Shaka M Johnson

Shaka M Johnson

4.8
Rating: 4.5

Licensed for 16 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Philadelphia, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Unknown

1420 Walnut Street, 806, Philadelphia, PA

About Shaka

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 16 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2009

Active

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 16 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2009

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025

Location

The Law Offices of Shaka Johnson, LLC

1420 Walnut Street, 806, Philadelphia, PA, 19102

Delaware County Office

215 North Olive Street, Suite 101, Media, PA, 19063

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Shaka M Johnson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

5 star (32)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Patricia | June 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Forever grateful for Shaka Johnson and his team!

A Grateful Reflection on Choosing Shaka Johnson as My Son’s Lawyer Why This Decision Made All the Difference Choosing Shaka Johnson to represent my son was, without hesitation, one of the best decisions I have ever made. From our first consultation to the resolution of the case, Shaka’s professiona...lism, dedication, and deep understanding of the law continually reassured us that we were in the most capable hands. Expertise and Compassion Combined Shaka Johnson possesses a rare combination of expertise and genuine compassion. He took the time to listen to our concerns, answered every question thoroughly, and ensured my son felt heard and respected throughout the entire process. His ability to explain complex legal matters in clear, understandable language brought us comfort and confidence during a stressful time. Relentless Advocacy At every stage, Shaka was a tireless advocate for my son. He meticulously prepared for each meeting and court appearance, leaving no detail unexamined. His strategic thinking and unwavering commitment were evident, whether negotiating on our behalf or presenting arguments in court. Shaka’s experience and insight were instrumental in achieving the best possible outcome for my son. Trust and Peace of Mind What set Shaka apart was the trust he inspired. I never doubted his intentions or abilities, and I always felt that my son’s welfare was his top priority. Shaka’s integrity and honesty gave us peace of mind when we needed it most. A Lasting Impact Looking back, I am deeply grateful for choosing Shaka Johnson as my son’s lawyer. His guidance and support carried us through a difficult chapter with dignity and hope. For anyone facing a challenging legal situation, I wholeheartedly recommend placing your trust in Shaka Johnson. It was, without question, the best decision I could have made for my family. Me and my family will forever be thankful for Shaka Johnson and his team.

Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Anonymous

Shaka Johnson is the best criminal lawyer in Philadelphia. He was recommended to me by another lawyer. I'm so glad he did. He is a beast in the court room. I've been fortunate to have been working with the best of the best lawyer and that's you Shaka!! Keep on doing an awesome job because you deserve... it and I also recommended peoples to you as well..

Posted by anonymous | June 9, 2023 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Good to help MURDER!!!!

If you are a murder go for it Help MURDER!! Awesome Lier No sense of human.

Posted by anonymous | November 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

CP

From start to end Mr. Shaka Johnson has been My family attorney for years. He fights battles for the parties he represents and has a caring spirit for his clients. Shaka is a very real and a down to earth attorney/lawyer and he puts his soul into his work. Furthermore he is likes fine tooth comb wit...h his cases how he dissects and digest then processes once entering the courtroom room he transforms from citizen to lawyer!

Posted by DeVonté | December 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Two Words "SHAKA JOHNSON"

Went to meet this man after firing my first lawyer because he wanted to settle before reviewing the case and got to consult with Shaka the first day meeting him was greeted and hugged. The next day after hiring him was told to come into the office to sit down with staff and to prep my defense. He mo...ved faster than any other defense attorney I know and he showed up to court ready to defend me. He kept it real about the odds of certain charges and helped me put together mitigation he did not let the prosecutors bully me into taking a deal and gave me my life back. He fought a crazy fight with me and did not give up on me instead he fought even harder when he thought that the prosecutor was being unfair and got me a fair outcome. I highly recommend this man who I call a BROTHER after defending me aggressively to make sure I was given a second chance at life. The entire time he represented me it felt like family more than a business relationship to me. This case was not BUSINESS for him it was PERSONAL to where he wanted to make sure I was satisfied at the end of the day. Thanks to Shaka Johnson and the Rest of the team for my BEST OUTCOME.

See All Client Reviews

Shaka M Johnson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Shaka
Stephen Dean Stewart headshot
Stephen Stewart

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"We worked together on co-defendant matter and I have been in court with Mr. Johnson on numerous occasions. He has a deep understanding of the law and advocates for his clients best interests always."

Joseph Peter Stampone headshot
Joseph Stampone

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I could not give a higher endorsement for a criminal defense attorney than Shaka. Aside from being a highly skilled attorney, Shaka truly cares about his clients. He has always gone above and beyond for any client I have referred him. He is well respected in the legal community and never disappoints."

Prince Paris Amor Holloway headshot
Prince Holloway

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Shaka from the beginning of his legal career. We were on opposite sides of the aisle and he has been nothing short of professional. Shaka is a stellar attorney and staunch advocate for his clients. He has an amazing grasp of legal concepts and real world application. I have referred numerous friends and clients to Shaka for his assistance, and every time they have had glowing reviews of his representation."

Kevin P O'Brien headshot
Kevin O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Shaka Johnson for several years during which time I have referred him clients in need of a top-shelf criminal attorney. Having spoken to these clients, and having witnessed him try high-stakes cases in court to a jury, I can wholeheartedly endorse him as an one of the best attorneys I have met. If you or one of your clients has been charged with a crime and their freedom is at stake, I would highly recommend you meet with Shaka."

Robin Colley Pitt headshot
Robin Pitt

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Shaka is a zealous advocate who fights hard for his clients."

William Ryan McLaughlin headshot
William McLaughlin

Unknown lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If I were in trouble, I'd want Shaka Johnson on my side - he has the experience and skills to get results."

View All Endorsements
Philip David Press headshot
Philip Press

Unknown lawyer

William Ryan McLaughlin headshot
William McLaughlin

Civil rights lawyer

Robin Colley Pitt headshot
Robin Pitt

Unknown lawyer

Jessica Consuela Mann headshot
Jessica Mann

Family lawyer

Prince Paris Amor Holloway headshot
Prince Holloway

Personal injury lawyer

Joseph Peter Stampone headshot
Joseph Stampone

Personal injury lawyer

Kevin V. Mincey headshot
Kevin Mincey

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  4.5 (Concern)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.

Public Reprimand issued in PA, 2025

updated on 09/02/2025

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Public Reprimand issued in PA, 2016

updated on 10/12/2017

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2016

Outstanding Service Award, NAACP Real Street Talk Institution

2015

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Community Service Award, Bible Way Baptist Church

2015

10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Principal/Owner, Law Offices of Shaka Johnson, LLC

2008 - 2008

Assistant District Attorney, Philadelphia District Attorneys

2007 - 2007

Certified Legal Intern, Philadelphia District Attorneys

2006 - 2006

Legal Intern--Special Projects, Fulton County District Attorney's Office

2006 - 2008

Law Clerk, Zeller & Bryant, LLP

2005 - 2006

Legal Intern--Special Projects, Axam & Adams Law Firm

2000 - 2004

Narcotics Detective--Special Operations Divison, Fulton County Police Department

1997 - 2000

Certified Uniformed Police Officer, Futon County Police Department

Associations

2012 - Present

Real Street Talk

Board Member

2009 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

Education

2009

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

MS - Master of Science

2008

Rutgers University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2017

Good Morning Philadelphia

Guest Legal Expert

2015

Bi-Weekly Radio Host

House Attorney

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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