Justin Padway

Attorney Justin Padway is a highly skilled and successful criminal defense and plaintiff’s lawyer that genuinely cares about the people that he represents.  His work ethic, knowledge of the law, creative and meticulous approach to cases, and dedication to justice has resulted in numerous awards and countless dismissals and acquittals in both misdemeanor and felony cases.  Justin is well respected and recognized for his results having been selected as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a Top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyer in the State of Wisconsin; a Top 50 Attorney from America’s Top 50 Lawyers; and having received the AVVO’s Client Choice Award from 2018 through 2023. 

In addition to criminal defense, Justin is an excellent personal injury attorney having won large settlements on behalf of his clients including one of Wisconsin’s largest damages awarded against a landlord at 1.35 million dollars.  He is not afraid to fight for his clients to ensure they receive the exact result that equates to justice.  His extensive all-around litigation experience and results makes him well-respected by all adversaries.  What ultimately sets Justin apart from his contemporaries is the family first approach brought to every case.  Justin cares about the person as much as the result and his passion, availability, and hard-work is palpable.  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.  He worked alongside Barry Scheck at the New York Innocence Project where he gained expertise in using DNA evidence to secure releases for wrongfully convicted individuals.  He was hired as an associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, the third ranked law firm in the American Lawyer's 2021 A-List firms.  Justin took the skills he gained working alongside the biggest and the brightest and brought them home to Milwaukee to work on behalf of the people in his home community.

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.