Kelsey Penna is a litigation attorney specializing in criminal defense and family law matters. Her client-centered approach ensures she focuses on obtaining the best outcome for her clients. As an associate at Bruckheim & Patel, Ms. Penna represents clients at D.C. Superior Court and the DC DMV. Her practice areas include: civil protection orders (CPOs), expungment/sealing cases, traffic and other criminal offenses, and divorce and family law matters. Additionally, she specializes in misdemeanor and felony criminal appellate work for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Prior to joining her current firm, Ms. Penna had the honor of clerking in Magistrate Judges Chambers at D.C. Superior Court. This clerkship gave her a unique understanding and invaluable insight into the law and litigation techniques from the judge's perspective. As the Criminal Division law clerk, Ms. Penna supported judges assigned to multiple criminal calendars including: arraignments, preliminary hearings, domestic violence, and traffic. When Ms. Penna was an attorney for the Washington College of Law Women in the Law Clinic, she successfully represented clients in obtaining CPOs, custody, and divorce agreements.
Ms. Penna graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and English. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law. She is barred in the District of Columbia.
When Ms. Penna has free time, she enjoys practicing hot yoga and exploring the many wineries and hiking trails in the DMV area.
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Chat withState: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
1100 H St NW, #830, Washington, DC, 20005
401 E Jefferson St, #201b, Rockville, MD, 20850
16 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews
Posted by Sarah | April 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Quick and Attentive
Kelsey seemed to always be on and ready to go. Whenever I had a question, or needed any sort of help - she was there. During my case, she was confident, cool, and collected which put me and my nerves at ease. I can't thank her enough or recommend her enough!
Posted by Boubacar | May 08, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family
Excellent Attorney
My experience with this firm was exceptional. My attorney Kelsey Penna was phenomenal. She came well equipped and ready to help me win my Civil Protection Order. Kelsey was professional, relentless, and made light work of the matter. I’m grateful to have had worked with such a skilled attorney, defin...
Posted by Greg | April 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great experience with Kelsey Penna
Very big thanks to Kelsey Penna for clearing my name where I can continue to drive in DC! I'm very happy and grateful for her great efforts to resolve my past issue in DC! Greg
Posted by Brandon | January 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Expunged and Sealed
Kelsey Penna is a rock star! No question she went above and beyond without having to ask. She gave me the confidence I needed to rest easy and have faith all will work out in my favor. I can’t thank her enough. Thank you kindly Kelsey, you are appreciated!
Posted by Vincent | November 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Top-notch legal professional
Kelsey was part of the team in my DUI case and did a fantastic job. She's professional, exceptionally knowledgeable, and very responsive. You know you're in hands with Kelsey and the rest of the team. I can't recommend her highly enough.
"I endorse this attorney. Ms. Penna knows her way around the courthouse and is a zealous advocate for her clients."
"I recently trusted Kelsey to assist me with a case. She was responsive, prepared, and obtained a good result for the client. She knows her stuff, and I wholeheartedly endorse her."
"An excellent, organized and timely attorney. I have worked with Ms. Penna in past cases and have always been happy with the results."
"Kelsey Penna is a rising star in the criminal defense community. She is smart, tenacious, and cares about her clients. She has a very bright future and I unequivocally endorse her!"
"Kelsey has handled matters on behalf of my clients in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles and obtained fantastic results. Her expertise on these matters is invaluable. I strongly recommend anyone facing traffic/criminal charges in DC to hire her."
"I worked with Attorney Penna on a case and found her to be knowledgeable, efficient and competent-a true professional. I endorse this lawyer."
"Kelsey Penna is a Rising Star in the DC Legal Community. My firm has referred several matters for her to handle and she always achieves excellent results. I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend her as an outstanding attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is knowledgeable, and her experience working for the DC Courts has given her insight into how the system works that she uses to her clients' advantage. I highly recommend her!"
"Ms. Penna is a zealous advocate for her client! She is intelligent, articulate, and knows the system. She uses her connections to find solutions for her clients effectively. You want Ms. Penna on your side."
Criminal defense lawyer
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018 - Present
Associate, Bruckheim & Patel, LLC
2016 - 2018
Criminal Division Law Clerk, D.C. Superior Court, Magistrate Chambers
2015 - 2016
Student Attorney, Washington College of Law, Women in the Law Clinic
2015 - 2015
Dean's Fellow, Washington College of Law, Domestic Violence Clinic
2017 - Present
American Bar Association
2016
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
BA - Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism and English
English
Spanish
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