NiaLena Caravasos

NiaLena Caravasos

AMONG WORLD'S INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE; ON SUPER LAWYERS COVER & DESCRIBED AS FIERCE
  • White Collar Crime, Criminal Law
  • Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, U.S. District Ct, Eastern District of PA
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Biography

FEATURED TWICE ON “SUPER LAWYERS” COVER - HONORED AMONG WORLD’S “INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE” - DESCRIBED AS "FIERCE"

One of only two lawyers in the U.S. to be selected by an international non-profit organization featuring “Inspirational People” around the world (including Nobel prize winners, business leaders), NiaLena is the only criminal defense lawyer ever featured on the Super Lawyers cover in Philadelphia Magazine and also in the Super Lawyers 20th Anniversary Edition Cover and in the Cover Story entitled “The Essence Of Being A Good Lawyer” and was also featured by Super Lawyers in an article entitled "Fierce". She is also honored repeatedly in the "Top 50 Women" and "Top 100" and "Top 100 Philadelphia." Differing from most of her colleagues, NiaLena has tremendous compassion and focuses first on her clients as people. She utilizes a unique all-encompassing approach in an effort to help them during their representation because she realizes that clients who have been caught in the crosshairs of a criminal investigation are typically also dealing with a variety of other serious issues that transcend the confines of their specific legal case. NiaLena is also a graduate from the renowned Wharton School and also has work experience in the international business world, so she is also able to identify with many of the challenges facing white collar crime defendants in a manner that her colleagues cannot. Often taking Robert Frost's "road less traveled by," NiaLena is known for always putting her clients' interests first: that reputation was initially earned when she was the youngest and only female attorney representing a high-ranking organized crime figure in the federal RICO trial of U.S. v. Joseph Merlino and yet did not hesitate to separate her client, Frank Gambino, and go against the old-boys network of other criminal lawyers representing mafia co-defendants. NiaLena was also the youngest and only female attorney representing powerful PA Senator Vincent Fumo.

Education
Boston University School of Law
J.D. | Law, Juris Doctor
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Honors: (1) Commencement Award (BNA Law Student Award); (2) American Jurisprudence Award (Criminal Trial Practice); (3) Edward F. Hennessey Scholar; and (4) Commencement Speaker to the Faculty)
Boston University School of Law Logo
University of Pennsylvania
B.S. | Multinational Management and Marketing
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Honors: The Wharton School (Graduated cum laude; Bachelor of Science degree in Economics)
University of Pennsylvania Logo
Professional Experience
Owner
Law Office Of NiaLena Caravasos, LLC
- Current
Philadelphia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Publications
Articles & Publications
"Ineffective Assistance of Counsel"
The Philadelphia Lawyer
"Ineffective Assistance of Counsel"
The Richmond Journal of Law and the Public Interest
Frequent guest speaker over the past decade on white collar crime as well as ethics in Leadership programs
Management Department at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Lecturer in multiple CLE seminars
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Criminal Law Symposium
Teaching Forensic Psychiatry (Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania)
The Evolution of Forensic Psychiatry: History, Current Developments, Future Directions
Oxford University Press
"Inside the Minds: Jury Selection in Criminal Cases"
Aspatore Book, Thomson Reuters
Speaking Engagements
White Collar Crime & Business Ethics, Leadership Programs, Management Department
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
The Growing Intersection Between Forensic Psychiatry And Federal Criminal Defense, Forensic Psychiatric Fellowship Training Program
Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Civil Rights And How To Best Exercise Those Rights, National Youth Rights Association
University of Pennsylvania
Criminal Defense
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Criminal Law Symposium
Certifications
Admitted to Practice
Massachusetts State Bar
Admitted to Practice
Pennsylvania State Bar
Admitted to Practice
3rd Circuit Court of Appeals
Admitted to Practice
US District Court, Eastern District of PA
Admitted to Practice
US Supreme Court
Awards
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Lifetime Achievement Membership
Americas Top 100 Attorneys
Lifetime Achievement Membership
Americas Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
"Top 100 Philadelphia"
Super Lawyers
"Top 100"
Super Lawyers
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
"Top 50 Women"
Super Lawyers
Featured on Super Lawyers 20th Anniversary Edition Cover
Super Lawyers
Featured in Super Lawyers 20th Anniversary Edition Cover Story entitled “The Essence Of Being A Good Lawyer”
Super Lawyers
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Lifetime Achievement Membership
Americas Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
Lifetime Achievement Membership
Americas Top 100 Attorneys
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Fellowship
Litigation Counsel of America
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
"Top 50 Women"
Super Lawyers
"Top 100 Philadelphia"
Super Lawyers
"Top 100"
Super Lawyers
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Fellowship
Litigation Counsel of America
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Lifetime Achievement Membership
Americas Top 100 Attorneys
Lifetime Achievement Membership
Americas Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
"Top 100"
Super Lawyers
"Top 100 Philadelphia"
Super Lawyers
"Top 50 Women"
Super Lawyers
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
One of Only 2 U.S. Lawyers Selected
"Inspirational People"
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Selected to become a Fellow
Litigation Counsel of America
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated®
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys®
"Top 100"
Super Lawyers
"Top 100 Philadelphia"
Super Lawyers
"Top 50 Women"
Super Lawyers
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers
American Society of Legal Advocates
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated®
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Selected to become a Fellow
Litigation Counsel of America
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Top 50 Women Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys®
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers
American Society of Legal Advocates
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated®
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Selected to become a Fellow
Litigation Counsel of America
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys®
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers
American Society of Legal Advocates
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated®
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Top 50 Women Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
"Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers"
American Society of Legal Advocates
10 Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Pennsylvania Law Firm Of The Year in Criminal Law
Corporate INTL
Global Awards Winner -- "PA Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime Attorney of the Year"
Corporate INTL
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Best Attorneys Of America Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
"America's Most Honored Professionals"
American Registry
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
"Top 50 Women Super Lawyers"
Super Lawyers
Selected to become a Fellow
Litigation Counsel of America
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia
Three Best Rated®
Lifetime Achievement Membership
America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
"Criminal Defense Law Firm of the Year in Pennsylvania"
Corporate INTL
"Best Attorneys Of America" Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
Client Distinction Award
Martindale-Hubbell
"Top 100 Trial Lawyers"
The National Trial Lawyers
"Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers"
American Society of Legal Advocates
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
"10 Best" Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
"10 Best" Law Firms in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Lawyers
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
"Top 50 Women Super Lawyers"
Super Lawyers
America's Most Honored Professionals
American Registry
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Named as a "Top 10" Criminal Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania
The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
"Top 100 Trial Lawyers"
The National Trial Lawyers
"Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers"
American Society of Legal Advocates
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
"Top-Rated Legal Leaders"
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
"10 Best" Attorneys in Pennsylvania
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
"Best Attorneys Of America" Lifetime Charter Member
Rue Ratings
"Top 100 Trial Lawyers"
The National Trial Lawyers
Membership obtained by special invitation and extended only to "top 100 trial lawyers" in every state who exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature & profile.
"Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers"
American Society of Legal Advocates
Membership is extended to only the top 2% of lawyers "who combine stellar legal credentials with proven commitment to community engagement, leadership, and the highest professional standards."
"Clients' Choice - White Collar Crime"
Avvo
"Clients' Choice - Federal Crime"
Avvo
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
"Top-Rated Legal Leaders"
Martindale-Hubbell
Global Award
M&A International
The M&A International Global Award is an honor that is bestowed upon "firms that are truly leaders within their chosen areas of specialization." The M&A International Annual Awards programs accumulate votes from over 163 countries globally and "provide a benchmark of the very best of the best industry leaders, exemplary teams and distinguished organizations, based on the simple principles of veracity, accuracy and insight."
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Only Female Lawyer in Private Practice in Philadelphia Listed in Super Lawyer Field of "Criminal Defense"
Featured on 2013 "Super Lawyers" Cover in "Philadelphia Magazine"
Super Lawyers
Spotlighted in Feature Article Entitled "Fierce" (PA Super Lawyers, 2013)
Super Lawyers
"Law Award - PA Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year"
Lawyers World
"2013 Top Rated Lawyer in White Collar - Criminal Defense"
American Lawyer Media
"2013 Top Rated Lawyer in White Collar - Criminal Defense"
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
"Top 100 Trial Lawyers"
The National Trial Lawyers
Membership obtained by special invitation and extended only to "top 100 trial lawyers" in every state who exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature & profile.
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Only Female Lawyer in Private Practice in Philadelphia Listed in Super Lawyer Field of "Criminal Defense"
"Law Award - PA Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year"
Lawyers World
"Leading Lawyer Award - PA Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year"
Lawyers World
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
"Clients' Choice - Federal Crime"
Avvo
Global Awards Winner -- "PA Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime Attorney of the Year"
Corporate INTL
"Top Rated Lawyers in Criminal Defense: White Collar"
Corporate Counsel
"Top Rated Lawyers in Criminal Defense: White Collar"
The American Lawyer
"Client Distinction Award"
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Only Female Lawyer in Private Practice in Philadelphia Listed in Super Lawyer Field of "Criminal Defense"
"Top Northeast Lawyer"
Avvo
Featured in Nov./Dec. 2011 edition of Avvo's Arrive Magazine
Global Awards Winner -- "PA Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year"
Corporate INTL
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell
Pennsylvania Law Firm Of The Year in Criminal Law
Corporate Int'l
Pennsylvania Law Firm Of The Year in White Collar Crime
Corporate Int'l
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
Avvo
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Only Female Lawyer in Private Practice in Philadelphia Listed in Super Lawyer Field of "Criminal Defense"
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
"Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in Criminal Defense
Super Lawyers
Only Female Lawyer in Private Practice in Philadelphia Listed in Super Lawyer Field of "Criminal Defense"
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
"Pennsylvania Rising Star" in Criminal Defense
Superlawyers
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
"Pennsylvania Rising Star" in Criminal Defense
Superlawyers
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Highest professional rating (AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated)
Martindale-Hubbell
Closing argument on behalf of Frank Gambino in four-month organized crime racketeering federal criminal trial of United States v. Joseph Merlino was subsequently selected among nationwide submissions and spotlighted as featured defense advocate
Center for Criminal Justice Advocacy
Professional Associations
Federal Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee
Member
Current
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Current
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Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Current
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Association of Federal Defense Attorneys (AFDA)
Member
Current
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Philadelphia Bar Association
Member
Current
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Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member
Current
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The National Trial Lawyers
Member (by invitation only)
Current
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The National Trial Lawyers, Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association
Member (by invitation only)
Current
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American Society of Legal Advocates
Member (by invitation only)
Current
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The College of Physicians of Philadelphia; Section on Medicine, Ethics & the Law
Member (by invitation only)
Current
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American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Member (by invitation only)
Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Massachusetts
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Pennsylvania
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U.S. District Ct, Eastern District of PA
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3rd Circuit
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U.S. Supreme Court
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Fees
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Fees are specific to every case.
Practice Areas
White Collar Crime
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
Additional Practice Area
  • Federal Criminal Defense
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Greek: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. How can I find out if I had a federal indite
A: If you have been indicted by the federal government, you would have received some sort of notification from the federal agency involved. If you are concerned that you might have been indicted or that you might be under investigation, you should definitely contact a federal criminal defense attorney to discuss this further.
Q. What can I expect following a federal indictment involving myself as an associate of the accused and my home was raided?
A: You are likely in great jeopardy and the sooner you act, the better off you'll be. You need to consult with an experienced and top-notch criminal defense attorney in order to discuss your personal circumstances and figure out what your best options are at this point. You should act quickly because you need to strategize and put yourself in the best possible position for the charges that are likely coming. I do not suggest that you discuss this matter any further on a public forum such as this.

(Please note that my response does not constitute legal advice nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship.)
Q. I found a number on a 5 dollar bill which said to call this number for a good time and as a joke I acted like and fbi a
A: Actually, this is no joke. Impersonating a federal officer is a very serious crime. You really should consult with a federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Law Office Of NiaLena Caravasos, LLC
Contact & Map
Law Office Of NiaLena Caravasos, LLC
123 S. Broad Street, Suite 1845
123 S. Broad Street, Suite 1845
Philadelphia, PA 19109
Telephone: (215) 925-5200
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours