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Brian M. Fishman
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About Brian
Biography
In December 2013, after four years as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia and eight years in private practice, Brian M. Fishman has opened his own law firm, The Fishman Firm, LLC. Brian M. Fishman is a criminal defense attorney representing invdivuals in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester Counties. In addition, Brian handles personal injury matters, civil rights cases and family law hearings. Brian blogs extensively in the area of criminal law and his blog can be read at .
Brian M. Fishman was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and has lived here all his life with the exception of four years spent in Ithaca, New York attending Cornell University. He graduated with a psychology degree from Cornell and returned to Philadelphia to pursue a legal career. He worked for two years at the American Arbitration Association as a Case Manager before enrolling at Temple University to obtain his law degree. At Temple, he was an editor of the Temple Law Review and graduated cum laude in 2001.
After graduation, he was appointed as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. He worked there for over four years prosecuting cases in Philadelphia's Municipal Court, Juvenile Court and the Court of Common Pleas. He handled thousands of cases from preliminary hearings and bail motions to motions to suppress and trials. He prosecuted hundreds of bench trials and over twenty jury trials. He finsihed his career in the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Unit where he mainly prosecuted those charged with rape, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual assault, possession of child pornography, statutory sexual assault, rape of minors and various domestic violence charges including aggravated assault, burglary and violation of Protection From Abuse Orders.
In September 2005, Brian left the District Attorney's Office to work as associate attorney in a boutique litigation firm. While his main focus is criminal defense, he also represent individuals injured in all types of accidents including car accidents, slip & falls and SEPTA accidents. In addition, he represents individuals in civil rights cases, such as police brutality, excessive force, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and unlawful arrest matters. He also handles family law matters such as custody, support and Protection from Abuse cases.
Brian prides himself on being a zealous advocate for his clients in the courtroom while being readily accessible to clients and their families outside the courtroom. He is keenly aware that the number one complaint regarding lawyers is a lack of communiction. Therefore, he makes it a priority to return phone calls and respond to emails and letters as quickly as possible. He has built a representation as being an honest, available and diligent advocate for his clients.
If you or a loved one has any legal matter, please do not hesitate to contact Brian M. Fishman to schedule a free consultation.
The Right Lawyer. The Right Defense.
When your freedom and liberty is on the line, I'm the aggressive voice in the courtroom you need.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
DUI and DWI
30%
Expungement
10%
Sex Crime
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2017 2016 2015
...
+
3
2012
Licenses
Licensed in New Jersey for 24 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 24 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Brian M. Fishman
(800) 577-1716
Fax
100 South Broad Street, Suite 1910, Philadelphia, PA, 19110
www.thefishmanfirm.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Brian online.
Brian M. Fishman's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
54 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (54)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (38)
Advocacy (35)
Recommendation (31)
Character & Conduct (21)
Communication Style (21)
Professionalism (20)
Responsiveness (20)
General Knowledge (16)
Compassion (15)
Trustworthiness (15)
Practice Area Knowledge (11)
Cost of Services (7)
Free Consultations (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 21 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | January 09, 2015 | Criminal Defense
Trustworthy, knowledgeable, caring attorney who brings you the best result
The day that I called Mr. Fishman was the worst day of my life. I was just discharged from hospital before I was arrested, and charged with assault and recklessly endangering another person. My preliminary hearing was couple days away, and I was 4 months pregnant, with no support system in the city. ...
Posted by Jennifer | December 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Excellent Attorney
I have worked with Brian Fishman on 3 prior occasions to represent my fiance on 2 vop cases and 1 criminal case after working with Mr. Fishman I would NEVER work with any other attorney by far he is the best lawyer in Philadelphia my finance was arrested in 2012 and 2013 for violating his probation M...
Posted by anonymous | October 14, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer who really cares about his clients.
I would never use another lawyer in Philadelphia. When Brian Fishman took our sons case we felt like our lives were crashing down around us. Our son had a criminal drug case in Philadelphia but was also in trouble in another city. A bad outcome of this case could cause terrible long-term repercuss...
Posted by Vashti | July 13, 2014 | Criminal Defense
The Best Criminal Defense Attorney in PA
I don't know where to begin to tell you all of the wonderful things about this particular attorney. I met Brian Fishman under very stressful circumstances, my fiance had been arrested for aggravated assault, and I had no idea what to do or where to go. Mr. Fshman was compassionate, empathetic and ver...
Posted by Tyrone | January 09, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Brian cares about you
Brain Fisherman handled a case for my son about 1-2 years ago, Brain was up front with us we knew exactly what my son was facing, he's honest, He takes his time with you all questions are answered, he responds to e-mails,texts and phone calls right away. He has a way of making you feel comfortable an...
Brian M. Fishman's Lawyer Endorsements
"Simply said, Brian is an outstanding criminal attorney. Highly recommended!"
"I am forever impressed by Brain's thoughtful intelligence. I would highly recommend him for any criminal defense matter."
"Brian Fishman is a top-notch Philadelphia criminal defense attorney. He spent four years prosecuting cases in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. But since 2005, he has honed his craft as a trial lawyer and used them to defend those charged with criminal offenses. Brian has become one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia due to his fierce cross-examination, his personable and zealous closing arguments and his outstanding record of acquittals. When he is not in court, Brian is either preparing for trial or spending time communicating with clients and their families regarding the complexities of the criminal justice system. He understands that this can be an extremely stressful time for a family and he wants to make sure that everyone involved understands the status of the case and is at ease. If you've been arrested for a criminal offense in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties, I highly recommend you contact Brian Fishman. I endorse him."
"I cannot say enough great things about Brian and his ability to deliver excellent results. I recently reached out to him for his insight on a complex, highest rate (.243 BAC) DUI matter that I was working on. His advice was perfect, resulting in a NOT GUILTY verdict. Brian Fishman is an outstanding lawyer, a fierce advocate and a teriffic person. I highly recommend him to anyone needing the best possible criminal defense in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties."
"Brian is a skilled and passionate attorney who cares about his clients and obtains exceptional results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brian is professional, knowledgeable, and fights hard for his clients. Highly recommended."
"I have had the opportunity to have professional contact with Attorney Fishman and I endorse this lawyer as a top Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Philadelphia area."
"There is no way I could say enough nice things about Mr. Fishman. He is truly exceptional. If he has time to handle your case, then you should be thrilled to hire him. As a fellow lawyer in the community, I genuinely believe his skill, experience and dedication are all second to none. He is exceptionally bright, a great writer, and one tough advocate for all of his clients. Plus, he is a very good person & nice guy, to everyone he meets. He will make feel like your case is the most important one in the world, and that's exactly how he feels. The highest endorsement I can give is that I would recommend him to family members or hire him myself if needed. Philadelphia is very lucky to have a criminal defense lawyer of Brian Fishman's caliber."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brian is an excellent criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brian is a very skilled criminal defense attorney. I would not hesitate to refer him clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brian Fishman is a preeminent criminal defense attorney. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania."
"Brian is exactly the kind of lawyer that I respect. He is always willing to share his input on important legal issues and he often gives me a new way to think about important topics in criminal law. I was very excited to see Brian start his own firm. I truly respect the practice he has built and the time he invests in improving the level of practice of others in the community. He is also a skilled proof reader and often catches my typos before they embarrass me in front of too wide an audience."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Fishman and I connected on Google + and Facebook. From posts, conversations, and other discussions, it is readily apparent that Brian is that lawyer we all strive to be: mindful, caring, meticulous, smart, thoughtful, and talented. The outpouring of accolades to this SuperLawyer are only a small part of what makes him a great lawyer. Most importantly, he is a good and decent man with a heart for his clients and a desire to perfect his craft. I endorse this lawyer a thousand times over."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brain Fishman is an highly qualified and reputable attorney, with extensive litigation experience. I have been interacting and sharing many of legal resources he provides on this website, blogs, and video productions. The content he provides is high quality, and beneficial. Brian M. Fishman and the Fishman Law Firm have my endorsement 100%. ."
"I highly endorse this attorney. Mr. Fishman is a knowledgeable and zealous advocate."
"I endorse Brian. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Thomas Clemens
Criminal defense lawyer
Richard Hark
Administrative law lawyer
Kevin Handy
Divorce and separation lawyer
Christopher Phillips
Criminal defense lawyer
K Wellington
DUI and DWI lawyer
Robin Scroggie
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Hauser
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeffrey Hark
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Noble
Family lawyer
Tina Willis
Wrongful death lawyer
Stephen Misko
Criminal defense lawyer
Illon Fish
Criminal defense lawyer
Luke Rioux
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Stone
Criminal defense lawyer
Joel Peppetti
Criminal defense lawyer
James Novak
Criminal defense lawyer
Anna Lindemann
Criminal defense lawyer
Diana Schimmel
Child custody lawyer
Jordan Namerow
Personal injury lawyer
David Gormley
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Best Attorneys in America, Rue Ratings
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2013
Top Contributor Award in Criminal Defense, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice Award in Criminal Defense, Avvo
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Rising Star in Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Managing Partner, The Fishman Firm, LLC
2005 - 2013
Associate Attorney, David S. Nenner & Associates
2001 - 2005
Assistant District Attorney, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office
Associations
2013 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Philadelphia Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. D.P.
Not Guilty of Aggravated and Simple Assault after a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. R.M.
Not Guilty of Possession of a Firearm after Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. J.W.
Not guilty of Possession with Intent to Deliver afer Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. D.C.
Motion to Suppress Narcotics and Firearms Granted and All Charges Withdrawn
Commonwealth v. M.S.
Not Guilty of Robbery and All Charges after Bench Trial
Commonwealth v. Tyrone D.
Motion to Suppress Narcotics Granted and All Charges Dismissed
Commonwealth v. Dante C.
Prosecution Withdrawn after Motion to Suppress Drugs Granted
Commonwealth v. Bilal S.
Not Guilty of Gun charges, Guilty of DUI
Commonwealth v. Tory S.
Prosecution Withdrawn after Motion to Suppress Granted
Commonwealth v. Dayna H.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Bench Trial
Commonwealth v. Alex K.
Superior Court overturned conviction and ordered a new trial
Commonwealth v. Paris B.
Not Guilty of All Charges except gun possession after a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. Montez B.
Motion to Suppress Firearm Granted and All Charges Withdrawn
Commonwealth v. Tiaghgee D.
All Charges Withdrawn by the Commonwealth
Commonwealth v. John D.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. Marlon N.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Bench Trial
Commonwealth v. Darren W.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. Tyron H.
Not Guilty of Possession with Intent to Deliver after Jury Trial
A.S. In re: M.B.
Child Abuse Expunction Appeal Granted after Hearing
Commonwealth v. Jamel W.
Judgment of Acquittal Granted and All Charges Dismissed
Commonwealth v. James B.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. Luis D.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. Katina B.
Not Guilty of All Charges following a Jury Trial
Commonwealth v. Tyrone O.
Not Guilty of All Charges
Commonwealth v. Steven P.
Not Guilty of All Charges
Education
2001
Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1996
Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
The Handling of Felony Drug Case in State Court
Sentencing Considerations & Alternatives
2011
Philadelphia Criminal Law American Inn of Court
Brady v. Maryland: What Constitutes Brady Material
Publications
2016
The Fishman Firm
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Pennsylvania?
2016
The Fishman Firm
Open Container Laws in Pennsylvania
2016
The Fishman Firm
Pennsylvania’s Stand Your Ground Law
2016
2016
The Fishman Firm
Drugged Driving in Pennsylvania
2016
The Fishman Firm
Consequences for Driving Without a License in Pennsylvannia
2014
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Top Five Biggest Mistakes of the Criminal Defendant
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Pennsylvania Expungement Law Looks To Be Expanded
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Create a Diversion: How to Avoid a Criminal Record for First-Time Offenders
2013
2013
Beyond A Reasonable Blog
Criminals Beware: Big Brother -- and Your Fellow Citizens -- Are Watching You
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Actual or Constructive Possession: PA Law Punishes for Both
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Technology Has Become Our Own "Big Brother"
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Miller Revisted: Batts Give Juvenile Lifers New Life
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged in Pennsylvania
2013
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
DUI in PA: That Casual Evening Out Can be Costly
2012
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
To See or Not to See: The Unreliability of Eyewitness Testimony
2012
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Me-A-Gan: Once a Sex Offense, Always a Sex Offender
2012
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Experts In Sex Offense Trials Take Away Job of Jury
2012
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
Megan's Law Revisited: Retroactivity Clause Retroactively Removed
2012
Beyond a Reasonable Blog
It's Miller time for Juvenile Lifers: Court strikes down Mandatory Life Imprisonment Without Parole
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Brian earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was caught shoplifting November 29,2017
16 Jan 2018
Q&A
House arrest?
18 Jun 2014
Q&A
What happens at a preliminary hearing?
23 Jun 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
It's Miller time for Juvenile Lifers: Court strikes down Mandatory Life Impr
13 Aug 2012
Legal Guide
Megan's Law Revisited: Retroactivity Clause Retroactively Removed
29 Jul 2012
Legal Guide
Once A Sex Offense, Always A Sex Offender: The Retroactivity of PA's Megan's Law
19 Jul 2012