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Kristen N. Epifania, Esq.

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Summary

Nearly a decade of criminal defense and family law experience across New York and New Jersey, handling everything from misdemeanors to complex felonies, divorces, and custody disputes
Multi-year Super Lawyers Rising Star recipient (NY 2019-2021, NJ 2024-2025) and recognized as Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers
Licensed in multiple jurisdictions: New York, New Jersey, Southern District of NY, and Eastern District of NY—offering seamless representation across state lines
Proven trial attorney with extensive courtroom experience from both private practice and public defender service, known for aggressive advocacy and compassionate client care

Full Bio

Kristen N. Epifania brings nearly a decade of experience in criminal defense and family law to her practice, combining aggressive advocacy with compassionate client care. Admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York, Ms. Epifania has built her reputation on transparent communication, dedicated representation, and a no-nonsense approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Ms. Epifania earned her Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School, where she distinguished herself as a Dean’s Merit Scholar and recipient of the prestigious Lisle and Lark-Barranco Scholarships. Recognizing her passion for criminal law early in her career, she pursued a specialized Certificate in Criminal Law, completing advanced coursework in Federal Criminal Investigations, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, Securities Fraud, Law and Police Policy, and Forensic Science.

Her unique perspective comes from experience on both sides of the courtroom. During law school, Ms. Epifania gained invaluable insight working with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children bureau, where she assisted with prosecutions involving sex crimes, assault charges, and homicides. Prior to graduation, she also served with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, handling complex immigration matters intersecting with criminal law. This prosecutorial experience, combined with her subsequent years in defense practice, provides her with an unparalleled understanding of criminal case strategies and negotiations.

Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the defense and family sectors early on, Ms. Epifania dedicated significant pro bono hours while pursuing her Juris Doctor. In New York, Ms. Epifania worked with Sanctuary for Families, assisting survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking with divorce proceedings. She also provided pro bono service as a Juvenile Justice Representative with the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, where she collaborated on hearings pertaining to abuse, competency, and neglect matters, as well as had the unique opportunity to serve on foster care review board panels.

Following graduation, Ms. Epifania honed her skills at a premier criminal defense firm in Manhattan, representing clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges throughout New York City’s five boroughs. She later served as a trial attorney with the Monmouth County Public Defender’s Office in New Jersey, where she routinely handled cases involving assault, domestic violence, theft, narcotics, and various other criminal matters heard in New Jersey’s Superior Court. It was after her time at the Public Defender’s Office that Ms. Epifania returned to the private sector where she continued to defend individuals accused of crime, as well as those navigating the difficulties of divorce and custody.

Ms. Epifania’s excellence has earned recognition from her peers and the legal community. She has been selected as a New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2024 and 2025, following her designation as a New York Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 through 2021. In 2019, she was honored as a Top 40 Young Lawyer by the National Alliance of Women in Law and named to the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40.

Ms. Epifania believes that effective representation begins with clear communication and a deep understanding of each client’s unique situation. Whether defending against criminal charges or navigating complex family law matters, she combines her extensive trial experience, comprehensive legal knowledge, and genuine empathy to fight tirelessly for those she represents. Her direct and transparent approach ensures clients are fully informed and empowered throughout their legal journey.

Bar Admissions

State of New York
State of New Jersey
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

Professional Associations & Memberships

Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey
New Jersey State Bar Association
Middlesex County Bar Association

Education

Brooklyn Law School, Juris Doctor (2016)
- Certificate in Criminal Law
- Dean’s Merit Scholarship
- Lisle Scholarship
- Lark-Barranco Scholarship
Marist College, Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Recognition

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers (2019)
New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star (2024-2025)
New York Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019-2021)
Top 40 Young Lawyer, National Alliance of Women in Law (2019)

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When our family faced a legal matter, we were fortunate to have Attorney Kristen Epifania by our side. We called a few different lawyers and from our very first call, Kristen put us at ease with her calm, professional demeanor and deep expertise. What impressed us most was Kristen’s prompt communication throughout the entire process. She was always responsive to our emails and calls, keeping us updated on developments. Kristen took the time to clearly explain the legal procedures, timelines, and our options in a way that was easy for us to understand. While dealing with a stressful situation, Kristen’s empathy and caring attitude gave us reassurance. She listened attentively to our concerns and advocated strongly for the best interests of our family. Her focus to detail was outstanding, thoroughly preparing us for each step. We give Kristen our highest recommendation for anyone in need of a top law attorney in the NJ area.

Exceptional legal representation! I had the privilege of working with Kristen Epifania, and it was a truly positive experience. After speaking with several attorneys, I was referred to Ms. Epifania. From our first interaction, I was impressed by her professionalism and kindness. Her approach instilled confidence in me, and I knew she would advocate for me effectively. Trust is crucial when working with an attorney, and I felt completely at ease knowing I was in good hands.

Kristen represented my case and as a first timer, I had no idea what to do / the procedure were. All I knew was thinking my life was over with misdemeanor charges. After speaking with Kristen and hearing back from her with a plea barging, I knew this was going in the right path. All up into the court date, Kristen reached out to me numerous time, checking up and following up with me on my case. She was very caring and that really help me throughout the case. I cannot Thank her enough for the outcome of the case, as I am truly pleased with the result.

Some attorneys are talkers, others are listeners. Kristen listened to me and heard my concerns and when she presented me with my options I felt her focus on my needs, not just scoring points. She was always responsive to my calls and texts and assuaged my fears, calming me and making me feel she understood my concerns. She was always present throughout the many appearances in the nerve-wracking months leading up to my resolution and when she represented me in court she demonstrated the same caring, calm and focus. I felt I was in good hands with Kristen. When my resolution was reached I felt a mountain had been lifted from my shoulders. I highly recommend Kristen for her caring, calm professionalism to navigate you through the legal system.

Kristen assisted me in very serious felony charges which she updated and communicated with me weekly and always had constant updated to keep me at ease with the whole situation. 9 Months later dealing with the court system she was able to plead my case down to a violation which was the ultimate best she could’ve done. I hope to never find myself in any future legal issues but If I do I’ll be calling Kristen. I highly recommend her very personable and does 100% to help you out. Kristen once again thank you for all you did for me greatly appreciated.

After an extensive search for criminal defense attorneys, I sought consultation on sealing a criminal record in New York with Kristen and because the state only recently enacted an expansive criminal conviction sealing law, I did not know what to expect. Kristen worked with me on my case and provided thorough, professional and diligent ground work, communicating every step of the way to achieve successful results. She was knowledgeable, sympathetic and made me feel confident that I was in good hands through the entire process. I highly recommend Kristen to anyone seeking an attorney who works in your best interest to achieve desired results!

Kristen provided me with peace of mind and confidence in her work with: * Attention to detail * Clear & timely communication * Following up She is definitely a shinning star in her field and I would recommed her to anyone who would need her expertise. She is an absoultely excellent professional to work with. Thank you Kristen!

Thank you so much Kristen for being so helpful with my case, I was confident of the great job you will do, you always there to take my calls whenever I had any concerns and I can only thank God and you for giving me victory in the case. I sure would recommend you to anyone. The world needs selfless attorneys like you. Again, I say thank you.