About Paul Cambria
Paul J. Cambria Jr. is a distinguished criminal defense and appellate attorney based in Buffalo, New York. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1973, graduating cum laude and ranking first in his class. Prior to law school, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1969. During his time at Toledo, he served as an editor for the University of Toledo Law Review.
Admitted to the New York State Bar in 1973, Cambria is known for handling complex, high-profile cases at all court levels, including the United States Supreme Court. His practice areas encompass criminal trials, appeals, constitutional law, First Amendment law, zoning and land use, antitrust, and professional licensing defense. Notably, he has represented prominent figures such as publisher Larry Flynt and musicians DMX and Marilyn Manson. In addition to his legal practice, Cambria has been actively involved in various professional organizations. He served as the past president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and chaired the Criminal Justice Section of the New York State Bar Association. He is also a member of the Office of Court Administration Criminal Law and Procedure Advisory Committee and the First Amendment Trial Lawyers Association, where he previously held the position of president.
Cambria's contributions to the legal community have been recognized through numerous accolades. He has been consistently listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" from 1983 to 2026, covering areas such as Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, First Amendment Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation-First Amendment. Litigation-Land Use and Zoning. In 2013, he was named "Litigation-Land Use and Zoning Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America. Additionally, he holds an AV Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying the highest level of professional excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Cambria has been recognized for his community involvement.
In 2024, he was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 250 List, an annual compilation of Western New York’s most influential business and community leaders. He has also been honored by the Variety Club of Buffalo with the Louis Billittier Corporate Award for his outstanding service and contributions to the community. Cambria maintains offices in Buffalo, New York, and Los Angeles, California, reflecting his nationwide practice. His experience and dedication to the legal profession have solidified his status as a leading attorney in his field.
