Criminal Associate | K&B Morale Officer
Augie is arguably the firm’s most tenacious criminal defense associate. A Harvard Law School graduate (summa paw laude), Augie distinguished himself by completing the three-year J.D. program in just 21 dog months—all while maintaining perfect attendance despite his medical challenges.
Before joining Kurtz & Blum, Augie clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who praised his “remarkable ability to sniff out constitutional violations” and his “unparalleled talent for digging up exculpatory evidence.” He later built a stellar trial record as a public defender, using his patented puppy dog eyes defense to sway even the toughest juries.
At Kurtz & Blum, Augie specializes in cases involving:
- Drug-related searches (his nose is 10,000 times more sensitive than a human attorney’s)
- Noise ordinance violations (barking-related cases, often self-represented)
- Leash law disputes (he remains a strong advocate for off-leash freedoms)
- Ball custody battles (intense negotiations, occasionally ending in retrieval disputes)
Though fiercely committed to justice, Augie continues to refine his courtroom demeanor. His tendency to bark back at judges has led to multiple contempt citations, and the “Bailiff Biting Incident of 2022” remains a hot topic in continuing legal education seminars across NC.
His best-selling legal guide, “How to Leave No Trace: Destroying Evidence Without Actually Obstructing Justice,” was briefly pulled from shelves after it was mistakenly taken as serious legal counsel.
When not defending clients, Augie enjoys swimming (as a Portuguese Water Dog, it’s in his blood), destroying tennis balls with the same passion he applies to legal arguments, and maintaining his Instagram account, @AugieEsquire, where he posts daily Paw & Order updates.
He accepts conventional currency but has been known to waive fees in exchange for vegan marshmallows and belly rubs in deserving cases.
