Todd S. Pugh

Mr. Pugh is a nationally elected leader of the criminal defense bar. He currently serves as Second Vice President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, an office filled through a nationwide vote of criminal defense lawyers. He is also a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, widely regarded as the most prestigious organization of criminal defense attorneys in the country, with membership limited through rigorous peer review, investigation, and vetting. In 2025, ABCL elected Mr. Pugh to serve as Vice President, further recognizing his professional standing and leadership. He is also a Past President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

In federal court, Mr. Pugh’s experience is unmatched in matters involving alleged public corruption, cryptocurrency and blockchain-related prosecutions, unlicensed money-transmitting allegations, and complex healthcare fraud investigations. He is frequently retained in cases that carry extraordinary financial exposure, reputational risk, and national scrutiny. In state court, Mr. Pugh is equally known for his depth of experience in homicide and sexual-assault defense, where he has tried and defended some of the most challenging cases in Illinois.

Mr. Pugh began his legal career at the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office in the Investigation and Mitigation Division. There, he learned a principle that continues to define his practice: there are no “small” cases or clients. For every person accused of a crime, the case before them is the defining moment of their life and deserves absolute commitment, preparation, and compassion. More than thirty years later, Mr. Pugh still brings this philosophy to every client and instills it in the lawyers he mentors and trains.

An alumnus of DePaul University College of Law, Mr. Pugh has served as an Adjunct Professor since 2013, teaching criminal trial advocacy and mentoring young lawyers. He is also a former student of Northwestern Law School’s legal clinic, where he played a supporting role in overturning wrongful convictions in two capital cases. It was during the trial, acquittal, and ultimate exoneration of Rolando Cruz that Mr. Pugh met his mentor—and now law partner—Thomas Breen.

Mr. Pugh is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer in criminal trial advocacy. He lectures frequently on jury trials, cross-examination, forensic evidence, and expert-witness litigation, and is widely regarded as an authority in the use and challenge of forensic evidence in criminal cases. One veteran prosecutor famously described him as “the expert witness’s worst nightmare.” Mr. Pugh was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve on the Committee on Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, reflecting the Court’s confidence in his judgment, experience, and command of criminal law.

In addition to his trial practice, Mr. Pugh has a deep background in reputation management and restoration, counseling clients and families through the parallel legal, professional, and personal consequences of criminal allegations. His approach blends aggressive defense with strategic discretion, helping clients protect their futures while navigating intense public scrutiny.

Mr. Pugh holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating awarded for legal ability and ethical standards, reflecting the respect of both colleagues and members of the judiciary. He is a Life Member of NACDL, serves on its Executive Committee, and is co-chair of its Fourth Amendment Committee. He serves as a Trustee of the Foundation for Criminal Justice and supports numerous charitable and nonprofit organizations. In 2016, he founded Shiny Side Up Law to support the Road Racing World Action Fund and other motorcycle-related charities. He is a proud alumnus of Florida Atlantic University, which awarded him its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018.

Since 2012, Leading Lawyers has consistently recognized Thomas Breen and Todd Pugh among the Top Ten Criminal Defense Lawyers in Illinois.