NiaLena has earned the reputation nationally and internationally as one of the top federal criminal defense lawyers in Philadelphia and of not being afraid to separate her clients and fight individually, strategically, creatively, and relentlessly.

NiaLena has consistently risen in recognition for her talents in extremely complicated high-profile federal criminal trials involving extensive electronic surveillance, voluminous documentary evidence, and controversial clients:

• Youngest and only female attorney to defend a reputed organized crime figure in the nearly 5-month federal RICO mob trial of U.S. v. Joseph Merlino.  Following the jury’s acquittal of her client of racketeering and attempted murder charges, NiaLena’s closing argument was selected among nationwide submissions and spotlighted by the Center for Criminal Justice Advocacy in Houston.
• Youngest and only female member of the defense trial team representing Senator Vincent Fumo, long regarded as the most powerful politician in Pennsylvania, in his 5-month high-profile trial in federal court, where NiaLena was the co-author of an emergency motion that made headline news in The New York Times and ABC News.
• Selected repeatedly by peers as a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer,” NiaLena was the only female lawyer in private practice in Philadelphia recognized in “Criminal Defense” in 2011, 2009 and 2008.
• Honored repeatedly as a “Preeminent Lawyer in America” with the highest professional rating for legal ability and ethical standards (AV) by Martindale-Hubbell.
• Honored repeatedly with a “Superb” rating and as a “Top Northeast Lawyer” by Avvo.
• Recognized among "the world's leading law firms and lawyers in an array of countries and continents across the globe" through her selection by Corporate INTL Magazine as “Global Awards Winner -- Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year” for 2011 as well as “Pennsylvania Law Firm Of The Year in Criminal Law & White Collar Crime” for 2010.

NiaLena is known for thinking outside the box, for not taking no for an answer, and for taking “the road less traveled by” (Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken).  She is honored and humbled by the praise of colleagues, clients, and the press: 

•  “A woman at the top of her game … she is a people person who is a great communicator … the perfect mix in a defense attorney.”  (Washington, D.C. lawyer, Mark Schamel)
•  “Impeccable integrity … gifted practitioner who consistently displays a unique combination of personal and professional qualities that distinguish her as a terrific lawyer and an extraordinary human being.”  (Philadelphia lawyer, Jeremy Gelb)
• “Passionate advocate … has established credibility with the Court and with her opponents.” (Former Chief of Corruption in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of PA)
• “She tamed the beast of a system that could have ended my life in prison.  Every decision she made was dead on, skillfully crafting my case to a very positive outcome ... more than I ever hoped for.”  (Former CEO of his own company)
• “The person who gave me a new life … fighting the prosecution like a rabid pitbull … ending mirrored that of a fairytale and not a tragedy.  She sees me as a person and not a criminal ... undoubtedly one of her strongest weapons in the courtroom.”  (Federal drug trafficking client)
• “NiaLena is not your typical attorney ... she will go well beyond her professional mandate and help you as a person.  She will defend your rights and protect you when the prosecution attempts to exploit your weaknesses.  Believe me you want her on your side.”  (Federal international white collar client)
• Described as “deliberate,” “sincere,” “extremely thorough,” and “tireless advocate” with “courtroom poise” who “allows no legal issue to escape her attention.”  (Pulitzer Prize-winning Philadelphia Daily News)
• Termed as “no-nonsense.” (“The Last Gangster” by award-winning organized crime reporter, George Anastasia)

Educational Background 

Boston University School of Law (Juris Doctor, May 1993) Honors: (1) Commencement Award (BNA Law Student Award); (2) American Jurisprudence Award (Criminal Trial Practice); (3) Edward F. Hennessey Scholar; (4) Commencement Speaker to the Faculty

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor of Science degree in Economics; May 1988; graduated cum laude; dual major in Multinational Management and Marketing)

Professional Background

After interning in the District Attorney's Offices of both Philadelphia and Cambridge (Massachusetts), NiaLena served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Lisa Aversa Richette, a very prominent jurist and civic giant, of the Homicide Program of the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia.

In 1997, NiaLena joined the firm of the former District Attorney of Philadelphia, F. Emmett Fitzpatrick, often acclaimed as a "master orator" as well as the "dean of criminal defense lawyers," where he taught her much about the practice of federal criminal defense as her beloved mentor and law partner during many wonderful years together. Following Mr. Fitzpatrick's retirement from the practice of law, NiaLena established her own law firm at the end of 2008, where she continues to enjoy the practice of federal criminal defense.