Core Practice Areas
1 VerticalAbout & Mediation Philosophy
Neutral ProfileRichard S. Jaffe, the founding and senior partner at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., is a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer with over 40 years in the field. He believes in the importance of every individual and is committed to providing respectful, attentive representation to those facing tough situations. Since 2007, Jaffe has been recognized as a top attorney in white-collar and criminal defense law in Alabama by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. He has been named Lawyer of the Year in criminal defense four times since 2010 and was listed among Alabama’s top 10 lawyers by Super Lawyers in 2014. In 1984, he became the second lawyer in Alabama to be certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by the NTBA. Jaffe is active in the legal community, serving on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and leading several committees. He is also a published author and sought-after speaker on criminal law.
Credentials & Institutional Standing
Primary VerificationsLicense
Education
University of Alabama School of Law
JD · Law
Class of 1976
Work History
1 PositionFounding and Senior Partner
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
Honors & Recognition
11 HonorsTop 100
The National Trial Lawyers
2023
Top 10 Super Lawyers in Alabama
Super Lawyers
2014
Lawyer of the Year (Criminal Defense: White Collar in Birmingham)
Best Lawyers of America
2013
Also awarded in 2021
Lawyer of The Year (Criminal Defense: General Practice in Birmingham)
Best Lawyers of America
2010
Also awarded in 2020, 2024
Top Birmingham Lawyers
Birmingham Magazine
2008
2008-2022
Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama
Super Lawyers®
2007
2007-present
President Award
ACDLA
2001
Roderick Beddow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Criminal Defense
ACDLA
2001
Clarence Darrow Award for Contributions to Indigent Defense
Alabama Bar Association
1996
AV® Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
1986
Rated since 1986
Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense
Best Lawyers
General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar
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