At Piotrowski Law, our attorneys bring a powerful combination of experience, courtroom skill, and unwavering dedication to every case we handle. Led by Founder and former Miami-Dade prosecutor Chad Piotrowski, our team understands how the state builds its case and how to dismantle it piece by piece.
Each attorney is deeply committed to protecting your rights, guiding you through the legal process, and fighting for the best possible outcome—no matter how serious the charges may be. When your freedom and future are on the line, you can trust Piotrowski Law to stand with you and deliver the focused, strategic defense you deserve.
Our Attorneys
Chad Piotrowski, Esq.
Founding Attorney
A former Miami-Dade prosecutor, Chad Piotrowski brings unmatched courtroom insight and over a decade of criminal defense experience to every case. He is known for his strategic, aggressive approach and unwavering commitment to protecting his clients' rights. Chad leads Piotrowski Law with a dedication to exceptional advocacy and personalized representation.
Chad Piotrowski is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and the founding partner of Piotrowski Law, a boutique defense firm serving South Florida and beyond.
With a J.D. from Widener University School of Law and a background as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, Chad combines deep prosecutorial insight with fierce advocacy on behalf of the accused. He spent years handling misdemeanor and felony cases — including sensitive domestic violence matters — before transitioning to private practice.
As the head of Piotrowski Law, Chad draws on that insider experience to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies, challenge evidence, and build robust defenses. He also represents clients in federal court as a Criminal Justice Act Panel Attorney, offering comprehensive defense for both state and federal cases.
Committed to protecting clients' rights, Chad leads a team dedicated to personalized, strategic representation — fighting tirelessly for freedom and justice when it matters most.
Professional Experiences:
Former Assistant State Attorney, Miami-Dade County (11th Judicial Circuit)
Supervising Attorney in the Domestic Violence Unit at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
Appointed Panel Attorney under the Federal Criminal Justice Act for the U.S. District Court — Southern District of Florida (handling federal cases)
Founded Piotrowski Law in 2010 and has since led the firm as a boutique criminal defense practice operating throughout Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach)
Member, Board of Directors for the Miami Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) — elected position among criminal-defense peers.
Jamie Lapidus, Esq.
Associate Attorney | Chief of Appeals
Jaime Lapidus is an accomplished criminal defense attorney and appellate specialist with a background as a public defender across South Florida. Known for his sharp legal writing, motion practice, and courtroom advocacy, Jaime brings exceptional analytical skill and a relentless commitment to justice. He leads the firm’s appellate work with precision and passion.
Jaime Lapidus is a dedicated criminal defense attorney and appellate specialist at Piotrowski Law, serving as Chief of Appeals.
A summa cum laude graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law, Jaime distinguished himself academically — earning top scores on the Florida Bar Exam and receiving multiple CALI Book Awards for his excellence in legal writing, appellate advocacy, and criminal procedure.
Prior to joining private practice, he served as an Assistant Public Defender where he handled a wide array of criminal cases, from DUIs to complex felony charges, and developed a reputation for aggressive, skillful motion work, rigorous defense strategy, and a willingness to take tough cases to trial.
Today, Jaime leverages that background to provide clients with powerful representation at every level — from trial defense to appeals — always fighting to protect their rights and pursue justice.
Professional Experiences:
Chief of Appeals at Piotrowski Law — leading appellate and complex defense work.
Former Assistant Public Defender — defended hundreds of cases in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties with substantial trial and motion-practice experience.
Recognized for exceptional performance on the Florida Bar Exam; invited to speak at the induction ceremony for new attorneys before the state’s Supreme Court.
Recipient of multiple CALI Book Awards during law school for excellence in legal research, appellate advocacy, evidence, criminal procedure, and more.
Acclaimed by peers — awarded “Public Defense Attorney of the Year, Florida” by the Legal Elite Awards in 2017.
Diego Merino, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Diego Merino is a skilled trial attorney with extensive experience defending clients in both misdemeanor and serious felony cases. A former public defender, he has handled thousands of matters and is recognized for his tenacity, courtroom presence, and bilingual client support. Diego brings a balanced mix of compassion and aggressive advocacy to every case he takes on.
Diego Merino is a dedicated criminal defense attorney at Piotrowski Law, committed to offering tenacious, client-focused representation when it matters most.
A graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Diego began his legal career defending individuals as a public defender, gaining real-world experience in both misdemeanor and felony matters. Over time, he has built a reputation for fearless advocacy in courtrooms — from jury trials to complex motions — covering a broad spectrum of charges: from DUI and drug offenses to violent felonies and federal-level cases.
What sets Diego apart is his combination of deep legal knowledge, practical trial experience, and a compassionate, bilingual approach to client communication. He understands the heavy burden criminal charges place on individuals and families, and works relentlessly to protect rights, challenge evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
With thousands of cases under his belt and a proven track record of navigating Florida’s criminal justice system, Diego Merino brings both skill and empathy to every defense he leads.
Professional Experiences:
Former Assistant Public Defender in Hillsborough County — handled misdemeanors initially (DUI, drug cases, assault) then promoted to felony division representing clients in serious felony matters (drug trafficking, weapons offenses, robbery, burglary).
Experience defending high-stakes cases in private practice, including serious felonies such as murder, sexual battery, and human trafficking.
Brings years of courtroom experience, handling thousands of cases, arguing countless motions, and conducting many jury trials.
Bilingual (English and Spanish) and able to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds — especially valuable in South Florida’s multicultural environment.
Piotrowski Law is a boutique criminal defense firm with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. We represent clients statewide and handle select federal cases nationwide. Our team brings deep courtroom insight and a strong commitment to protecting your rights.
Experienced defense for all charges, from first-time offenses to serious felonies
Strategic, proactive representation that anticipates the prosecution’s approach
Personalized attention and clear communication throughout your case
We also offer free consultations, allowing you to understand your options and receive immediate support. When your future is on the line, Piotrowski Law is here to help.
