Kelsey Penna
About Kelsey
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 8 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Location
Bruckheim & Patel - Washington, DC
1100 H St NW, #830, Washington, DC, 20005
Bruckheim & Patel - Rockville, MD
401 E Jefferson St, #201b, Rockville, MD, 20850
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Kelsey Penna's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Larry | September 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Sealing Record
Kelsey recently handled the process to have an arrest record sealed having to do with a DUI. Though charges had been dismissed and my record indicated as such, it was still in the public records. She was very responsive, explained the process to me, was clear about what documents would be required, e...
Posted by anonymous | August 02, 2020 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Civil Protection Order
Kelsey did a great job providing advise and case strategy for a hearing I had to provide some testimony. She was very helpful in answering all of my questions and gave me all the time I needed to feel comfortable with the hearing process.
Posted by anonymous | August 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Thanks for the help
Ms. Kelsey Penna represented me in my court case in a very professional way. Before coming to her for my case I was so much worried but she guided me in a such a professional way that it reduced level of my anxiety. She was so kind to follow up with me on email and text messages. She used to give me ...
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Kelsey Penna
It has been great working with Ms. Penna. She handled my issues with intelligence and thought. She is very quick to respond to questions and kept me fully informed of the process and outcome. Moreover, she was able to obtain the desired outcome. What a relief to have her on my side.
Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Effective, no-impact resolution
Kelsey was a wonder at resolving my issues with a potential license revocation and speeding ticket in DC, attending both hearings on my behalf so my schedule wasn’t impacted and, more importantly, getting both issues dismissed without incident or impact. She communicated clearly both before and after...
Kelsey Penna's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kelsey has been an outstanding addition to our firm!"
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
Work Experience
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
Associations
2017 - Present
American Bar Association
Education
2016
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
BA - Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism and English
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers