael Karam's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by MM | December 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Intelligent, seasoned, highly respected Defense Lawyer

I contacted Attorney Karam on the advice of a friend, a person who has himself practiced law in Scranton for decades, after I was informed that my nephew had been arrested on an assault charge. When I called my friend, he did not suggest I call 2 or 3 attorneys to consult with; he simply said "Call ...Gerard Karam". My family and I are very fortunate to have received that advice. The case was complicated from the start so we needed a lawyer who was intelligent; who knew the legal landscape in Lackawanna County; and who was held in high esteem within the local legal community. Gerry fit the bill on all counts. Gerry has spent decades practicing law in Lackawanna County, and has developed solid working relationships with his peers...fellow Attorneys, District Attorneys, and Judges. My nephew was initially charged with felony assault, a frightening prospect to say the least. At our initial meeting with Gerry, he explained very clearly to us the charge, the facts of the case, the plan of action, and the possible outcomes. Throughout the the months-long process from preliminary hearing to sentencing hearing, Gerry knew when evolving circumstances dictated that we should move slowly and when to move full steam ahead. As questions and concerns arose, Gerry made himself readily available for in-person meetings and phone calls. I never felt rushed when meeting with or talking to Gerry and he always gave full-bodied answers to questions. Gerry treated my family and me with the utmost respect...there was never a hint of arrogance or dismissiveness. Gerry never sugar-coated things...he told the unvarnished truth....a quality I respect. My nephew was well prepped prior to both the preliminary and sentencing hearings. At the preliminary hearing, due to Gerry's excellent negotiating skills and ability to remain calm and focused under stressful, fluid circumstances, the felony assault charge was reduced to a misdemeanor assault charge. The outcome of the sentencing hearing was as was hoped for. Seeing a loved one through a period of incarceration and the twists and turns of a legal process is scary, stressful, and painful. If you retain Gerard Karam for you or your loved one, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you made the best possible choice. I admire Gerry for his skill and evident competence as a lawyer, and I admire him as a person.

Posted by Chethan | December 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Very rare honest lawyer

I came across Gerard karam during the worst part of my life. He was referred by a good friend of mine and went into his office with some confidence. Initially he was very patient and listened carefully. He give me the right advice and helped me to choose the most appropriate way. He was able to do ...a great negotiation and got me a plea bargain. Even during the final judgment, he was very supportive and kind. He help me to get back to my family and today I’m happy to stay with my wife and children. Gerard is a very honest man. He’s a reasonable person and not greedy at all. His terms and conditions are fair and his legal charges are reasonable too. If somebody wakes me up in the midnight and ask for the lawyer, my only choice would be Gerard karam. I sincerely pray the Almighty to bless him and his family with health, happiness and peace. I also thank all his staff members, specially his secretary Marie who is not only efficient but also kind. She was patient and compassionate, kind and intelligent, prompt and professional, ....I feel that Gerry is lucky to have her as his secretary. On the whole, I’m extremely pleased to have him as my attorney.

Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Saved my life.

Mr. Karam represented me in a very complex and serious legal matter. My situation involved multiple parties and required a high level of legal and business knowledge. Mr. Karam's professionalism, determination and commitment to provide the best outcome for my case never wavered. Mr. Karam clearly e...xplained every aspect of the legal process as well as the potential outcome. Not only is Mr. Karam a consummate legal professional he is a GOOD man. The kindness he showed me and my family through what was the most difficult time of our lives was beyond measure. He guided me through a very lengthy and life altering matter and as terrifying as it was I always knew he was doing absolutely everything possible to produce the best possible outcome and give me a chance to survive. I have no words to express how grateful I am to this man and all that he did for me. There is no question he saved my life.

Posted by JB | December 17, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Unbelievable in Court

Jerry is a great attorney. He is unbelievable in court! Jerry listened attentively to my concerns and explained the legal process in detail regarding my case. He achieved a result beyond what I expected. Would highly recommend his services.

See All Client Reviews

Gerard Michael Karam's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gerard
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Well respected in the legal community."

Craig Paul Kalinoski headshot
Craig Kalinoski

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rocco Virgil Valvano Jr. headshot
Rocco Valvano

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"Jerry is a highly skilled Criminal Defense attorney whose expertise spans from Federal White Collar Crimes to State Drug and DUI cases. As the former Chief Public Defender of Lackawanna County whose has also obtained the highest Peer Review Rating by Martindale Hubbell, he has both the knowledge and experience necessary to provide zealous representation to his clients in all Criminal matters."

View All Endorsements
Philip Gelso headshot
Philip Gelso

Criminal defense lawyer

Melissa A. Scartelli headshot
Melissa Scartelli

Medical malpractice lawyer

Rocco Virgil Valvano Jr. headshot
Rocco Valvano

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Exemplary Service Award, Lackawanna Bar Association

2012

Champion of Youth, Northeastern PA Boys and Girls Clubs

2011

AV Rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

Invited Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

N/A

Honor Roll, Lackawanna Pro Bono Inc.

N/A

Pennsylvania Super Lawer, Philadelphia Magazine

N/A

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Association

N/A

Top 10 Criminal Law Attorney, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Work Experience

2022 - 2024

U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Pennsylvania

1995 - 2022

Managing Partner, Mazzoni, Karam, Petorak and Valvano

1993 - 2003

Chief Public Defender, Lackawanna County Public Defender's Office

1990 - 1993

Assistant Public Defender, Lackawanna County Public Defender's Office

1988 - 1989

Assistant Solicitor, City of Scranton

Associations

1987 - Present

Lackawanna Bar Association

Member

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - 2011

Lackawanna Bar Association

President

2008 - 2009

Lackawanna Bar Association

Vice President

2001 - 2006

Lackawanna County Bar Association

Director

2000 - 2004

Northeastern Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association

Director

1999 - 2000

Lackawanna County Bar Association

Co-Chair Criminal Rules Committee

Education

1987

Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

St. Joseph's University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2011

Seminar

Bridge the Gap

2010

The Commonwealth Medical College

The Physician as a Witness

2010

LBA Seminar

Lackawanna Legal Legends

2010

Lackawanna Bar Association Law Day

Clarence Darrow and the Search for Justice

2007

Lackawanna County Bench Bar Conference

Pennsylvania Criminal Law Update

1998

Leadership Lackawanna

Crime and Corrections

1996

Lackawanna County Bench Bar Conference

Family Law

1994

Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Convention

Municipal and Officer Liability in Police Car Chases

Publications

2007

NEPA Magazine Tort Law

2007

Pennsylvania Criminal Law Update Pennsylvania Criminal Law Update

2007

NEPA Today Insurance Contracts

1996

Lackawanna County Bench Bar Family Law Update

1994

Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Municipal and Officer Liability in Police Car Chases

1988

Student Guide- Marywood College Taxation of Business Entities

Languages

English

Activity

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