Black Law PLLC

Rachel L. Black is a seasoned trial attorney with fifteen years of experience representing clients in complex criminal and civil matters. During her dynamic and diverse career, she has tried over 20 cases to verdict and litigated complex matters involving police misconduct, evidence tampering, DNA, cell site evidence, and arson investigation.  Ms. Black’s clients have faced homicide and rape charges, mandatory life sentences, expulsion, wrongful conviction and police violence. They have avoided deportation, criminal conviction, and incarceration due to her representation. Ms. Black’s commitment to justice and her proven track record make her a respected advocate in the legal community. She has successfully advocated on behalf of hundreds of clients, often achieving previously unattainable resolutions. 

Certain legal issues are best addressed outside of the courtroom and Ms. Black also excels at strategic out-of-court litigation, investigation, mitigation, and negotiation.  Detail-oriented and unrelenting, Ms. Black works tirelessly with investigators, social workers, and experts to uncover overlooked facts relating to every case in her care to ensure her clients have every avenue of offense and defense available to them.

Ms. Black was competitively selected to serve as a criminal law expert for the International Legal Foundation to empower and develop the capacity of legal service providers in the West Bank and Tunisia.  Her international work included trainings on cross-examination, developing practice standards and defense strategies, and challenging the government’s use of DNA and fingerprint analysis.

In her capacity as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity and Special Investigations Unit, Ms. Black prosecuted high level police officials for crimes ranging from rape to aggravated assault and conducted numerous proceedings before investigative grand juries.  Ms. Black was also instrumental in training the incoming class of the Philadelphia Police Department on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office and was a key driver of the effort to reduce the prison population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Black began her own practice in 2021, representing individuals and assisting firms and organizations in criminal, quasi-criminal, and civil matters. 

Ms. Black received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and her law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she completed both the Human Rights & Genocide Clinic and the prestigious Criminal Defense Clinic.  Ms. Black is admitted to practice in the Southern District of New York, New York State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the New York City Bar Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She is a proud native New Yorker.