Justin Padway

Attorney Justin Padway began his career working alongside famed defense attorney Barry Scheck at the New York Innocence Project where he gained expertise in using DNA evidence to secure the release of wrongfully convicted individuals. He was then recruited to work at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, the third ranked law firm in American Lawyer’s 2021 A-List firms, where he handled complex litigation. However, his goal was always to bring his value and skillset back to his home state of Wisconsin.

Attorney Padway quickly established himself as one of Wisconsin’s premier criminal defense attorneys. His work ethic, mindful advocacy, and meticulous approach to cases has resulted in numerous dismissals and acquittals in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Attorney Padway’s practice spans every phase of criminal litigation, from pre-arrest investigations, to motion practices, to trials, and to a robust sentencing discipline. Attorney Padway vigurously defends those who are being prosecuted at all levels of crime, ranging from traditional criminal defense matters to white collar offenses. With his legal expertise, Attorney Padway has been awarded and recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer Rising Star for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024; a top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyer in the State of Wisconsin; a top 50 Attorney from America’s Top 50 Lawyers; and the AVVO Client Choice Award in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Attoney Padway is also regularly sought out to handle civil matters. He has won numerous large settlements on behalf of his clients including one of Wisconsin’s largest damages awarded against a landlord at 1.35 million dollars. His civil practice extends to select personal injury cases where he has ensured that his clients receive policy limit settlements from insurance companies. People throughout the State of Wisconsin continuinally seek Attorney Padway’s representation because of his reputation as a reliable, creative, and sharp advocate that is not afraid to fight for his clients.

While Attorney Padway’s courtroom successes continue to multiply, it is his family first approach that ultimately sets him apart from his contemporaries. Mr. Padway cares about the person as much as the result. He is always available to his clients in matters of the law and life. For Justin, the relationship is far more than attorney-client, it’s a Welcome to the Family approach.

Justin got his start at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude (top 5%) and was an Associate Editor of the Cardozo Law Review.  Aside from the law, Justin is an avid basketball player, a lover of live music, an artist, actor, and family man.  He has lived and traveled all over the world including, but not limited to, Vienna, Austria; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; Peru; Guatemala; Hungary; Western Australia; Turkey; Romania; and more.  He has also served as a community organizer and received the Mayors Letter of Commendation for his services and contributions to the city of Covington, Louisiana. 

Justin Padway

TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS

CLIENT REVIEWS

“First of I need to say that the words have not been created yet that could express my gratitude and appreciation of Justin Padway. This man was BEYOND remarkable! I have heard people use the phrase "above and beyond", but hadn't witnessed it for myself until Justin. He took my son's case and connected with him as a person, and with us as a family and he saw more than just another case. He took the time to look at everything from all angles and used every resource available, and some that I didn't even know existed. Justin Padway is a man of integrity, honor, understanding, professionalism and any superlative you could imagine. Justin saved my family from being counted out as another statistic, he saw through the smoke and mirrors that our previous attorney deceived us with, and he dissipated the clouds of regret and impulse. Regardless of the circumstances of my son's case, he made sure that my son was treated with fairness and dignity and he refused to let him be counted out or dismissed as just another "bad kid" in the system, Justin saw him for who he truly is and the circumstances that surrounded my son. He took the reigns and led us to what could only be described as a miracle. My family and I thank God for Justin Padway, he literally saved my family's future. Thank you Justin, I don't think I could thank you enough, but until the day I am no longer physically able, I will never stop trying, thank you, thank you, thank you!” - Patrick

Professional Associations and Memberships

Wisconsin State Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Benjamin N. Cardozo Law Review

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 

Education

Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Juris Doctor

University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Business Marketing, BS and Political Science, BA 

Other Experience

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

New York, NY

Innocence Project

New York, NY 

There is no greater honor than dedicating my time, energy, and skillset to helping those in need during their most difficult times.  My job is to take on the weight you no longer wish to carry and absolve you of it by getting you the result you deserve.  That is my passion and I stand ready to assist.