Tara Kawass

Tara Kawass Esq. is a seasoned Florida criminal defense attorney with more than ten years of courtroom experience. She has developed a reputation for being both compassionate with clients and relentless in the courtroom. Her legal career spans a wide range of complex criminal matters, from DUI to homicide, reflecting her dedication to justice.

Tara began her legal path as a certified legal intern in the juvenile division of the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office during law school. After earning her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law in 2007, she continued in public service. For eight years, she worked as an Assistant Public Defender, handling hundreds of cases and trying over 50 cases to verdict.

Tara focused part of her practice on defending juveniles charged as adults, and she actively participated in outreach programs to help youth understand the justice system. From 2010 to 2012, she served as an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University School of Law and coached the Mock Trial Team. Her leadership helped secure top honors in both state and national competitions.

Tara joined forces with her sister in 2014 to expand their defense practice into areas like post-conviction relief and appeals. Her trial skills and dedication to client advocacy have earned her the respect of peers and recognition within the legal community. Her experience spans sex crimes, property offenses, drug cases, robbery, and capital cases.

Tara Kawass Esq. received the “Against All Odds” award from FACDL-Miami Chapter in 2020 for her work in State of Florida v. Katherine Magbanua, recognizing her courage and resilience in the face of complex, high-profile litigation. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in the United States District Courts for the Southern District of Florida. She is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter. Her achievements include being named one of the “40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida” by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Law Offices of Kawass, P.A.
• Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• Florida International University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges