Mr. Richard S. Jaffe
Veteran criminal defense lawyer, 40+ years’ experience, renowned for high-profile exonerations
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Mr. Richard S. Jaffe | Attorney
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Main Office
2320 Arlington Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
Office Hours
Available 24/7
Other Locations
Jaffe Hanle Whisonant & Knight, PC
About Richard
Richard S. Jaffe is the founding and senior partner at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. in Birmingham, Alabama. With 40+ years of experience, he has tried hundreds of jury trials and represented thousands of clients in both state and federal courts—including professionals from judges to CEOs—delivering fierce, respectful representation while collaborating closely with his exceptional legal team.
Additionally, Mr. Jaffe is singular nationally as the only attorney to lead new trials that resulted in the exoneration of three death-row prisoners, and has defended six federal death-penalty cases, including for the Olympic Park bomber Eric Robert Rudolph.
He holds top peer-reviewed recognitions, including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” awards from Best Lawyers, longstanding inclusion in Super Lawyers, an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He’s also served in leadership roles within major criminal defense associations.
Additionally, Mr. Jaffe is singular nationally as the only attorney to lead new trials that resulted in the exoneration of three death-row prisoners, and has defended six federal death-penalty cases, including for the Olympic Park bomber Eric Robert Rudolph.
He holds top peer-reviewed recognitions, including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” awards from Best Lawyers, longstanding inclusion in Super Lawyers, an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He’s also served in leadership roles within major criminal defense associations.
Admission
Georgia
1984
New York
1982
Alabama
1976
District Of Columbia
Education
University of Alabama School of Law
Recognitions & Achievements
Associations
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Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar
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Super Lawyers® Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama ()2007-present
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AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® ()1986-Present
Honors / Awards
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Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar
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AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® ()1986-Present
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ACDLA Roderick Beddow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Criminal Defense ()2001
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Alabama Bar Association Clarence Darrow Award for Contributions to Indigent Defense ()1996
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ACDLA President Award ()2001
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Best Lawyers of America "Lawyer of The Year" for Criminal Defense: General Practice in Birmingham ()2010 / 2020 / 2024
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Birmingham Magazine’s Top Birmingham Lawyers ()2008-2022
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Super Lawyers® Top 50 Lawyers in Alabama ()2007-present
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Best Lawyers of America – “Lawyer of the Year” for Criminal Defense: White Collar in Birmingham (,)2013 / 2021
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Super lawyers Top 10 Super Lawyers in Alabama ()2014
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The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 ()2023
Notable Work
Publications
Quest For Justice, , 1st ed , 2nd ed
2012 / 2020
Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases, Inside the Minds; “Proven Strategies for Complex DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases” Chapter Written by Richard Jaffe, Aspatore,
2011
Opening Statements, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers, Pensacola Florida,
2009
Jury Selection in Death Penalty Cases, Making the Case for Life, NACDL and Southern Center for Human Rights,
2008
Additional Info
Founded 1991
Jaffe Hanle Whisonant & Knight, PC Highlights
Criminal, Wills & Probate, Accident & Injury, Consumer Protection, Immigration
Firm Size:
1
Firm Locations:
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Mr. Richard S. Jaffe has been a Premium Member since February 26, 2026.
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