Paul Y. Kiyonaga

Paul Y. Kiyonaga is an accomplished civil rights and employment attorney with extensive experience in complex criminal and civil litigation. He began his legal career at Arnold & Porter, where he worked in the civil litigation and international practice groups. There, he handled high-profile corporate matters, including securities fraud and accountant liability cases. In recognition of his legal excellence, Washingtonian magazine named him one of the best attorneys in Washington, D.C., in employment law in 2004.

Mr. Kiyonaga earned his undergraduate degree as a Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, graduating with honors.

Mr. Kiyonaga brings a distinctive perspective to his criminal practice, particularly in cases involving mental health defenses and forensic science. He frequently represents clients in high-stakes trials and is a trusted advocate for both local Hispanic communities and American executives working abroad. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and Japanese, he offers culturally competent legal representation tailored to the needs of a global clientele.

In addition to his legal practice, Paul Y. Kiyonaga is a respected educator and thought leader. He serves on the faculty at Georgetown Law, where he co-teaches a course on critical legal theory and film. He also served as Co-Chair of the D.C. Bar’s Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section. Admitted to practice in both Washington, D.C., and New York, Mr. Kiyonaga is a frequent legal commentator on CNN Español and other media platforms, offering insights on justice, civil liberties, and legal ethics.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kiyonaga & Soltis, P.C.
• Co-Chair, D.C. Bar, Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section

Licensed State

• Washington, D.C.
• New York

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges