Khaled Issa

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Attorney / Partner

I have lived in the southwest suburbs my entire life, graduating from Robert Morris University in 2008. While there, I clerked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in the Bridgeview courthouse, along with a private criminal defense firm in downtown Chicago. I graduated early from Robert Morris University in two-and-a-half years majoring in both legal studies and business management. After obtaining my undergraduate degree.

I attended The John Marshall Law School/UIC Law School in 2011 with a certificate in Trial Advocacy. While in law school, I participated in mock trial teams, including participating in the 2011 Capitol City Challenge held annually in Washington, D.C., where my team was a semi-finalist. Additionally, while in law school, I clerked for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in the Felony Trial Division in the Criminal Courts Building at 26th and California. During this time, I successfully litigated numerous motions and trials, providing me an insight as to what evidence prosecutors look at when prosecuting serious criminal matters.

Prior to having my own office, I was a partner at the firm of James A. Payonk, Jr., P.C. for nearly ten years. During this time, I have litigated well over 100 contested matters, ranging from pre-trial motions, criminal constitutional motions, bench trial and jury trials, both in the criminal defense area and personal injury area. Upon Mr. Payonk's retirement, I took over his practice and I am determined to continue providing quality legal representation to those both charged with crimes and injured in accidents. When my office is retained in any case, I am the attorney that handles the matter from the initial stages to the conclusion. I also understand that everyone has an individual story and no two cases are ever the same. Because of this, I make sure that every option is presented and discussed, whether it is a serious criminal offense, a misdemeanor or traffic offense, or injury arising out of an automobile accident.

Contact Attorney Issa for a consultation of your criminal defense or personal injury case. Call 708-966-2408 today.

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Defense
• DUI

Bar Admissions

• Illinois State Bar Association, Member
• Southwest Bar Association, Board Member

Education

• John Marshall Law School, Chicago JD., 2011
• Robert Morris College, Chicago, IL, BBA-Bachelor of Business Administration, 2008

Honors & Awards

• Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Orland Park, IL, Legal Directorate, 2024
• Elite Lawyer, 2024
• Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2021
• Criminal Defense Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers, 2017

Past Employment Positions

• Law Office of James A. Payonk, Jr., Partner, 2013-2021