JAIME SANTANA JR., Esq.

            Jaime was born and raised in the Bronx, New York and currently resides in NY State.  He attended Mount Saint Michael Academy High School.  He later attended Binghamton University, where he became an honor student on the Dean’s List.  He was active as a member of the Latino Student Union and the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.  Upon graduating from college, Jaime attended Hofstra University School of Law and was the recipient of a Law School Scholarship.  As a law student, he excelled as a student litigator.  He was invited to join the Hofstra Law School Criminal Justice Clinic, where he represented indigent clients in New York City Courts.  Jaime was also invited to join the Law School’s Unemployment Action Center, where he represented litigants facing employment matters.  His litigation skills were recognized by the Law School and he was invited to join the school’s prestigious Trial Team.  As a Trial Team member, Jaime litigated cases before actual members of the bench and bar and lead his team to a Regional Trial Competition Championship.  He was recognized by Federal Judges as an outstanding courtroom litigator.

Jaime was inspired to embark on a career in Public Service by members of his family that included Armed Service Veterans, including a Purple Heart recipient, a Spanish American War Veteran, Law Enforcement Officers, and a Federal Judge.  Thus, he began his legal career as a PROSECUTOR for one of New York City’s premier District Attorney’s Offices.  As a Criminal Prosecutor, Jaime handled criminal matters that involved thousands of felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, ranging from street crimes and petty offenses to white collar crimes and homicides.  He prosecuted crimes for various bureaus including the Trial Bureau, Early Case Assessment Bureau, School Advocacy Bureau, and Investigations Bureau. 

Believing that he could have a greater societal impact, while utilizing his law degree, Jaime resigned from the District Attorney’s office and opened his own New York City law firm.  Successfully representing clients in assorted civil and criminal matters in State and Federal Court, he eventually expanded his law practice by opening a second office in Middletown, N.Y., after moving to Orange County, along with his family.     

In furtherance of a deep seeded commitment to public service, a passion for the law and the Justice System, and his unwavering fidelity to his community, Jaime pursued the highest position in the legal field an attorney can attain, JUDGE.  In doing so, he became the FIRST LATINO JUDGE in Orange County, New York.  As a Judge, he presided over predominantly criminal matters and brought a tremendous amount of efficiency to the bench.  His court was actually the 9th busiest court in New York State. 

Jaime prides himself in giving back to his community.  In recognition of his Judicial accomplishment and community service, he received a CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD.   In addition, he was honored by the New York State Senate and the Hispanic Coalition.  He was also recently appointed to the Scholarship Committee for the Puerto Rican Day Parade.  Jaime was also the recipient of the 2015 HUMANITARIAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE.  Most recently, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of RESTORING AMERICA THROUGH RECOVERY EDUCATION (R.A.R.E), a non-profit company transforming the re-entry (convicted individuals and veterans) through credit recovery and entrepreneurship education. 

Jaime was a member of the Latino Democratic Committee of Orange County and served as the Committee’s Chairperson of Voter Registration, the Democratic Committee of Orange County, the New York State Bar Association, New York County Lawyer’s Association, and the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund.

While he practices as a Private Attorney, Jaime understands the need for quality representation in underrepresented communities.  He also represents indigent defendants, while serving as a State Panel Private Attorney in both the Bronx and Orange County.  Jaime also regularly mentors students, offers internships and has been a motivational speaker for juveniles and at risk youth.  He also served as a board member for a local Community Health Center.

Recognizing the importance of quality education, he also embarked on an opportunity to become an ADJUNCT PROFESSOR at the collegiate level, where he taught Criminal Procedure. 

Today, his firm, “THE SANTANA LAW FIRM”, thrives as one of New York’s premier firms specializing in Criminal Defense, as well as Personal Injury, including accident cases, Police Brutality and other civil matters.  Jaime has handled numerous high profile cases.  His expertise as a private Criminal Defense attorney is sought by a diverse group of clientele, including Politicians, Lawyers, Teachers, Singers, Actors, Doctors, and more.  He also serves as a legal consultant for various independent film Directors.

When Jaime isn’t commanding an audience in the courtroom, he’s commanding an audience on camera.  As a member of SAG-AFTRA, his acting credits include film, television, and theatre.  Jaime is happily married to his lovely wife Jeanine and spends time with their lovely children Julien, Jordyn, Jesenia, Angiel and Skylar.       

Jaime’s words to live by…“Live, Love, Laugh.”