Kiyonaga & Soltis

For individuals and organizations in the bustling District of Columbia, facing legal challenges can be a formidable experience. Whether it's an issue in the workplace, a complex civil dispute, or a criminal matter, having seasoned and compassionate legal counsel is paramount. Kiyonaga & Soltis stands as a highly respected law firm in Washington, DC, dedicated to representing clients in their most challenging moments. They are particularly well-regarded for their strong advocacy in employment law and civil rights, as well as their expertise in criminal defense.

Kiyonaga & Soltis, P.C. was founded with the mission to represent "people in trouble," whether they are victims of discrimination, facing termination, or accused of a crime. The firm is led by experienced litigators Paul Y. Kiyonaga and Debra Soltis, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in high-stakes cases. Their collective expertise and client-focused approach make them a go-to choice for many in the DC area seeking justice and effective legal solutions.

Kiyonaga & Soltis is conveniently located at 1827 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This prime address places the firm in the heart of Northwest Washington, D.C., within a vibrant professional and residential area. The location offers excellent accessibility for clients from across the District of Columbia and the wider metropolitan region.

The office is situated within walking distance of several key Metro stations, including Dupont Circle (Red Line) and Farragut North (Red Line), making it easily reachable via public transportation from various neighborhoods. Numerous bus routes also service the area around M Street and Connecticut Avenue, providing additional convenient transit options. For those who prefer to drive, while street parking can be competitive in this central DC area, there are often commercial parking garages available nearby. The firm's easily accessible location underscores its commitment to serving the diverse needs of the DC community efficiently.

Kiyonaga & Soltis, P.C. specializes in trial and appellate litigation, with a core focus on employment/civil rights and criminal defense. Their attorneys bring broad-based, multi-faceted experience to a wide range of legal matters. Key services offered by the firm include:

• Employment Discrimination/Civil Rights: Kiyonaga & Soltis represents victims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace. This includes both private and federal sector employees, as well as employees or students denied reasonable accommodations for disabling conditions. They handle cases based on sex, race, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and personal appearance. They also provide legal advice to companies and non-profit entities on employment problems and EEO complaints, including conducting internal investigations. The firm has successfully negotiated severance agreements for numerous executives.
• Criminal Defense: The firm handles a wide array of criminal matters, from minor offenses like DWI to serious felonies including first-degree murder. They employ in-depth investigative techniques, aggressive and creative litigation strategies, and innovative expert witness testimony. Debra Soltis is particularly noted for securing acquittals in all her criminal trials to date and has extensive experience in criminal appellate matters.
• Title IX & Student Rights Matters: Kiyonaga & Soltis routinely represents students, as well as faculty members, involved in Title IX and other student rights issues, whether as accusers, the accused, or witnesses. They also handle student-related bullying and suicide matters.
• OIG Investigations: They represent federal employees who are being investigated for misconduct by their agencies or an Office of Inspector General (OIG).
• Civil Litigation Matters: The firm handles various civil litigation matters, including breach of contract, defamation, tort actions, and other complex civil disputes.
• Wrongful Death/Personal Injury: As an outgrowth of their work for students and employees, K&S specializes in personal injury and wrongful death actions arising out of school and employment settings.
• International Matters: Paul Kiyonaga leverages his international background and network to represent clients in cross-national matters involving criminal allegations or civil claims.
• Sexual Harassment Defense: Kiyonaga & Soltis has developed innovative strategies for defending employees accused of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Kiyonaga & Soltis stands out due to several significant features and highlights that underscore its expertise and commitment to clients in Washington, DC:

• Highly Experienced and Recognized Partners: Both Paul Y. Kiyonaga and Debra Soltis are consistently recognized as "Top Lawyers" by Washingtonian Magazine and have been selected to the Super Lawyers list for over a decade. Debra Soltis has been honored for her criminal practice, while Paul Kiyonaga has received recognition in employment law.
• Tenacious and Caring Advocacy: As highlighted by client testimonials, attorneys like Debra Soltis are described as "awesome," "knowledgeable, tenacious, and caring," and willing to "fight for you." This indicates a strong commitment to client welfare and aggressive representation.
• Extensive Trial and Appellate Experience: The firm specializes in trial and appellate litigation, demonstrating a capacity to handle cases from inception through appeals. Their attorneys have successfully achieved favorable outcomes in challenging cases.
• Diverse Language Capabilities: Paul Y. Kiyonaga is proficient in English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish, and the firm proudly states that Spanish is spoken, making their services accessible to a broader segment of the DC community.
• Strategic and Creative Problem Solving: The firm is known for using in-depth investigative techniques, aggressive and creative litigation strategies, and innovative expert witness testimony to achieve success for their clients.
• Recognized Leaders in Criminal Defense: Kiyonaga & Soltis, P.C. was named a "2025 Winner: Global Excellence Awards" and "Recognized Leaders in Criminal Defense Law 2025 - Washington D.C." by Acquisition International.
• Community Involvement: Debra Soltis serves as the Executive Director of GirlsUP, Inc., a DC-based non-profit, demonstrating a commitment to the local community beyond their legal practice.
• Deep Understanding of Federal Employment Law: Their extensive work with federal employees and OIG investigations is particularly relevant in Washington, DC.

As a professional law firm specializing in complex litigation and representing clients in high-stakes legal matters, Kiyonaga & Soltis does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. Their value proposition is based on their exceptional legal expertise, proven track record, and personalized client service.

Instead, clients engaging with Kiyonaga & Soltis can expect a transparent discussion regarding their legal needs and the associated fee structure. For many of their practice areas, particularly those involving employee rights and civil litigation, attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients typically do not pay upfront legal fees but rather a percentage of any successful settlement or award. For other services, fees may be hourly or retainer-based. It is always recommended that prospective clients directly contact the firm to discuss their specific case and clarify fee arrangements during an initial consultation. The firm's focus is on delivering results and providing peace of mind through expert legal representation, not on promotional pricing.

To connect with Kiyonaga & Soltis in Washington, DC, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1827 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
• Phone: (202) 363-2776
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-363-2776

For legal inquiries or to schedule a consultation, the most effective way to reach the firm is by calling their office directly. Their team will be able to assist in directing your query to the appropriate attorney and setting up an initial discussion about your legal needs.

For residents of the District of Columbia facing challenging legal situations, Kiyonaga & Soltis offers a highly suitable and compelling choice for legal representation. Their central location in Northwest DC provides convenient access for individuals and families across the city.

What truly makes Kiyonaga & Soltis stand out for locals is their potent combination of specialized legal expertise and a deep commitment to client advocacy. As client testimonials affirm, attorneys like Debra Soltis are not only "knowledgeable and tenacious" in fighting for their clients, but also "caring" and understanding. This personalized approach, particularly in sensitive areas like employment discrimination and criminal defense, can make a significant difference in a client's experience and outcome.

The firm's focus on employment and civil rights, with extensive experience representing both private and federal employees in the workplace, is particularly relevant in Washington, DC, a city with a large federal workforce. Their ability to handle complex criminal defense matters, coupled with their international law expertise, further broadens their appeal. The availability of Spanish-speaking attorneys is another significant asset for DC's diverse population. For anyone in the District seeking dedicated, effective, and empathetic legal counsel during a crisis or complex legal challenge, Kiyonaga & Soltis provides a robust and reliable option, truly fighting for the rights and best interests of their community members.