Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor. 25+ years of federal trial experience.
John D. Kirby graduated magna cum laude from USC and cum laude from Cornell Law School. He spent a decade as a federal prosecutor before opening his private practice. Today he defends clients facing federal charges across California, Arizona, and nationwide.
Education & Early Career
From Covington to the U.S. Attorney's Office
John D. Kirby graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California and cum laude from Cornell Law School.
He began his legal career at the prestigious Washington D.C. firm of Covington & Burling, representing high-profile and multimillion-dollar cases with outstanding results.
He spent more than a decade as a federal prosecutor at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, handling serious criminal investigations and receiving numerous awards.
As an AUSA, he co-wrote the 2003 indictment against the Arellano Felix cartel leadership — one of the most significant federal prosecutions of that era.
Private Practice
Federal criminal defense. Every case, every day.
Since opening his private practice in 2007, John Kirby has dedicated his career exclusively to federal criminal defense. Clients work directly with him — not an associate or junior partner.
He has appeared on ABC News, CBS, NPR, Good Morning America, and Univision. He holds a 5-star Avvo rating and has been recognized by the San Diego Tribune, Best Lawyers, and the San Diego Bar.
The Mexican government hired him to lecture on corruption and U.S. money laundering laws for the Mexican Federal Tax Administration (SAT) across six federal offices in Mexico.
In 2024, he secured a Presidential Clemency grant from President Joe Biden. He has represented former Homeland Security agents and high-ranking international political figures in complex federal matters.
Career Timeline
Covington & Burling, Washington D.C.
Began legal career at one of the nation's most prestigious law firms, handling high-profile and multimillion-dollar cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney — Southern District of California
Joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego. Over the next decade, handled serious federal criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Arellano Felix Cartel Indictment
Co-wrote the landmark indictment against the Arellano Felix cartel leadership, quoted in national and international newspapers.
Private Practice — Law Offices of John D. Kirby
After 10 years at the U.S. Attorney's Office, opened private criminal defense practice in San Diego, California.
A Trusted Name
5-star Avvo rating, San Diego Tribune top lawyer, Best Lawyers and San Diego Bar honors. Expanded to new offices in Downtown San Diego.
International Lecturer — Mexican Federal Tax Administration
Hired by the Mexican government to lecture on corruption and U.S. money laundering laws at SAT federal offices across Mexico.
High-Profile Federal Defense
Served as legal counsel for a former high-ranking Homeland Security agent in a complex federal case in the Southern District of California.
International Representation
Undertook legal representation of two prominent, high-ranking Mexican political figures in intricate federal matters within the United States.
Presidential Clemency Granted
Successfully represented a client in a Presidential Clemency petition, signed and granted by President Joe Biden.
Cornell Law School
Juris Doctor, cum laude
University of Southern California
Bachelor's Degree, magna cum laude
Lawyers of Distinction
Recognized for excellence in federal criminal defense
Work directly with John D. Kirby.
No associates. No junior partners. You get the former federal prosecutor on your case from day one.
Request a Free Consultation