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William R. Spade Jr.

Criminal defense Attorney at Philadelphia, PA

5.0   11 reviews
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  • Licensed for 32 years
    State PA
    Acquired 1990
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Best Legal Experience Ever
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Great laywer and person!!
Perry
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About William

Learn William’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    65%
    Federal and state criminal defense

    33 years

  2. White collar crime
    30%

  3. Civil rights
    5%

I am committed to providing the highest quality legal service and zealously and intelligently fighting for the constitutional rights of my clients.  Recent victories include not guilty verdicts on 6 federal capital murder charges in a RICO conspiracy case, the successful defense of aggravated indecent assault charges filed against a juvenile client which resulted in the County prosecutor withdrawing the charges, and the successful defense of a young woman being investigated by a federal grand jury for suspected healthcare fraud, which resulted in the United States government declining to indict my client.

Contact William

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Law Offices of William Spade
1525 Locust Street Suite 1400
Philadelphia, PA, 19102
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Legal Experience Ever
When I first contacted Will, I was scared and upset. He listened to everything I told him, and had me completely reassured within minutes, that everything was going to be OK. He was very easy to reach, always returned my calls promptly, was very professional, and really seemed to know what he was doing!! He got me the end result I was praying for, which was amazing. I couldn't say enough nice things about him. I would recommend him to anyone!
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Posted by Perry | November 2, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great laywer and person!!
I was charged with stealing a cell phone, the phone took a picture of me! The person then filed a case! However, the police didn't investigate, they just automatically filed charges! Mr. Spade presented all my evidencecas a landlord being retaliated against from an ex tenant! The DA withdrew all charges in 12 sec in the courtroom! The false accuser is now in prison!! He is not only a good lawyer, but after 11 years of knowing him, i consider him a friend!!
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Posted by Thomas | October 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Spectacular Attorney
I am ending a legal issue in which Mr. Spade represented me. He was quick to meet with me to review my case. Within a very short time he contacted me to explain the situation and what he could accomplish. This issue could have been career damaging and Mr Spade had the case withdrawn and expunged. He handled my case fast, diligently, and I felt relaxed and that I was in "good hands" after my first meeting with him. I was fortunate to find him in lawyer review and would highly recommend him for any one having a legal issue. Thank you William for a great job representing me.
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Posted by anonymous | May 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic. Attentive, diligent, thorough and efficient.
I had a rather complicated case dealing with white collar issues. William did an excellent job, didn't break the bank, and made me feel safe and informed. You can't ask for anything more from a lawyer. Very impressed and would be happy to call him again.
Posted by Perry | January 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
Will is a great lawyer and even greater person! He has done an excellent job for me in court! I was wrongly accused of a crime and was aquitted without a jury!! I still recommend him to people!!!
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Solid, Experienced & Competent Professional
Mr. Spade gave sound legal advice which helped to completely turn around a stressful legal situation. He is understanding, experienced and knows all the little nuances of law which can make all the all the difference in court. His handling of a case resulted in a successful outcome. I would highly recommend him as an attorney.
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Posted by Robert | January 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Service
Charges dropped. Record expunged. I could not have hoped for a better result. In my experience, Will is a brilliant attorney. He is responsive, results oriented and very personable.
Posted by Michael | April 17, 2015
Saving the life and career of a old US Marine
Thanks to excellent representation of Mr. Spade, after being wrongly accused in a incident , Mr. Was able to have the truth told in court in which I was acquitted of all and any wrong doing. My freedom and career was saved and can go back to being a husband and daddy to twins. Thank you again Mr. Spade!
Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2013
Wrongful Death - Civil Rights
Mr. Spade handled our wrongful death case. Over a period of five years, of government non co-operation and delay, of unresolved grief, and huge legal hurdles, Mr. Spade devoted himself to me and my family. He was always available for consultation, sometimes just to figuratively hold my hand and after the ordeal of experiencing both the death of a family member and the years of facing a government and its employees, with no humanity nor moral support, Mr. Spade successfully concluded the difficult case with positive results. We received a large settlement.
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Posted by Bob | September 5, 2013
You can trust Will in your criminal case, He'll fight for you.
Great guy, very knowledgeable. He is currently working on a criminal case Involving murder and drugs. He has won 90% of the case and is currently pending a motion to Dismiss the 10%, On the grounds of misinformed instructions to the jury. A little slow on getting back to you, but He's Worth his weight in gold! He's also personable and text and email savvy. A good man to have in your corner. The quiet storm!!!
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Posted by Gina | July 25, 2013
Will Spade is the attorney you want by your side!!
Will Spade assisted my husband and I with a drug criminal case in 2007. Mr. Spade never treated us as "criminals", he was always very helpful, polite and a great person. He was able to get all charges dismissed and our records expunged!! I would recommend him to anyone going through whatever type of legal matter. For example, currently, Mr. Spade has been assisting my husband and I with a personal injury claim as well. We are grateful to have someone like him on our team.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-500 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Law Office of William Spade
  • 2004 - 2015
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Philadelphia District Attorney's Office
  • 1995 - 2004
  • Law Clerk
  • The Honorable Eduardo Robreno
  • 1994 - 1995
  • Associate Attorney
  • Dechert
  • 1990 - 1994
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Chicago Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1990
  • Brandeis University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1984

Legal Cases

  • United States v. Robert Merritt, Jr.
  • Not guilty on 6 federal capital murder charges
  • United States v. Jane Doe
  • The government declined to indict Ms. Doe
  • Commonwealth v. John Doe
  • All charges dismissed

Associations

  • Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Federal Criminal Law Society
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Philadelphia Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015

Publications

  • Volume 38, No. 4, Arizona Law Review
  • Beyond the 100:1 Ratio: Towards A Rational Cocaine Sentencing Policy
  • 2005

Speaking Engagements

  • Multi-Track Federal Criminal Defense Seminar and Fundamentals Workshop
  • “Employing Sentencing Professionals and How to Afford Them”
  • 2014
  • 2013 Bench-Bar Conference, Philadelphia Bar Association
  • The Anatomy of the Trial of Monsignor William Lynn: Child Abuse and the Catholic Church - Who's Responsible?
  • 2013
  • Montgomery Bar Association, Criminal Rules Committee
  • The Anatomy of the Trial of Monsignor William Lynn: Child Abuse and the Catholic Church - Who's Responsible?
  • 2013
  • Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests - National Conference, Washington, D.C.
  • Philadelphia Grand Jury Investigation Into The Sexual Abuse of Minors By Priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
  • 2012
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (0)
Endorse William
James R Murphy headshot
James Murphy
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. We tried for seven weeks a multi defendant conspiracy case in NJ Federal District Court in 2014-2015. Will Spade is an excellent trial lawyer and tried the matter in a diligent and totally professional matter. I was very impressed with his knowledge , ability and character . I highly recommend Will Spade for his expertise in complex criminal trial matters. He is a credit to the Criminal Bar. Jim Murphy , NJ Certified Criminal Trial Attorney"
Peter Luke Johnston headshot
Peter Johnston
Criminal defense Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"He is an excellent lawyer. Very intelligent, dedicated and conscientious and a good, decent person. He is the right lawyer to have in your corner!"
William C Morlok headshot
William Morlok
Unknown Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Will is a great attorney. I worked with him in both criminal and civil matters. He fights tirelessly and leaves no stone unturned to ensure the best result for his clients. I highly recommend Will."
Robert Murray Elwood headshot
Robert Elwood
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I referred a serious criminal matter to Will. He was able to get all of the charges dismissed. Will is uncommonly smart. Will is creative. Will is an extraordinarily effective advocate. Perhaps most importantly, Will truly cares about his clients. I recommend Will wholeheartedly! Robert M. Elwood"
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Excellent lawyer."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Philadelphia Criminal defense Lawyer William R. Spade Jr.
William R. Spade Jr.
Criminal defense Attorney
Philadelphia, PA
Licensed for 32 years
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