Long before co-founding James & Bradley Law Firm, LLC, criminal defense attorney Michael Bradley began his legal career as a public defender, an experience that helped shape the trial-ready approach and client advocacy that define his practice today.

With more than 18 years of legal experience, Michael Bradley has built a reputation for representing individuals facing complex criminal matters throughout southeast Louisiana. While his practice today focuses primarily on criminal defense, the principles that guide his work were established early in his career, where he represented individuals navigating the criminal justice system and developed the courtroom skills that continue to serve his clients.

According to Bradley’s professional biography, one of the defining achievements of his early career was attaining Louisiana’s highest plea-to-dismissal ratio while serving as a public defender. The accomplishment reflected his commitment to thorough case preparation, strategic advocacy, and pursuing favorable outcomes for the individuals he represented.

As Bradley transitioned into private practice, he broadened his legal experience beyond criminal defense to include family law, personal injury, maritime law, and parole matters. That diverse background provided a broader understanding of the legal system while reinforcing the importance of careful preparation and individualized representation.

Bradley later co-founded James & Bradley Law Firm alongside attorney Mark James II, establishing a criminal defense practice built on collaboration and trial preparation. Rather than relying on a single attorney, the firm’s lawyers and staff work together throughout every stage of a case, approaching each matter with the expectation that it could ultimately proceed to trial. The firm represents clients throughout St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston, Washington, and surrounding parishes, handling matters ranging from DUI and DWI offenses to violent crimes, drug charges, domestic violence allegations, juvenile cases, white-collar offenses, and criminal appeals.

Beyond representing clients, Bradley has also contributed to Louisiana’s legal community by co-founding and chairing the Criminal Division of the 22nd Judicial District Bar Association in St. Tammany Parish. The initiative was created to promote collaboration among criminal law practitioners while supporting continued improvements to the administration of justice within the local legal community.

Bradley’s work has earned recognition at both the national and community levels. He has been selected to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, an invitation-only organization recognizing accomplished trial attorneys from across the United States. He has also been recognized as St. Tammany West’s Favorite Overall Attorney, reflecting both professional recognition and the trust he has earned within the communities he serves. Recently his firm, James and Bradley, LLC was just voted Best Criminal Law Firm in St Tammany by the Times Picayune.

While his career has evolved considerably since his early years as a public defender, Bradley says the mission has remained consistent: providing every client with experienced advocacy, meticulous preparation, and a commitment to protecting their rights throughout the legal process.

About Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley is a criminal defense attorney and co-founder of James & Bradley Law Firm, LLC in Covington, Louisiana. With more than 18 years of legal experience, he represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana in a wide range of criminal defense matters. His practice is built on a collaborative, trial-focused philosophy designed to provide clients with experienced, strategic, and personalized legal representation.