“The World Will Never Know My Name”
“Preserved My Career, My Freedom, and My Dignity”Federal Criminal Client
“Impeccable Integrity”
“Extraordinary Human Being”Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer
Among all her accomplishments, Federal Criminal Defense and White-Collar Crime Attorney NiaLena Caravasos is most proud of the unparalleled trust her clients have placed in her and the life-changing assistance she has been able to provide them.
A Trailblazer Recognized in CIO Women Magazine
Only Criminal Lawyer Ever Featured On “CIO Women” Cover
2025
Only Criminal Lawyer Ever Featured
On “Super Lawyers” Cover
In Philadelphia Magazine
2013
Spotlighted In “PA Super Lawyers”
Feature Article Entitled “Fierce”
2013
Spotlighted in 20th Anniversary “PA
Super Lawyers” Cover Story
Entitled “The Essence Of Being A
Good Lawyer”
2023
Only Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer
Ever Featured Twice
On “Super Lawyers” Cover
2023
“Top 100” Super Lawyers
2020-2025
Only female lawyer recognized for “Criminal Defense”
Recognition by Super Lawyers of a select
group of “Top 100” in Pennsylvania
among all legal practice areas
“Top 50 Women” Super Lawyers
2015-2017, 2019-2025
Recognition by Super Lawyers of a select
group of “Top 50 Women”
among all legal practice areas
“Top 100 Philadelphia” Super Lawyers
2020-2025
Only female lawyer recognized for “Criminal Defense”
Recognition by Super Lawyers of a select
group of “Top 100” in Philadelphia
among all legal practice areas
“Pennsylvania Super Lawyer”
2008-2009, 2011-2025
First female lawyer in private practice in Philadelphia
recognized by her peers for “Criminal Defense”
Featured by Philadelphia Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from
more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree
of peer recognition and professional achievement
“Pennsylvania Rising Star Super Lawyer”
2005-2006
Recognized by her peers in the field of Criminal Defense
and featured by Philadelphia Magazine and also Law & Politics Magazine
“Best Attorneys Of America“
Rue Ratings
2014-2026
Invited to become a
Lifetime Charter Member
Distinguished as one of the
100 “Best Attorneys” in Pennsylvania
and in the top one percent (1%)
of the most qualified and accomplished
attorneys in the United States
“Top 100 Trial Lawyers”
The National Trial Lawyers
2012-2026
First female criminal defense attorney
in Pennsylvania selected
Membership is obtained by special
invitation and extended only to those
“Top 100” from every state who exemplify
superior qualifications of leadership,
reputation, influence, stature,
and profile as trial lawyers
“Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers”
American Society of Legal Advocates
2013-2019
Membership is extended to only the
top 2% of lawyers in Pennsylvania
“who combine stellar legal credentials
with proven commitment to
community engagement, leadership,
and the highest professional standards”
“10 Best” Law Firms
for Client Satisfaction
American Institute of
Criminal Law Attorneys (AIOCLA)
2015
Distinguished in Pennsylvania
in the practice of Criminal Law
“Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney”
National Academy of
Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDA)
2015-2025
Honored in Pennsylvania as among
“the very few attorneys (less than 1%)
that are good enough to make [the] list
[and] have demonstrated an extraordinary
amount of knowledge, skill, experience,
expertise and success in their
practice of criminal defense”
“10 Best” Attorneys
for Client Satisfaction
American Institute of
Criminal Law Attorneys (AIOCLA)
2014-2025
Distinguished in Pennsylvania
in the practice of Criminal Law
Top Federal Crime Lawyer
Top White Collar Crime Lawyer
Client’s Choice – Federal Crime
Client’s Choice – White Collar Crime
Superb rating (10.0 out of 10)
“Top Northeast Lawyer”
Featured in Arrive Magazine
2009-2026
Recognized by Avvo
“America’s Top 100 Attorneys”
Lifetime Achievement Membership
2016-2026
Distinguished for Lifetime Achievement Membership and selected as one of the Top 100 Attorneys in Pennsylvania based upon various criteria, including lifetime legal achievements, professional experience, significant case results, peer reputation, client satisfaction, other notable honors, media notoriety, and community impact.
“Fellow”
Litigation Counsel of America
2016-2022
Honored to be selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA), a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than 1/2 of 1% of American lawyers, where fellowship is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation and superior ethical reputation. The number of Fellowships has been kept at an exclusive limit by design, and Fellows are generally at the partner or shareholder level or are independent practitioners with recognized experience and accomplishment.
“10 Best” Female Attorneys
for Client Satisfaction
American Institute of
Criminal Law Attorneys (AIOCLA)
2016
Distinguished in Pennsylvania
in the practice of Criminal Law
“Client Distinction Award“
2003-2026
AV® Preeminent™
Highest Rating for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards
5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
2003-2026
“Top-Rated Legal Leaders“
2013-2026
“Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™“
2003-2025
“Top Rated Lawyers in
Criminal Defense: White Collar”
American Lawyer Media & Martindale-Hubbell
2012-2015
Featured in issues of both Corporate Counsel
and The American Lawyer
“All Honors by Martindale-Hubbell®“
Among the top 5% of law firms in America
Martindale-Hubbell® AV® Preeminent™ Rated Attorney
“America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys”
Lifetime Achievement Membership
2018-2026
Distinguished for Lifetime Achievement Membership and selected as one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Pennsylvania based upon various criteria, including lifetime legal achievements, professional experience, significant case results, peer reputation, client satisfaction, other notable honors, media notoriety, and community impact
“Three Best Rated”
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA
2018-2026
Handpicked as one the Top 3 Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers
“Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year – Pennsylvania”
Lawyers World Leading Lawyer Award
2012
Lawyers World Law Award
2012-2013
“Recognize a select number of leading professional firms
and lawyers across the globe for their individual areas
of specialization, within their geographical location”
Although a number of factors are considered
during the judging process, the lawyers selected
are those “that are noted for having a
high degree of ability in complex situations”
and “those that continually innovate” and
“perform to exceptional levels during the
most difficult period that the global
economy has experienced for decades”
“Criminal Defense Law Firm of the Year – USA”
Finance Monthly Law Awards
2016
“Influential Philadelphia Area Lawyers”
2009
Featured in “The Power Fifty” edition
of Philadelphia Magazine
The Hellenic Voice
Hellenic Communication Service, LLC
Featured in articles and publications
devoted to issues of interest to the
Greek-American community
“Top Lawyers”
Main Line Today
2009
America’s Most Honored Professionals
2015-2026
Distinction is a cross-industry and cross-profession
honor based on quantitative analysis of
authenticated public recognitions and
is awarded only to successful individuals
who have been publicly recognized for
professional excellence with
multiple honors from
trade groups, peers, clients, and the press
M&A International Global Award
for both Criminal Law
and White Collar Crime
2013 and 2014
Lawyers World Law Award
Honor 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”
Global Awards Winner –
“Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year”
2011-2012, 2015-2018
“Pennsylvania Law Firm Of The Year
in Criminal Law & White Collar Crime”
2010, 2015-2018
Corporate INTL Magazine
Recognized among “the world’s leading law firms and lawyers
in an array of countries and continents across the globe”
Recognized Excellence in Federal Criminal Defense
At the heart of NiaLena Caravasos’ distinguished legal practice is a steadfast commitment to client trust, outstanding advocacy, and relentless pursuit of justice. This unwavering dedication has earned NiaLena a remarkable array of awards and honors—both nationally and throughout Pennsylvania—cementing her reputation among the most respected federal criminal defense and white-collar crime attorneys in Philadelphia. But what truly sets NiaLena apart and has resulted in this astounding array of recognitions throughout the decades is her unique holistic approach to helping restore her clients to good lives and her fearless attitude in charting her own course and traveling “The Road Not Taken” in protecting and advocating for her clients.
A Legacy of Legal Distinction
NiaLena’s achievements span recognition on two Super Lawyers Covers as well as on the Cover of CIO Women Magazine, repeated selection among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, and lifetime honors from the National Trial Lawyers and America’s Top 100 Attorneys. Her accolades reflect not only legal skill and leadership but also the life-changing impact she has had on clients, peers, and the legal community.
Trusted by Clients and Peers Alike
What truly sets these achievements apart is the unparalleled trust placed in NiaLena by those she serves. From high-profile federal criminal defense cases to ground-breaking legal commentary and influential teaching roles, every award is a testament to the personal attention and strategic insight that define her approach.
Explore the comprehensive list of awards below to discover why NiaLena Caravasos is consistently recognized as one of Philadelphia’s top federal criminal defense and white-collar attorneys.
Media Covers & Feature Stories
Trailblazer in Criminal Defense – Featured in Leading Publications
- CIO Women Magazine (2025): Only criminal lawyer ever featured on the cover, recognized for innovation and leadership in federal criminal defense.
- Super Lawyers Magazine (2013 & 2023): Only Philadelphia criminal lawyer spotlighted twice on the “Super Lawyers” cover and described as “Fierce”.
- Super Lawyers 20th Anniversary (2023): Profiled in “The Essence of Being a Good Lawyer,” highlighting dedication and impact.
Major News Networks:
- Spotlighted in major outlets including ABC News, Fox News, and NBC News for high-profile federal trials and organized crime victories.
Super Lawyers Distinctions
Peer-Recognized Excellence in Pennsylvania & Philadelphia
- Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2020–2025): Only female lawyer recognized for criminal defense.
- Top 50 Women Super Lawyers (2015–2025): Consistently honored among the leading women attorneys in all legal practice areas.
- Top 100 Philadelphia Super Lawyers (2020–2025): Recognized among an elite group for outstanding criminal defense work.
- Super Lawyers & Rising Star (2005–2025): First female private practice lawyer in Philadelphia listed for criminal defense.
National Honors & Professional Distinctions
Best Attorneys of America & National Trial Lawyers
- Lifetime Charter Member, Best Attorneys of America (2014–2026): Top 1% of accomplished attorneys in Pennsylvania and the U.S.
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2012–2026): Selected by The National Trial Lawyers for leadership and outstanding trial results.
- America’s Top 100 Attorneys (2016–2026): Recognized for lifetime achievement and significant contributions to the legal field.
- America’s Most Honored Professionals (2015–2026): Awarded for ongoing public recognition and peer acknowledgment.
Client Satisfaction & Top Performance
- 10 Best Law Firms for Client Satisfaction (2015): American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys (2015–2025): National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
Client Choice & Peer Ratings
Superb Ratings & Client Distinction
- AV® Preeminent™ (2003–2026): Highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell.
- Superb (10.0/10) Avvo Rating (2009–2026): Consistently recognized for client satisfaction and peer endorsement.
- Client’s Choice Awards: For both federal and white-collar criminal defense, reflecting a commitment to client outcomes.
Lifetime Achievements & Industry Recognition
Career-Long Dedication to Criminal Defense
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (2016–2022): Selected among less than 0.5% of U.S. lawyers for outstanding litigation skill and ethics.
- Best Lawyers in America (2026): Honored for exceptional work in criminal defense.
- Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia (2018–2026): Handpicked as one of the top three attorneys for excellence and service.
- National and Global Law Awards: Multiple accolades for criminal law and white-collar crime from organizations such as Corporate INTL and Finance Monthly.
Each award and honor on this page represents NiaLena Caravasos’ unwavering dedication to client advocacy, her leadership within the legal community, and a proven record of excellence in federal criminal and white-collar defense.
Contact Us
For further details about any awards, honors, or recognitions, or to consult with NiaLena Caravasos, a top-rated Criminal Defense attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, regarding a similar legal matter, please contact our office.