Law Offices of Apkarian & Zalewski Call Us 1-877-339-3946

Philip L. Zalewski co-founded Apkarian and Zalewski, A Professional Corporation, which specializes in criminal law, in 2007.  His goal was to establish a unique law firm to give clients personalized, zealous, and dedicated representation. Zalewski, a practicing criminal defense litigation attorney, was appointed as president and CFO of the corporation and remains actively involved in every aspect of the business. Skilled in all facets and phases of criminal law, Zalewski’s cases range from minor infractions to special circumstance and death penalty murder cases.  Zalewski has more than 20 years of courtroom experience and along with his representation of clients he regularly attends and teaches DNA and forensic science classes and seminars.

As law enforcement becomes more “high tech,” clients need a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of a broad range of forensic sciences.  Zalewski’s background and experience have made him a leading legal expert in such areas as DNA, fingerprints, serology, firearms, ballistics, accident reconstruction, computers, and chemical analysis, among others.  Zalewski is often contacted by other lawyers to assist with forensic science cases.

In 1985, Zalewski received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering with a focus in computer aided design from Michigan State University. As a disciplined and highly skilled student, he was also employed by General Motors as a testing and development engineer. After receiving his degree he continued his education, receiving his Jurist Doctorate from The University of Michigan in 1988.

Licensed by the California State Bar, Zalewski worked as a Senior Deputy Orange County Public Defender gaining over18 years of experience in negotiation, pretrial hearings, pleas, motions, court trials, jury trials, sentencing, modifications, and expungements, before founding Apkarian & Zalewski. He has gained the reputation among the judges, his peers, and prosecutors for highly skilled and zealous representation of his clients.  He is a member of a myriad of associations including the California State Bar, California Public Defender’s Association, Orange County Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, West Orange County Bar Association, Celtic Bar Association, and California Lawyers for Criminal Justice.

Zalewski believes every case and every client should receive the same attention, dedication, and highly skilled representation whether the case is easily defended or not.

A longstanding Californian, Zalewski resides in Long Beach. Complimenting his high energy career he enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, formula race car driving, and motorcycle riding.