Joaquin Padilla

Experience That Wins When It Matters

Aggressive
Defense.
Proven Trial
Results.

Joaquin focuses his entire practice on criminal defense in State and Federal courts. With over 20 years of experience, Joaquin has spent his career defending individuals charged in criminal matters.

Joaquin began his career in Miami, Florida where he represented clients in every manner of case from DUI to homicide. He then spent over a decade at the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Miami, Florida. As a federal public defender, Joaquin represented clients at bond hearings, pretrial motions, trials and appeals before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Protecting
Rights.
Defending
Futures.

Prior to joining MLLG in August 2025, Joaquin spent nearly four years as a civilian criminal defense lawyer employed by the Department of Defense representing a client in a capital military commission at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Over the course of his career, clients have relied on his counsel, experience, and skill in navigating the criminal justice system.

In addition to his legal practice, Joaquin believes strongly in giving back to the community through active participation in legal and non-legal based projects, such as The Boys and Girls Club and Shake-A-Leg Miami—a nonprofit focused on building an inclusive community through water sports. Additionally, Joaquin has been an active board and executive committee member of several professional organizations and associations.

Joaquin lives locally with his wife, Sofia, a public-school teacher. Now that their three children have all graduated college and are out of the home, Joaquin and his wife enjoy a good meal with friends and family, hiking with their two dogs, and skiing the mountains of Vermont.