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David J. Apfel, Criminal Defense Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar

Boston, MA

Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Boston.

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David J. Apfel is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.

Based in
Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Criminal Defense · White Collar
  • Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).

About David J. Apfel: David J. Apfel is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by David J. Apfel

David concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Boston, Massachusetts

David takes criminal defense matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Boston, Massachusetts

David takes white collar matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

About David J. Apfel — Attorney of Massachusetts criminal defense experience

David J. Apfel is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.

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.

David's approach to criminal defense cases

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,…

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.

Credentials

David J. Apfel's legal education and bar admissions

  • Northeastern University

    J.D. · 1987

  • Swarthmore College

    B.A. · 1974

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts, Admit

    ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Northeastern University and B.A. in Swarthmore College.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Northeastern University and B.A. in Swarthmore College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of David J. Apfel

David has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Gaming Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Gaming Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (2026).

Locations

David J. Apfel's office in Boston

David's primary office is at 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

100 Northern Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David J. Apfel

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire David J. Apfel — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David J. Apfel

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in Massachusetts typically take?

    Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Boston?

    David is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts

David handles criminal defense matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.