NACDL — National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Overview

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is the preeminent organization in the United States devoted to ensuring justice and due process for persons accused of crimes. Founded in 1958, NACDL has over 40,000 members including private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors, and judges. The organization's Find a Lawyer directory connects the public with experienced criminal defense attorneys who are NACDL members, ensuring a baseline of professional commitment and expertise. NACDL also advocates for criminal justice reform, provides continuing legal education, and publishes The Champion magazine.

Strengths

• +Premier professional association with 40,000+ criminal defense attorney members
• +Find a Lawyer directory ensures attorneys meet professional membership standards
• +Strong advocacy for criminal justice reform and defendant rights
• +Members include top private defense attorneys, public defenders, and legal scholars
• +Extensive educational resources and publications on criminal defense strategies

Considerations

• -Directory limited to NACDL members — does not include all practicing defense attorneys
• -Organization focuses on advocacy and education, not direct legal representation
• -Membership does not guarantee attorney quality or case outcomes
• -Website resources are more practitioner-focused than consumer-friendly

Best For

• *Person charged with a violent felony who wants to find a defense attorney committed to professional excellence
• *Family seeking a highly qualified defense lawyer for a serious criminal case
• *Individual looking for a defense attorney who specializes in a specific type of criminal charge