Paul Kish

Paul Kish

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 43 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime, Appeals, Federal Crime

225 Peachtree Street, 1700 South Tower, Atlanta, GA

About Paul

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Appeals 25%

An appeal is when a person convicted and sentenced for a crime takes his or her case to a higher court, trying to get the conviction or sentence reversed.

25%
Criminal Defense 25%

Paul Kish is one of the most well-respected federal criminal defense and appellate attorneys in Georgia. Mr. Kish has tried over 90 criminal cases, and has argued in State and Federal Courts of Appeal over 50 times. Mr. Kish specializes in federal criminal defense and appellate litigation. He takes on many types of criminal matters in either state or federal court, like white collar crimes, sex and internet crimes, drug cases, SEC matters and any case where he believes he can make a difference.

44 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Federal Crime 25%

Federal criminal defense is a specialty, and some otherwise very fine criminal defense lawyers do not feel comfortable in these type matters. These cases are usually much more complex than criminal cases in state court.

25%
White Collar Crime 25%

These are matters handled by a criminal defense lawyer who represents a person or company who is under investigation for or being actually prosecuted for a crime. The supposed crime usually is in the business context.

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 43 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1982

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 42 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1983

Administrative - Not Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Kish Law LLC

225 Peachtree Street, 1700 South Tower, Atlanta, GA, 30303

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Paul Kish's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by James | November 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

outstanding attorney

Having never had the need for an attorney I suddenly found myself franticly searching the internet for one. As many of you are now doing the same thing, I would like to highly recommend Paul Kish for your attorney. Paul responded to my call the same afternoon that I left a message with is office.... He immediately demonstrated a great understanding of the potential legal trouble I may have been facing. Additionally, Paul secured my confidence by offering factual evidence of his previous positive results with other clients. On our initial meeting at his office Paul was completely prepared and wasted no time soliciting valuable information from me that was essential for his complete understanding of the case. During the meeting I was anxious and having difficulty explaining to Paul the exact circumstance that now required me to hire him. Paul realized this and offered questions to me that were easier for me to understand and answer. Paul went right to work and within the next several weeks he prepared a plan that we both agreed upon. Paul and his staff then reviewed evidence against me and was able to inform me that he found substantial errors and explained how this would be of benefit to me. Paul then arranged a meeting with the prosecutors to discuss my case. I received a call from Paul letting me know that no charges were going to be brought against me. Needless to say, I was relieved and thankful that I had hired Paul to defend me. For those of you who are facing legal troubles please take the time to read the reviews on Paul and call him. I cannot offer a more positive review on Paul than to say that he is without a doubt a great legal mind but more importantly he is an amazing person and now a great friend.

Posted by Ali | December 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing, intelligent lawyer

He kept telling us to trust him, so glad we did. The outcome was so much better than we anticipated. His expertise and intelligence got me community service instead of jail time or a fine. I can not recommend him enough. I’m so grateful to have had him in my corner. He was always there to answer any ...doubts. Hiring him was the best decision I made. Forever grateful to him.

Posted by patrick | November 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mr Kish is the only lawyer to hire if you're facing federal charges- he saved me from going to prison

I'd never been in trouble in my life, and was arrested and charged with 2 white-collar felonies, totaling 22 years. I was innocent, but that doesn't matter to the federal government after they've decided to bring charges. I originally hired a local attorney who promoted himself as a 'federal defens...e' lawyer and was told he was the best in the local area in Georgia where I was arrested. I learned later that only a small share of his practice was federal work, and I became nervous when he became confused when I asked about the speedy trial act, and scared when he was out of touch for days at a time. I decided to hire a new lawyer and interviewed several candidates. Paul was able to answer all of my questions clearly and with authority, because he ACTUALLY IS A FEDERAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY- WHICH IS WHAT YOU NEED IF YOU'RE FACING FEDERAL CHARGES. Don't increase your risk of prison with someone who isn't qualified or experienced in dealing with the federal government. Paul always knew what was going on, and could compare it to what normally happens, so we were able to have a pretty good sense of when things were standard and when things seemed a bit out of line, and he has a feel for when he needs to reach out to the US attorney and when to keep some distance. That sort of thing's impossible when your lawyer has had one or even five cases involving the feds. Paul's been doing it for 34 years, and he's smart as hell. His motions to dismiss, eventually successful, read like scholarly legal documents full of relevant legal precedent, compared to the somewhat pathetic motions filed by the government that lacked both logic and reason. To make a long story short, I was facing 22 years in prison, and Paul got the charges thrown out after the battle of my life just before trial because the prosecution didn't have a slam-dunk case and Paul had been showing them that HE MEANT BUSINESS for 6 months straight, beating them/making them look silly in court over and over again, and filing motions that they couldn't handle. I personally don't think that the prosecutors wanted to deal with him in the courtroom because they would've lost. AND I WOULDN'T EVEN THINK OF HIRING ANYONE ELSE if my son/daughter/friend were in the same position. I'd be going to prison if I stuck with my original attorney, who seemed way over his head. If you've already hired an attorney or haven't yet called Paul, and are facing charges from the feds, you're increasing the odds that you'll face lifelong repercussions (including prison) if you don't do yourself a favor and give him a call.

Posted by Mark | January 03, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Respect reestablished for the profession

Paul was hired by myself and myex wife to represent our son in an appeal of a criminal conviction. He was very easy to talk to and was able to extract the relevant facts from the transcripts and other information we presented to him in short order. He then offered to take the case and a we were abl...e to come to a reasonable agreement for paying his fee. Paul is a very intelligent, highly respected, motivated, responsible, and utterly professional lawyer. He is, quite frankly, the epitome of what you want if you ever find yourself in need of the best counsel available. Once hired he was available to us pretty much whenever we needed to speak to him as well as being on top of our son's case throughout the two year appealate process. His arguments and presentations before the court were, well, just unbelievably accurate and on point as well as being easily understandable to even non lawyer types. Paul not only knows the law, but his research and grasp of the particulars of our son's case was utterly impressive. He is the most professional and ethical and tenacious lawyer I have ever come across, in person or on TV! Paul is a real credit to the legal profession, absolutely top notch in ALL respects, quite iterally the best attorney I could have ever imagined to have hired. He came highly recommended but I have to say he exceeded, in every way, all the recommendations as well as our expectations with every single response, be it written or oral, or argument before the court . Needless to say he won! My son's conviction was overturned and today he is a free young man and a productive member of society. I had worked with four or five lawyers previously and have to admit I was a little under impressed with all of them. Paul was literally our last hope and I have to tell you he was a God send. He is the consumate professional, a gentleman, yet as confident in his ailities as anyone I have ever come across in any profession, and the most logical and detailed and knowlegeable and confidence inspiring person you could ever have on your side. I am not one to brag on lawyers but this guy is incredible, he is the best you can find, very rarely do you come across someone that you can say that about but I can say it about Paul Kish in the most unequivocal fashon.. He is the best you will find! So professionally he is tops, one more thing though, personally he is the most decent and honest and caring human being you are likely to come across, absoluely FIRST CLASS. You will not find better counsel nor a better human being. My experience with Paul has to be one of the best I have ever had with another professional, I will never forget what he did for us and the tireless and professional and sympathetic and encouraging and tenacious fight he waged against seemingly insurmountable odds! I am not sure any other lawyyer could have done what he did, he is pretty rare. I would, without any hesitation, give Paul the absolutely highest and strongest recommendation I could possibly give. He has to be one of the very best if not the best criminal defense attorney in Georgia if not the whole United States. I can not think of any criticism I have for him.

See All Client Reviews

Paul Kish's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Paul
Jessica Katherine Stern headshot
Jessica Stern

White collar crime lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Paul Kish is an exceptional lawyer. He taught me a lot of what I know today. He is smarter than most lawyers, always willing to fight with a challenging legal argument. Despite his years of experience, Paul is very approachable, down-to-earth, and knows just how to get the judges and prosecutors to listen. You are in the right hands if Paul Kish is your lawyer."

Brian Fenton McEvoy headshot
Brian McEvoy

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Widely known as one of the most intelligent and creative appellate and trial lawyers in Georgia, Paul is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. Look no further than Paul's burgeoning protégé, Carl Lietz, as evidence of Paul's contagious charisma and astute legal acumen."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Paul. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Adam Marshall Hames headshot
Adam Hames

Appeals lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Friend

"Paul is an excellent attorney with a wealth of experience. He is respected by lawyers and judges alike."

View All Endorsements
Brian Fenton McEvoy headshot
Brian McEvoy

White collar crime lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2018

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2016

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2015

Criminal Defense, Superlawyers

2014

Criminal Defense, Superlawyers

2013

Criminal Defense, Superlawyers

2012

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2011

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2010

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2009

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

2008

Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Attorney & Founder, Kish Law LLC

2006 - 2018

Partner, Kish & Lietz, PC

1985 - 2006

First Assistant Attorney, Federal Defender Program, Inc.

1984 - 1985

Associate, Powell Goldstein Frazer & Murphy

1983 - 1984

Judicial clerk, Judge William Castagna

1982 - 1983

Judicial clerk, Judge Ben Krentzman

Associations

2000 - Present

Atlanta Bar Association

member

2000 - Present

Atlanta Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

member

1988 - Present

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

member

1985 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1984 - Present

American Civil Liberties Union

member

Sample of Legal Cases

U.S. v. Painter

All charges dismissed

State v. Moreland

All charges dismissed on the eve of trial.

United States v. Reddy

All convictions reversed on appeal

Smith v. State

All convictions reversed on appeal

State v. Gilmer

All charges dismissed

U.S. v. Anderson

Sentence of probation affirmed on appeal

U.S. v. Banks

Sentence reversed on appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1982

University of Georgia School of Law

Speaking Engagements

2015

Institute for Continuing Legal Education

Representing Notorious Clients

2013

Criminal Law Section Monthly Meeting

Preparing for and Presenting Expert Witnesses

2011

Monthly Meeting

Representing Notorious Clients

2010

St. Crispin Annual Celebration and Seminar

Professionalism and Dealing with Victims

2010

Multi track Criminal Defense Seminar-Miami

White Collar and Fraud Cases

2009

Multi Track Criminal Defense Seminar-Chicago

White Collar and Fraud Cases

2008

Sentencing Workshop for Federal Defenders-Atlanta, Georgia

“Litigating the Crime Victim’s Rights Act.”

2008

Criminal Justice Act Training Session

“Defending Firearms Cases.”

2008

Appellate Practice Section

Governmental Appellate Practice Exposed: A Perspective From Former Governmental Appellate Advocates

2007

Federal Criminal Practice

U.S. Supreme Court and 11th Circuit Update

2006

Sentencing Workshop for Federal Defenders

Success Stories

2006

Crime in the 21st Century

Evolution of Crime in the 21st Century

2006

Complex Litigation Seminar

White Collar/Fraud Cases

2006

Advanced Criminal Practice

Comprehensive Review of Eleventh Circuit Cases: What you need to Know

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

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