I have been practicing law since 1998. I always strive to provide my clients with the best possible representation. My focus is on communication between client, lawyer, adversary and the Courts. Many, many matters can be effectively resolved through a comprehensive understanding of the facts in a given case. And no 2 cases are just alike!
My practice is almost exclusively a trial practice, criminal and civil - state and federal. But I also deal with family law, bankruptcy, contracts and administrative law matters.
I have offices in Tallahassee and Jacksonville and handle cases in the Panhandle and throughout Florida.
I am a avid hunter and sportsman. I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 sons. We travel, hunt and enjoy the outdoors together.
Practice areas
As a former Assistant Public Defender, Assistant State Attorney and private practitioner, I have handled cases ranging from DUI to 1st Degree Murder. I am Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law and "death qualified."
24 years, 2,110 cases
I utilize my trial skills in providing clients with effective representation at hearings, mediations and trials. I have handled cases involving child custody, relocation issues, and multi-million dollar asset and liability distribution.
23 years
I handled all aspects of civil litigation in State and Federal Court. I have represented hospitals, banks, insurance companies, small businesses, local governments, sheriffs and individuals.
24 years
Handling Chapter 7, 11, and 13, Personal and Business Bankruptcy cases in the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.
18 years
I have handled HAGUE CONVENTION and ICARA cases in the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.
11 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 1998 | 05/16/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top 100 Trial Lawyers - Criminal | The National Trial Lawyers | 2013 |
Florida's Legal Elite - Criminal Law | Florida Trend Magazine | 2010 |
Handgun Hunter of the Year | Safari Club International - Tallahassee Chapter | 2009 |
Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law | Florida Bar | 2004 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President | WAY LAW FIRM PA | 2005 - Present |
Senior Partner | GILLIS WAY & CAMPBELL | 2013 - 2017 |
Partner | Gentry & Way | 2000 - 2005 |
Assistant State Attorney | Office of the State Attorney | 1998 - 2000 |
Assistant Public Defender | Office of the Public Defender | 1998 - 1998 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | President - Tallahassee Chapter | 2005 - 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
The Florida State University College of Law | Juris Doctor, with honors | 1998 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
DFS Lunch and Learn | Trial Practice | 2019 |
Law Practice Class 2L | Law Office Practice | 2012 |
FSU Law and Practice | Billing practices | 2011 |
Legal Writing II | Oral Advocacy | 2010 |
Tallahassee Police Department Lunch & Learn | Interacting with lawyers in the criminal justice system | 2009 |
Death is Different | Plea Negotiations in Death Penalty Cases | 2005 |
Civil and Criminal Jury Selection | Tips and strategies for successful jury selection | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State of Florida vs. Andre McKenzie | Defendant was acquitted of 1st Degree Murder |
State vs. DM | Defendant acquitted at a bench trial |
Badger Capital, LLC, et al. v. Chambers Bank, et al. | Plaintiff dismissed immediately before cross-examination of a critical plaintiff |
Posted by J.P.
August 3, 2022
Posted by Joe
August 1, 2022
Posted by anonymous
July 21, 2022
Posted by Maria
June 14, 2022
Posted by Stephen
May 17, 2022
Posted by Christine
April 11, 2022
Posted by lee
March 31, 2022
Posted by anonymous
February 27, 2022
Posted by Justin
February 26, 2022
Posted by Heather
September 17, 2021
Jared Sutherland, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 9, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked alongside Mr. Way providing research assistance and advice on multiple criminal matters. Mr. Way is always candid and professional, providing the best legal representation in every case he takes.
April Geer, Litigation Attorney on Aug 10, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I highly endorse this lawyer.
Thomas Hutton, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 27, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have been opposite Ethan in criminal trial settings. He is thorough and professional.
Judd Nemiro, Unknown Attorney on May 22, 2015
Relationship: Other
Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer.
Suzanne VanLeeuwen, Litigation Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
James Shields, Unknown Attorney on Aug 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Ethan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Mark Urban, General practice Attorney on Dec 4, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Ethan in action and he is a zealous advocate for his clients. He has a vast knowledge of the law and the legal system. I would not hesitate to recommend Ethan Way.
Arthur Cherry, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 8, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ethan is a great attorney who gets results for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
William Wohlsifer, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Jul 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Victoria Mussallem, Unknown Attorney on Apr 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John Leace, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
It is without hesitation that I endorse this lawyer. Ethan is an attorney that zealously advocates for his clients while maintaining high ethical standards and garnering the respect of his colleagues and the judiciary. Ethan would be a good choice for anyone needing legal assistance.
Tracy Record, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 9, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ethan is an accomplished and professional advocate. We served together as board members of our local chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I am familiar not only with his fine representation of clients but to his commitment to the criminal defense bar as well as his expertise in other practice areas. So when I needed legal advice on a personal matter, I trusted Ethan to handle it for me.
Patrick Kunes, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 19, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have had the opportunity to work with Ethan for a mutual client who had criminal charges in both Florida and Georgia. Ethan promptly returned all phone calls and was very knowledgable about Florida law and local courtroom procedure. I would not hesitate to refer a potential client his way for representation of DUI or any criminal charge.
William Cotterall, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 10, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Ethan Way is very responsive to his clients and fights aggresivly for them. I highly recommend him because of his professionalism and understanding of the law.
Luke Newman, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
A common issue in representing an individual in a criminal appeal is trial counsel failing to preserve the issue(s). I was referred an appeal from a case which Ethan Way tried. The legal issues in the case were meticulously and thoroughly preserved throughout the course of the trial. The Office of the Attorney General; which argues preservation in almost every appeal; conceded that the issue was properly preserved and ripe for appellate discourse. Mr. Way is board certified and recognized as an expert in criminal trial practice. I would be more than confident in knowing that Mr. Way was representing a relative or close friend of mine.
Amy Schrader, Family Attorney on Dec 10, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Mr. Way is an extremely knowledgeable and capable attorney who zealously represents his clients' interests. I highly recommend him when clients or friends seek family law or criminal representation.
Maggie Hilliard, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 17, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I proudly endorse Mr. Way, as he is an ethical and zealous advocate for his client's rights. I have worked with him and would do so again!
Harold Gillis, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I highly endorse this lawyer's work. I am familiar with Mr. Way's work ethic and the results he obtains for his clients. In the event any of my clients ever require criminal, family law, or bankruptcy representation, I have complete confidence in referring those clients to Mr. Way, knowing that they will receive the highest level of representation available.
Lori Palmieri, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I highly recommend the legal skills of Ethan Way. Ethan has distinguished himself among the lawyers in the Tallahassee area through his knowledge of law and procedure and his total committment to the best interests of his clients. He enjoys enormous respect among his colleagues and the judges before whom he practices. In addition to his successful practice, Ethan contributes his time to the Florida Bar Committee for Board Certification in Criminal Law and will serve as the vice-chair in the coming year. His designation as an expert in Criminal Trial Law is just one of his many positive accomplishments. I recommend his services without hesitation.
Cash, Check, Credit Card