Washington, D.C. criminal defense lawyer Nabeel Kibria shares the philosophy that guides his work as well as his one most common piece of advice to clients. He shares that his core philosophy as a lawyer is rooted in understanding that when someone seeks legal counsel, they are often in one of the most frightening and uncertain moments of their life. Even for those who have faced legal issues before, the experience is filled with fear and anxiety. He believes clients need more than just legal knowledge—they need someone who truly understands what they are going through.

He credits the way he was raised, along with the reasons he became an attorney, for giving him a deep appreciation of the stress and fears clients face. He tailors his practice not only to guide clients through the legal process and fight for outcomes that protect their rights and freedoms, but also to reassure them throughout the journey. His goal is to keep clients calm, supported, and confident that he understands what they are experiencing and is available to help them around the clock.

He emphasizes one critical rule that cannot be repeated enough: if you are facing any kind of legal matter, especially a criminal matter, do not say anything to the police or investigators. If you are under investigation, about to be arrested, or already under arrest, the only words you should say are, “I need a lawyer” or “I want to speak to a lawyer.”