Brian Kirlew

A Trial Lawyer at His Core

Brian Kirlew is an experienced trial lawyer whose career has been defined by the courtroom. As the founding partner of The Kirlew Law Firm, he has spent his career defending clients when the stakes are at their highest.

His experience is backed by a record few attorneys can match – 65 jury trials as counsel of record, more than 5,000 cases and over 7,500 depositions personally handled. That depth of courtroom repetition and preparation informs every case he takes on.

His path began at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, where he sharpened the investigative, strategic, and trial skills that anchor his practice today. From his earliest days in the profession, litigation has been his focus — and it has never wavered.

Early Trial Advocacy

Brian’s talent for litigation was evident long before he was admitted to the Bar. He took first place in the prestigious Feinreder Moot Court Competition, outperforming a field of more than 100 competitors, and competed on five Interscholastic Moot Court and Mock Trial teams in Orlando, New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Diego.

While still in law school, Brian served as a certified legal intern at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, where he participated in two felony jury trials. His advocacy earned him the Order of the Barristers distinction, a national honor recognizing excellence in courtroom advocacy.

Six Years in the Trenches

Brian spent six years as an Assistant Public Defender at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, representing thousands of clients and guiding them through every stage of the process — from arraignment to jury verdict. He handled hundreds of serious felony cases, building the investigative and strategic instincts that define his work today.

During his tenure, Brian tried 42 cases before a jury, 38 of which were tried to a jury verdict. In 2012, the Miami Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers recognized his work with its Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.

Founding The Kirlew Law Firm

After leaving the Public Defender’s Office, Brian founded The Kirlew Law Firm to continue the criminal defense work he is passionate about. He is known as a tenacious advocate who leaves no stone unturned for his clients.

His approach reaches beyond the courtroom. Brian believes in a holistic defense strategy — engaging expert investigators and mitigation specialists to build the strongest possible case, particularly for clients facing serious charges or lengthy prison sentences.

White Collar, Federal, and State Criminal Defense

Brian’s practice spans the full spectrum of criminal defense — from complex federal prosecutions to serious state felony charges. He has earned a particular reputation in white collar and federal defense, representing clients in federal investigations, grand jury proceedings, and indictments across multiple federal districts in the United States.

His federal and white collar experience includes wire fraud, SBA and PPP loan fraud, drug trafficking, and a broad range of financial crimes. These cases often involve clients who have never faced the criminal justice system before — business owners and licensed professionals whose freedom, livelihoods, and reputations are all at stake. Brian understands the weight of that exposure and brings the same trial-tested preparation to a federal fraud case that he brings to any matter.

Brian’s state practice covers the full range of Florida criminal law. He has defended clients throughout the State of Florida against charges including DUI, drug offenses, drug trafficking, armed robbery, sexual offenses, and homicide. Across federal and state courts alike, he has represented business owners, professionals, and everyday people — each facing one of the most difficult moments of their lives — with the same dedication and command of the courtroom.

Brian has also lectured on criminal law and white-collar matters, sharing his courtroom experience with the wider legal community.

A Commitment to His Clients

Brian Kirlew’s career has been built on careful preparation, aggressive courtroom advocacy, and a genuine commitment to the people he represents. For clients navigating the most difficult moment of their lives, he aims to be a steady, knowledgeable ally focused on protecting their rights and their future.