Paul Statler

Paul Statler is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a proven record of fighting for the rights of his clients in state and federal courts across Iowa. Since 2015, Paul has focused his practice on criminal defense and postconviction relief, representing clients in cases ranging from serious felony charges to complex appeals in state and federal jurisdictions. He brings the same level of preparation, strategic thinking, and relentless advocacy to every case—whether in the courtroom, at the negotiation table, or in written pleadings. Paul is admitted to practice before the Iowa state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He earned his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, receiving academic awards in Criminal Procedure and Federal Income Tax Law. While in law school, Paul served as President of the American Constitution Society and gained extensive hands-on experience through the Neal and Bea Smith Criminal Defense Legal Clinic, the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, and a year-long internship with the Federal Public Defender’s Office. Paul’s clients value his straightforward personality and counsel, meticulous preparation, and willingness to take on even the most challenging cases. He understands that behind every file is a real person whose future depends on the outcome, and he works tirelessly to secure the best possible results. When he’s not in the courtroom, Paul can often be found engaging with the legal community, mentoring younger attorneys, or spending time with his wife and two ‘crazy’ sons. His diverse background and personal experience gives him a unique perspective on discipline, perseverance, and problem-solving. Professional perspective: Inspired by a statement from former Georgia Public Defender, Brett Willis: People ask me what I do, and when I tell them I’m a criminal defense attorney they ask, “what does that mean?” Almost always, I tell them, “I defend people who are accused of, and charged with committing crimes.” After hearing that, they’ll usually ask “how can you defend those people?” I tell them the truth about what I do; I tell them, "it's not about 'those people' - it’s about the sanctity of human liberty, and the cost of it if you want to take it. Every person deserves even the most basic level of respect and deserves their rights to be protected against the government that seeks to take them away." Awards and Honors Honors 2024, 2023 - Top 100 National Trial Lawyer in Iowa 2019 Graduate-Defense of the Damned, Trial Lawyer College 2018, 2017, 2016 - Top 40 under 40, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 2024 – State v. Andrew Harris, defendant acquitted of Murder in the First Degree 2023 – State v. Michelle P., defendant acquitted by jury of Sex Abuse in the Third Degree 2023 – United States of America v. Frazier, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversal of Career Offender enhancement. 2020 – United States v. Blake Gibbons, defendant sentenced to federal probation after assaulting U.S. Congressman 2020 – State v. James Vandermark, defendant acquitted of Burglary in the First Degree and Willful Injury 2018 – United States v. Jenny Nelson, defendant acquitted of Bank Robbery. 2017 – State v. John Einertson, defendant acquitted of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Carrying Weapons 2017 – State v. Dennis Brouse, defendant acquitted of tax fraud

• Owner / Attorney, Statler Law P.L.L.C., 06/2016 – 09/2025
• Attorney, Marks Law Firm, P.L.L.C., 07/2015 – 05/2016
• Dickey & Campbell Law Firm, P.L.C., Clerk, 02/2014 – 01/2015
• Federal Public Defender Southern District of Iowa, Intern, 08/2013 – 8/2014

• U.S. District Court Southern District of Iowa
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa
• U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

• National Association of Public Defense
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Iowa Association for Justice
• American Bar Association
• Iowa State Bar Association