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Donato Joseph Rinaldi
About Donato
Biography
- Retired Firefighter
- U.S. Navy Veteran
- Deployment to Persian Gulf during the Gulf War
- NACA Member
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Consumer Protection
40%
17 years
Litigation
30%
17 years
Employment and Labor
20%
17 years
Bankruptcy and Debt
5%
12 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-450 per hour
Contingency
25%-40%
Pro bono
5 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Connecticut for 15 years
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 16 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Rinaldi Law, P.A.
9310 Old Kings Rd S Ste 302, Jacksonville, FL, 32257-6155
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Donato Joseph Rinaldi's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (15)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews
Posted by Corwin Berry | June 11, 2016
He helped me when my mind was confused with worry.
There are very few people who take their time to try and work with someone who is confused and frightened. No only did Mr. Rinaldi help me with my question. He helped me with my question when I couldn't form thoughts properly. He took the time to figure out my problem even though he didn't have to...
Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2016
Very Impressed with Mr. Rinaldi
Promptly responded to my questions and afforded me the time I needed to (finally) understand the answer. Patient and professional all the way.
Posted by Donna | April 18, 2016
So helpful and Quick to answer
I thank Mr. Rinaldi for his prompt and clear answers I would highly recommend him for questions and recommend hiring him if your situation warrants. I liked the fact that he didn't try to "sell" his services when they were not necessary and was helpful despite was a zero cost to me :)
Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent attorney who actually cares
Mr. Rinaldi helped me so much during a very (and still) tough patch of my life. I came into his office a nervous wreck. He answered all of my questions and literally took over the case for me and let me get back to rebuilding my life. He was absolutely brilliant in handling my case, professional,...
Posted by Courtney | February 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Foreclosure
I high recommend...
I do not have the words to say how much I recommend Mr. Rinaldi as an attorney. I have been foreclosed upon twice. The first time, back in 2010, not only did Mr. Rinaldi win the lawsuit and save my house, but he was able to get the bank to pay my attorney’s fees. He recovered a total of $11,000. ...
Donato Joseph Rinaldi's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Rinaldi is a highly knowledgeable and effective attorney."
"Although I have never met Mr. Rinaldi in person, I have had the pleasure of answering many of the same questions on this website. He clearly tells it like he sees it, as is the responsibility of any lawyer who is truly looking out for the best interests of a client. Mr. Rinaldi has provided a much needed service through his generous pro bono contributions to this forum. I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Rinaldi offers wise counsel on many matters."
"Attorney Donato J. Rinaldi is one of America's smartest and wisest attorneys. If you need a lawyer on your side don't wait call him now. I endorse him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. His responses in the AVVO Forum are insightful and accurate. A true asset to the legal community."
"The answers of Mr. Rinaldi are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are precisely the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Donato is an extremely capable and dedicated attorney. I have worked with him on numerous matters and he will go the extra mile to obtain positive results for his clients."
"Mr. Rinaldi is a very accomplished advocate whose accurate and helpful legal analyses are tempered by a healthy dose of refreshing humor. This is nice to see, and makes me proud to endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Rinaldi is a terrific consumer rights attorney. He is very passionate about his clients and their cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Rinaldi is a highly respected attorney in the community. As a retired firefighter and member of the US Navy, Mr. Rinaldi knows what it means to go above and beyond to help people. I highly recommend him."
"Mr. Rinaldi provides excellent contributions to the avvo community. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Donato has great drive and passion for representing consumers that have wronged by institutions. This is coupled with a success rate in court that would hard for any other attorney to meet."
"Mr. Rinaldi is a superb attorney. I've witnessed him in trial and spoke with him about many legal issues and the constantly evolving state of foreclosure law. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer because he is a real lawyer's lawyer. He is compassionate, knowledgeable, thorough and compassionate. I would trust him with any legal matter."
"I have seen Donato in foreclosure court many times fearlessly pursuing his clients' rights. He is a smart and capable advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Paula Coffman
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Giselle Torres
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Jennifer Ngoie
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Jay Grife
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Adam Thoresen
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Amanda Edwards
General practice lawyer
Thomas Pycraft
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Michael Pelkowski
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Pro Bono Award - Seventh Judicial Circuit, Florida Supreme Court
2023
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2022
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2021
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2020
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2019
Pro bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2018
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2017
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2017
Equal Justice Award, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
2016
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2015
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2014
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2013
Pro Bono Award, St. Johns County Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Award, Brevard County Bar Association
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Managing Partner, Rinaldi Law, P.A.
2016 - 2024
Network Attorney, Hyatt Legal Plans
2015 - 2024
Network Attorney, ARAG
2015 - 2024
Network Attorney, U.S. Legal
Associations
2017 - Present
U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsAccredited Attorney Representative
2015 - Present
National Italian-American Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
National Association of Consumer AdvocatesMember
2014 - Present
Putnam County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
St. Johns County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Florida BarMember
2009 - Present
Connecticut Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Brevard County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice SectionMember
2005 - Present
Delta Theta Phi Law FraternityMember
2001 - Present
American LegionMember for Life
1996 - Present
American Civil Liberties UnionMember
1991 - Present
VFWLife Member
2015 - 2018
National Consumer Law CenterMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Graham v. Pender 16-2020-AP-000023
Prevail at Trial; Affirmed on Appeal
DeLong v. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC 222 So. 3d 662
Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal reversed trial court judgment for lender and remanded with instructions to involuntarily dismiss plaintiff's action.
CitiMortgage v. Caulkett 224 So. 3d 241
Judgment for Defendant at trial. Bank appealed. Affirmed - Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal.
JP Morgan Chase Bank v. Kaufman 2016 Fla. Cir. LEXIS 21527
Final Judgment for Defendant plus recovery of attorney's fees. This decision resulted in a free house for the homeowner.
Nationstar Mortgage, LLC v. Clemens 2015 Fla. Cir. LEXIS 45120
Final Judgment for Defendant at Trial and recovery of attorney's fees.
Household Finance Corp. v. Biele
Final Judgment for Defendants at Trial plus recovery of attorney's fees.
BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. v. Tonjia R. Mitchell 05-2010-CA-026103
Involuntary Dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Wells Fargo Bank v. Romanelli 05-2011-CA-039721
Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice.
Bella Toscana Homeowners Association v. Roxanne E. Eadie 53-2011-CC-001237
Voluntary dismissal.
U.S. Bank NA v. Senteio
Involuntary Dismissal at trial plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Bank of America v. Mills 2015 Fla. Cir. LEXIS 42849
Final Judgment for Defendant at trial plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Capital One Bank v. Jonathan J. Powell 05-2011-SC-008374
Involuntary Dismissal.
Wells Fargo Bank v. Goembel
Voluntary Dismissal at trial.
FNMA v. Steven T. Oki 05-2013-CA-039410
Voluntary Dismissal.
CACH, LLC v. Taylor 48-2014-SC-002805-O
Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice.
Colonial National Mortgage v. Fechas 2015 Fla. Cir. LEXIS 42861
Final Judgment for the Defendants plus an award of attorney's fees.
JPMorgan Chase Bank v. Steven Moore 49-2014-CA-000641-MF
Voluntary Dismissal.
Community Credit Union v. Coles
Voluntary Dismissal
Chase Home Finance v. Daisy Raymond 05-2009-CA-013428
Summary Judgment for Defendants plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Midland Funding, LLC v. Alonzi 05-2012-CC-048109
Involuntary Dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Green Tree Servicing v. Guardia
Voluntary Dismissal
HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Romanelli 05-2009-CA-044674
Involuntary Dismissal plus order granting entitlement to attorney's fees.
Midland Funding v. Trkulja 05-2011-CC-039811
Dissolution of Garnishment plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Westchester Homeowners Association of Lake County v. Juana Jimenez 35-2010-CC-001743
Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Midland Funding v. Stover 05-2013-CC-025098
Voluntary dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Wells Fargo Bank v. Anthony M. Lambert 05-2012-CA-024695
Voluntary Dismissal.
Embrace Home Loans v. Pelletier
Voluntary Dismissal
BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. v. Chadwick Hargis 05-2009-CA-044426
Involuntary Dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
CitiMortgage, Inc. v. Stephen D. Poindexter 05-2011-CA-042247
Voluntary Dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees..
Citibank, N.A. v. Azore 53-2010-CA-005721-0000-WH
Involuntary Dismissal.
Wells Fargo Bank . Nadia Israel 05-2013-CA-033274
Voluntary Dismissal.
Cavalry Portfolio Services LLC v. John Kerr 49-2011-CC-002792-OT
Involuntary Dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Wells Fargo Bank v. Buxeda
Voluntary Dismissal
Bank of New York Mellon v. Webb 05-2010-CA-007267
Voluntary Dismissal.
CitiMortgage v. Rutter 05-2009-CA-011696
Consent Judgment with waiver of substantial deficiency.
Bank of America v. Girgis Israel 05-2011-CA-044483
Voluntary Dismissal.
TD Bank v. Chancery
Voluntary Dismissal
Wells Fargo Bank v. Garcia
Voluntary Dismissal
Bank of New York Mellon v. Chris Georgeff 05-2010-CA-010594
Voluntary dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Space Coast Credit Union v. Robinson 05-2011-CA-054178
Voluntary Dismissal.
U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Dennis Marsico 53-2012-CA-005366-0000-LK
Voluntary Dismissal.
U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Dennis Marsico 53-2012-CA-005366-0000-LK
Voluntary Dismissal.
Citibank, N.A. v. Stafford 35-2012-CC-001815
Voluntary Dismissal.
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. v. Devillo
Voluntary Dismissal
HSBC Bank USA, N.A. v. Emerterio Hernandez 05-2012-CA-037590
Voluntary Dismissal.
U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Norman M. McPherson 05-2009-CA-034650
Involuntary Dismissal.
Chase Bank USA, N.A. v. Abreu 05-2010-CC-048869
Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice.
FIA Card Services v. Salas 05-2010-CC-032765
Voluntary Dismissal.
CitiMortgage v. Sullivan 05-2011-CA-052425
Voluntary Dismissal.
Chase Bank USA, N.A. v. Anufrom 05-2010-CC-049984
Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice.
Citibank (South Dakota), N.A. v. Atarodian 49-2009-CC-00386-CL
Involuntary Dismissal.
U.S. Bank NA v. Hernandez
Voluntary Dismissal
SunTrust Mortgage v. Ewing
Voluntary Dismissal
FIA Card Services v. Crawford
Voluntary Dismissal WITH Prejudice
Asset Acceptance, LLC v. Tuttle 05-2011-CA-044565
Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice.
Wells Fargo Bank v. Manuel A. Ramirez 35-2010-CA-002999
Voluntary Dismissal.
GMAC Mortgage v. Collins
Voluntary Dismissal at Trial
Chase Home Finance v. Kaufman
Involuntary Dismissal plus recovery of attorney's fees.
Bank of New York Mellon v. Ceglio
Involuntary Dismissal
Education
2019
Student Loan Law Workshop
Graduate
2019
Veterans Advocates Group of America
Graduate
2018
NACA Automobile Fraud Conference
Attendee
2017
FDCPA Bootcamp
Graduate
2016
Max Gardner's Consumer Defense Academy and Bankruptcy Bootcamp
Graduate
2016
NACA Automobile Fraud Conference
Attendee
2008
Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor
2007
Southeastern Trust School - Campbell University
MA - Masters
Speaking Engagements
2015
Consumer Protection for the Elderly
Consumer Protection for the Elderly
Publications
2016
AVVO Legal Guides
How to Deal with a Debt Collector Suing You in Small Claims Court in Florida
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can a Judgement affect the sale of my Florida homestead in lieu of foreclosure?
16 Aug 2022
Q&A
Would a debt to an hoa of apprx 3000.00 be reasonable for the lawyer of the hoa ask for a foreclosure ? And would a judge grant
27 Oct 2021
Q&A
Do I have the right to keep property left in a home I purchased that someone is now trying to take ?
28 Oct 2021