Michael Kawi helps people whose lives have been upended by serious injuries find a clear path forward in a complex legal system. He combines a lifelong commitment to public service with deep trial experience to deliver careful, strategic advocacy tailored to each client’s needs.

Early Career in Public Service

Michael began his legal career in public defense, the best practice area in the legal system for mastering the skills essential to high-stakes litigation: thorough case preparation, persuasive motion practice, skillful depositions, effective negotiation, and jury trial technique.

At the MiamiDade Public Defender’s Office, he handled a wide range of serious cases, adapting strategies to diverse courts, judges, and client circumstances while conducting hundreds of depositions and dozens of trials. 

As an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Dallas, he sharpened these skills further in the trial unit and in post-conviction proceedings, litigating complex federal cases, securing favorable outcomes through jury trials and appeals, and training other attorneys in courtroom advocacy.

Extensive Trial Experience

Trial work anchors Michael’s practice. Across state and federal courts, he has led numerous jury and bench trials, depositions, and negotiations, building a track record of identifying key issues, simplifying complex evidence, and delivering compelling arguments that resonate with jurors and judges.

This experience allows him to evaluate cases rigorously, anticipate challenges, and pursue the best path—whether through settlement, motion practice, or a jury trial.

How This Experience Serves His Clients

For those facing life-altering injuries or disputes, Michael offers meticulous preparation, straightforward strategy, and proven courtroom skills. He focuses on informed decision-making, turning overwhelming legal hurdles into manageable steps toward justice.

Education:
  • Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C., Juris Doctor, 2012
    Awards:

    • The Michael Feldman Advocacy Award – Given to the outstanding member of the Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic.  Georgetown Law’s clinical program is ranked #1 in the country.
    • The Greenfield Trial Practice Award – Given to those students committed to a career in public service.
  • Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, Bachelor of Arts, 2009
Bar Memberships:

State Courts:

  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • District of Columbia

Federal Courts (eligible for case-by-case admission in most federal jurisdictions nationwide, even if not listed below):

  • 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Northern District of Illinois
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • Western District of Wisconsin
  • Northern District of Texas
  • Southern District of Texas
  • Southern District of Florida
Professional Memberships:
  • Lake County Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • The American Association for Justice
  • The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Presentations and Trainings:
  • Intellectual Disability in Pre-Trial Cases: Spotting the Signs and Finding the Proof, August 2023 NDTX Federal Public Defender
  • United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1 – A Complex Drug Case, July 2021, NDTX Federal Public Defender
  • Ethically Representing Your Client in the COVID-19 Era, May 2021, Philadelphia Federal Public Defender’s Office
  • The Entrapment Defense: Turning the Tables on the Prosecution, November 2020, Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office
  • Pandemic Era Jury Trials: What to Expect, November 2020, Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office
  • Ethically Representing Your Client in the Age of Corona, August 2020, NDTX Federal Public Defender’s Office
  • Not Guilty: The First Federal Criminal Trial, June 2020, Defender Services Office
  • Strategies for 911 Calls: Constitutional and Evidentiary Issues, Miami Public Defender: Circuit Court, Sept 2016; County Court, Aug 2016 & 2015; Domestic Unit, Sept 2015 & 2014; Juvenile Unit, May 2017 & Fall 2013
  • Defending Against Character Attacks: Litigating 90.404(2)(a) “Williams Rule” Evidence, Miami Public Defender, Domestic Unit, September 2014
  • Defending a County Court Domestic Case: Pretrial Motions and Evidentiary Issues, Miami Public Defender, Domestic Unit, Fall 2013