Veteran Criminal Defense Attorney Paolo Gnocchi Joins Scrofano Law PC After 20-Year Career

The legal landscape in Maryland and Washington, D.C., sees a significant shift as veteran criminal defense attorney Paolo Gnocchi joins Scrofano Law PC, bringing over 20 years of courtroom experience and multilingual capabilities to the firm's criminal defense team. This move represents a strategic enhancement of legal services for clients facing serious criminal charges throughout the region.

Gnocchi's career trajectory demonstrates the value of comprehensive legal experience, having served on both sides of the courtroom. After beginning his career at a respected Rockville law firm, he joined the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office as an Assistant State's Attorney, where he prosecuted a broad spectrum of cases. This prosecutorial background provides him with unique insight into how the opposition builds cases, a valuable asset in criminal defense strategy.

In 2004, Gnocchi shifted his focus exclusively to criminal defense, joining a boutique firm before founding the Law Office of Paolo Gnocchi, LLC in 2009. As a solo practitioner, he represented clients in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, trying and winning hundreds of cases ranging from traffic offenses to rape and first-degree murder. His successful track record handling such a wide range of criminal matters positions him as a versatile and experienced advocate for clients facing various legal challenges.

Joseph A. Scrofano, founder and principal attorney of Scrofano Law PC, emphasized the strategic importance of this addition, stating that Gnocchi's depth of experience, community roots, and integrity perfectly align with the firm's mission to provide aggressive, compassionate representation to every client. The firm serves clients throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia from multiple office locations including their Rockville, Maryland office as shown on Google Maps.

Gnocchi's trilingual capabilities—fluency in English, Spanish, and Italian—address a critical need in the legal community for attorneys who can effectively communicate with diverse client populations. This linguistic skill set becomes particularly important in criminal defense, where clear communication and cultural understanding can significantly impact case outcomes and client relationships.

Beyond his private practice, Gnocchi has demonstrated commitment to public service through his work as a felony panel attorney with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender and as a CJA-certified attorney before the D.C. Superior Court. His appointment by Governor Martin O'Malley to the Maryland Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission from 2009 to 2014 further underscores his standing within the legal community and his understanding of judicial selection processes.

The attorney's media presence, including appearances as a legal expert on CNN Español and other outlets, reflects his commitment to public education on criminal law issues. His professional recognition by Super Lawyers and high ratings on Avvo demonstrate peer and client acknowledgment of his legal abilities. Former clients have described him as top notch and a terrific, caring attorney, highlighting the personal approach he brings to legal representation.

Gnocchi's educational background includes graduating magna cum laude from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan and earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law. His appointment as Chancellor of the Jessup Cup International Moot Court Team and internships with both the U.S. Department of Justice and a criminal-immigration defense firm during law school provided early foundation for his distinguished career.

This career move matters to the legal community and potential clients because it combines Gnocchi's two decades of specialized criminal defense experience with the resources and platform of an established firm. For individuals facing criminal charges in Maryland or Washington, D.C., having access to an attorney with both prosecutorial and defense experience, multilingual capabilities, and a proven track record across the full spectrum of criminal cases provides significant advantages in navigating complex legal challenges.