Atty. David J. Apfel
David Apfel is a partner in Goodwin's Complex Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department. Mr.
Profile Summary
About David J. Apfel at a glance
David J. Apfel is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Boston, Massachusetts, practicing at Goodwin. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Admitted. Educated at Northeastern University (J.D., 1987) and Swarthmore College (B.A., 1974). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law (2026). Serands clients in Boston, MA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- David Apfel is a partner in Goodwin's Complex Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department
- Mr. Apfel is a former federal prosecutor who specializes in white collar criminal defense, SEC and other government investigations, internal corporate investigations, and bet-the-company civil business litigation
- Mr. Apfel is also the founder and chair of the firm’s Gaming & Gambling practice, and the founder and co-chair of the firm’s Cannabis practice
- He has been regularly recognized by Chambers USA as a leading white collar criminal defense attorney, and he is perennially recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and as a “Super Lawyer” by Boston Magazine
- He is a trial lawyer who represents corporations and individuals in an array of criminal and civil cases, ranging from Medicaid fraud to first degree murder, and insider trading to multi-billion dollar mortgage-backed securities litigation
- He is also a trusted adviser to gaming and gambling companies, and to investors, banks, and others involved or considering involvement in state-legalized cannabis markets
- Mr. Apfel also has an active pro bono practice in which he represents indigents in federal criminal cases and state murder prosecutions
Practice Areas Explained
David J. Apfel's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David J. Apfel handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
David J. Apfel is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts →
David J. Apfel is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Massachusetts →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Massachusetts
Practicing law in Massachusetts. Legal matters in Massachusetts are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Boston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Massachusetts state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Massachusetts brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Massachusetts courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Massachusetts attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Boston or all attorneys in Massachusetts.
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