Licensed for 24 years

State FL

Acquired 1998

Status
Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Ethan Andrew Way

Criminal defense Attorney at Tallahassee, FL

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Resume

Best Divorce Lawyer

I hired Mr. Ethan Way after my previous attorney of a year withdrew from my case saying there was nothing left she could do for me. Ethan swooped in full force to a messy situation and didn’t even flinch. He immediately scheduled Mediation and all paperwork was completed at this time. He is efficient, highly skilled and mostly kind. I appreciated feeling like he cared about me and my situation. I always felt prepared and had my questions answered….I had a lot! My only regret is that I didn’t hire him to begin with!

Delivers results

About Ethan

Learn Ethan’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

58%

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."
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25 years, 2,110 cases
Family

23%

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.
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24 years
Litigation

14%

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.
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25 years
Bankruptcy and debt

4%

Handling Chapter 7, 11, and 13, Personal and Business Bankruptcy cases in the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.

19 years
International law

1%

I have handled HAGUE CONVENTION and ICARA cases in the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.

12 years

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.

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WAY LAW FIRM, PA

1020 E. Lafayette Street

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Tallahassee, FL, 32301

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1022 Park Street

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

137 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Betsy | July 20, 2023

Best Divorce Lawyer

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Response from Ethan Way July 21, 2023

Thank you for your kind words and appreciation.

Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2023

Delivers results

Efficient, professional, very easy to work with. Ethan handled every step of the process and kept me regularly updated on the progress of my case. If you need someone to take the matters completely off your plate, be assured you will be taken care of.

Posted by Amanda | March 3, 2023

The attorney you want on your side

Ethan has superior tact. He is quick thinking and with decades of experience he knows the basic facts to drive home before the judge. He was tough on me, he didn’t coddle me, he told me what I needed to hear and guided us to a favorable order. I was glad Ethan was on my side because when asked, I was even sensitive to the argument he would’ve presented for our opposition. Ethan knows how to build a successful case and cuts through A LOT of the legal nonsense. I recommend Ethan to all clients, but especially women who are tired of being pushed around. Heed his advice and you will be successful.

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Response from Ethan Way March 3, 2023

I appreciate your kind words and thank you for trusting me to assist you with your case.

Posted by Ashley | February 22, 2023

Satisfied Divorce

Ethan is fantastic! He’s very straightforward and doesn’t beat around the bush. He’s also very polite and respectful, and he won’t waste your time or your money. If there’s something you don’t understand, he will break it down for you in simpler terms. Now I understand why he’s been my family’s attorney of choice for many years! If I ever need an attorney in the future, I’ll be sure to hire Ethan again! Absolutely zero complaints!

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Response from Ethan Way February 22, 2023

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your trust and your family's trust.

Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2023

Excellent Representation

Mr. Ethan Way’s professionalism, legal knowledge, and candid approach to our case was a winning strategy. Grateful bringing years of unwarranted litigation to an end. I wholeheartedly recommend the Way Law Group to anyone seeking only the best legal representation.

Posted by Steven | January 30, 2023

Beyond Excellent

Mr. Way went above and beyond what I expected from him. I was in constant contact with him, and never felt like I was lost or didn't know what was happening. Any information or any change in my case, Mr. Way relayed it to me immediately. His professionalism is top notch and his guidance surpasses all others.

Posted by mary | October 8, 2022

Divorce

Ethan Way handled my divorce and was great to work with! He was always available to answer questions, last minute fire drills from my spouse and his attorney, as well as helping me manage the emotions that came with a contentious divorce. It was truly amazing to be able to text when issues came up and get such immediate assistance, even after hours. I can't thank Ethan enough for his no-nonsense, calm approach to a very difficult family matter like divorce!

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Posted by J.P. | August 3, 2022

Excellent Representation

This board certified criminal lawyer recently handled a criminal traffic matter for a relative. Highly recommend to anyone at Florida State or Tallahassee that needs representation.

Posted by Joe | August 1, 2022

Highly recommended

Mr. Way was a critical part of getting through my marathon of a 3 year divorce and I recommend him whole heartedly.

Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2022

Straight to business

Mr. Way did an excellent job responding to my questions very quickly. He delivered as promised.

Posted by Maria | June 14, 2022

EXTREMELY GRATEFUL

My daughter is presently attending post-graduate school and received her first traffic violation. I have been in the legal system for over 22 years and have dealt with many different lawyers. Mr. Way came highly recommended. After handling my daughter's case, i understand why. His combination of personality and professionalism made the process much easier to handle. I am extremely grateful. Thank you Mr. Way

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Response from Ethan Way June 14, 2022

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your confidence in allowing me to assist your daughter.

Posted by Stephen | May 17, 2022

Thank you

I could not have been more satisfied with the outcome of my case. Hiring Ethan Way was definitely the right choice for me. Mr. Way was diligent in his pursuit for the best result for me amid a host of issues. Im sincerely thankful for his work on my behalf.

Response from Ethan Way May 17, 2022

Thank you for your kind words and your confidence in my representation of you.

Posted by Christine | April 11, 2022

Divorce matter

After consulting with several divorce attorneys, I hired Mr. Way to represent me. I found him to be highly intelligent and a more "out of the box" thinker than the other divorce attorneys I consulted. While there were a few things I would have liked to see happen differently, Mr. Way kept my relatively complex case focused on the essentials. Overall, I am very satisfied with the outcome. Mr Way was easy to reach, and responded promptly to messages. He remained conscious of time spent, and did not run up unnecessary fees or costs.

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Posted by lee | March 31, 2022

Outstanding lawyer

"Without the help Ethan Way with Way Law firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Mr. Way took on an extremely difficult divorce case and encountered issues that no one expected and few had ever seen. He worked tirelessly to make sure that my children’s safety and the truth was presented intelligently as well as perfectly. He has stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process with sympathy and understanding. Though we faced challenges, Mr. Way did not falter. His thorough research provided us the pathway we needed to rise to victory. I will only recommend Ethan Way. Ethan had response time to my questions regardless the time of day or night, response time prompt to say the least. I am proud to be a Way Law client and will continue to retain them for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands."

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Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2022

Highly Recommend

I hired Ethan to handle a complicated family law situation. Ethan provided expert counsel in both how to proceed and in creating a legal safety net in the form of a postnuptial agreement that addressed my situation perfectly. I highly recommend Ethan Way.

Posted by Justin | February 26, 2022

Great Attorney

Ethan will help no matter the trouble. Great guy, great attorney! Highly recommended.

Posted by Heather | September 17, 2021

Family Case

Where to begin… I hired Mr. Way for a family case involving a parenting agreement/child custody for my son. This case went on for over a year, and he has literally stood by my side and was only a phone call away at any given moment. Dealing with myself and my case was not simple!!! He made sure that he took the time to make sure all our “ I’s were dotted and T’s were crossed”, before moving to the next step! He was very detailed and made sure he kept me informed on every little thing. Mr. Way, went above and beyond to make sure I was completely satisfied, and I’m happy to say that our case is finally closing and I’m beyond excited with the outcome!! I highly recommend on hiring Ethan Way for any of your court battles, I can assure you that you will be happy with your choice.

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Response from Ethan Way September 17, 2021

Thank you for your kind review.

Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2021

Review

Hands down one of the best attorneys one could ask for. Went above and beyond in everything he did for me, cannot recommend him enough.

Posted by John | July 26, 2021

Absolutely Superb!

Mr. Ethan Way is a fantastic lawyer, a consummate professional, and from day one I was amazed at his level of responsiveness. Emails were answered usually within minutes (unless he was in court or otherwise unable to reply) and his diligence in handling my case was outstanding. When I spoke with him he treated me as if I was his most important client and the result that he realized for me were above my expectations.

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Response from Ethan Way September 17, 2021

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it.

Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2021

Out of state litigation

I was served with papers reference my business being sued in a US District Court in a northern state. Ethan took my paperwork, reviewed my case and notified the plaintiff's attorney that they had the wrong business. My business was removed from the lawsuit within days! Thank You Ethan!!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

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

View all work experience

Education

The Florida State University College of Law
Juris Doctor, with honors
1998

Legal Cases

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

Associations

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
President - Tallahassee Chapter
2005 - 2008

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

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

View all awards

Speaking Engagements

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

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (20)

Given (32)

Endorse Ethan

Jared Sutherland

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 09
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 | Aug 10
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I highly endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Hutton

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 27
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 | May 22
Relationship: Other

"Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Suzanne VanLeeuwen

Litigation Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Shields

Unknown Attorney | Aug 26
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 | May 24
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 | Dec 04
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 | Aug 08
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 | Jul 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Victoria Mussallem

Unknown Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Leace

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 16
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 | Feb 09
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 | Jul 19
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 | Jul 10
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 | Apr 26
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 | Dec 10
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 | Aug 17
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 | Jun 04
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 | Jun 03
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."

View more endorsements

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Child custody

Speeding and traffic ticket

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Litigation

Criminal defense

Personal injury

Criminal defense

Family

General practice

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Criminal defense

Real estate

Litigation

Criminal defense

Administrative law

Avvo Contributions

256 Legal Answers 1 Legal Guides

LEGAL GUIDE
How do I change a plea bargain I entered?
18 Feb 2016
Q&A
Can a probation make me chain up my dog ?I'm not on house arrest.
13 Apr 2022
Q&A
What are my next steps to reinforce custody order issued in NY after I moved to FL? If I do not file what are the subsequences?
08 Mar 2022
Q&A
I am wondering what privacy protection I have, if any, as it relates to the laws in the Florida and or Massachusetts for texts ?
24 Feb 2022

Ethan Andrew Way

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