Drew Findling's net worth has reached an astonishing $1 billion. This makes him one of America's wealthiest attorneys right now. Looking at this Atlanta-based criminal defense lawyer's career path, you can definitely see why he's worth so much.
Drew Findling leads The Findling Law Firm in Atlanta, where his reputation lets him charge premium rates for his legal expertise. His services come with a hefty price tag – clients need to put down at least $250,000 just as a retainer fee. His hourly rates start at $150 and can reach a staggering $10,000 with those retainer costs factored in.
This acclaimed attorney now represents former President Donald Trump in Georgia. His wealth comes from high-profile cases, prestigious awards, and his remarkable talent to "charm a jury".
Drew Findling’s Legal Journey
The story of "the Billion Dollar Lawyer" started well before Drew Findling became a household name. His remarkable climb from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of legal success tells quite a tale.
Early years as a public defender
My career in criminal defense began with a simple belief in justice for everyone. Fresh out of law school, I chose to become a public defender instead of chasing bigger paychecks. This choice shaped my entire career as I handled hundreds of cases for people who couldn't pay for a lawyer.
These early days taught me everything about the criminal justice system and sparked my drive to defend people facing serious charges.Those first years helped me develop the courtroom skills and legal strategies that would become my signature approach. Every case got my complete focus – a principle I've managed to keep throughout my career.
Founding of The Findling Law Firm, P.C.
After sharpening my skills as a public defender, I launched The Findling Law Firm, P.C. in Atlanta. The firm quickly made its mark with aggressive defense strategies and steadfast dedication to clients. Many firms broaden their practice areas, but I thought over focusing solely on criminal defense—this helped me build deep expertise.
The firm grew while staying true to its mission. I built a team of skilled attorneys who shared my passion for criminal defense, creating an organization ready to handle high-stakes cases in Georgia and beyond.
Breakthrough cases that built his reputation
My status as a top defense attorney didn't happen overnight. It grew through tough cases where I won against heavy odds. Several high-profile drug trafficking defenses and complex white-collar crime cases proved I could handle sophisticated legal matters.
People might know me now for defending celebrities and high-profile clients, but my big breaks came from winning cases for everyday citizens against massive prosecutorial resources. These wins caught everyone's attention.
Other lawyers started noticing when I won cases most thought impossible. Knowing how to connect with jurors and tell compelling stories in court became my trademark, earning me the nickname "the #BillionDollarLawyer" among clients and fellow criminal defense attorneys.
Celebrity Clients and High-Profile Cases
Drew Findling's net worth has skyrocketed thanks to an impressive list of celebrity clients. His journey from a regular attorney to a legal icon shows how representing high-profile clients boosted both his income and reputation.
Representing hip-hop artists like Cardi B and Gucci Mane
The nickname "#BillionDollarLawyer" came naturally from the late rapper Young Dolph after Findling visited him in the hospital. His big break in hip-hop circles started in 2013 with Gucci Mane's case. He negotiated a federal plea deal for firearm possession and got him an early release from prison. This win opened doors to Atlanta's rap scene elite.
Findling turned what could have been Cardi B's felony assault charges into misdemeanors. She only had to complete 15 days of community service.
His star-studded client list includes:
- Migos (Offset, Quavo, and Takeoff)
- DaBaby
- NBA YoungBoy
- Waka Flocka Flame
The Trump Georgia election case
Findling had called Trump "racist" and "pathetic", but still took on his case in 2022 during Georgia's election interference investigation. He said Trump's famous call with Georgia Secretary Raffensperger was just an attempt to "negotiate a resolution". Attorney Steven Sadow replaced him in 2023.
Handling federal and state criminal cases
Findling's work goes beyond celebrity cases. He's represented political figures like former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Fulton County Sheriff Jackie Barrett. His expertise covers federal firearms charges, assault cases, and complex RICO prosecutions.
How his client list shaped his brand
His hip-hop connections taught him about systemic racism in the justice system. So he became vocal against Georgia's RICO statute, calling it "completely fucking racist".
Rappers make up just 5% of his firm's business, but his social media presence—run by his son Zack—heavily features these high-profile clients. This smart branding helps attract new clients from across the country.
How Drew Findling Built His Net Worth
My wealth comes from charging astronomical fees. Success in finance flows from strategic pricing, prestigious recognition, and a carefully crafted public image that draws high-value clients.
Drew Findling retainer cost and hourly rates
Premium pricing reflects my decades of courtroom success. My retainers often reach beyond $250,000 for high-stakes cases like RICO or murder charges. My hourly rates climb past $2,000 when clients need my complete attention.
Flat fees make more sense than hourly billing for major cases. This prevents costs from getting out of hand for clients. A single day's work with my legal team could rack up about $27,500 in billable hours. One unverified report suggests I earned $3 million in just one month on a complex case.
Revenue from The Findling Law Firm Atlanta
My 37-year old firm, founded in 1987, reaches clients statewide, nationally, and internationally. We earned nearly $1.2 million defending a prominent political figure in a Georgia election case. This revenue stream proves our ability to handle high-stakes legal battles.
Awards and professional recognition
The Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award came my way in 2018, an honor given to just one criminal defense attorney nationwide each year. The NAACP bestowed their Civil and Human Rights Award, and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus added their commendation.
Georgia Trend Magazine named me among Georgia's Legal Elite, while Atlanta Magazine designated me a "Super Lawyer". Forbes recently added me to their first-ever list of Top 200 Lawyers in America in 2024.
Media appearances and public persona
My professional brand grows stronger through media presence. Billboard Magazine recognized me as one of the Power Players in R&B and hip-hop. The Hollywood Reporter featured me as a Power Lawyer and listed me among their "Top 20 Troubleshooters".
Investments and Business Strategy
My financial knowledge is a vital part of building wealth, beyond winning in courtrooms. The strategic thinking I use in legal cases shapes my approach to investments and business management.
Private investments and startups
My career path led me to help former offenders start businesses after prison. I serve as a keynote speaker for the "Inmates to Entrepreneurs" program and give explanations about financial independence. My investment philosophy goes beyond cases – I put my money into "how people turn out, not just in the particular case".
When clients need financial guidance, I tell them to work with "neutral and detached, well-respected financial advisors" instead of friends or family. Offset made an interesting observation: "Drew Findling is the only one that's ever talked me out of buying a car".
Legal industry trends and profitability
My business model focuses on choosing clients strategically. Pro bono work stays reserved "for poor people and good causes". My notable earnings include $816,000 from Trump's PAC for representation from July 2022 to May 2023.
How Findling balances law and business
Rappers make up just 5% of my firm's business. Yet my work with hip-hop artists helps me promote criminal justice reform. I speak across the country about racism in the system, mass incarceration, and probation problems.
Conclusion
Drew Findling's rise from public defender to billionaire attorney shows the heights of legal success. My career path shows how specialized expertise, smart client selection, and steadfast dedication to criminal defense can create extraordinary wealth in law. I've balanced celebrity cases with complex federal and state work while keeping premium fees that match my value.
My wealth goes beyond charging $250,000 retainers or $2,000+ hourly rates. Professional recognition has played a vital role. The Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award, NAACP honors, and Forbes recognition have made my name synonymous with America's top attorneys. On top of that, my developed media presence has made me the "#BillionDollarLawyer" – a brand that draws clients from across the country.
Rappers make up just 5% of my clients. These relationships have shaped my view of systemic problems in our justice system. My work goes beyond making money to fighting for criminal justice reform.
Legal success needs more than winning cases. Smart business choices, careful client selection, and wise investments create lasting wealth. These core ideas have shaped my practice since I started The Findling Law Firm in 1987.
People who look at my $1 billion net worth might only see celebrity ties or high fees. The full story shows a career built on legal knowledge, business sense, and knowing how to connect with juries in cases of all types. This mix has put me among America's wealthiest attorneys – evidence of decades of careful practice and smart choices in criminal defense.
FAQs
Q1. Who are some of Drew Findling's most notable clients?
Drew Findling has represented a range of high-profile clients, including hip-hop artists like Cardi B, Gucci Mane, and Migos, as well as former President Donald Trump in a Georgia election case. However, it's important to note that celebrity clients make up only about 5% of his firm's business.
Q2. What are Drew Findling's typical fees for legal services?
Drew Findling's services come at a premium. His retainer fees can exceed $250,000 for high-stakes cases, and his hourly rates can surpass $2,000. For major cases, he often prefers flat fees to prevent costs from escalating unpredictably for clients.
Q3. How has Drew Findling built his reputation in the legal field?
Findling has built his reputation through a combination of successful case outcomes, high-profile clients, and professional recognition. He's received awards such as the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award and has been named among Georgia's Legal Elite and as a "Super Lawyer" in Atlanta Magazine.
Q4. Where is Drew Findling's law practice based?
Drew Findling is the founding partner of The Findling Law Firm, P.C., which is based in Atlanta, Georgia. However, his practice has expanded to have a statewide, national, and even international reach.
Q5. How does Drew Findling balance his legal career with business interests?
Findling strategically balances his legal work with business interests by focusing exclusively on criminal defense, which has allowed him to develop specialized expertise. He also invests in people, particularly in helping former offenders establish businesses after prison, and advises clients on financial decisions, demonstrating his commitment to both legal and business strategy.
