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Ethan Andrew Way

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About Ethan

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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Practice areas

OtherLitigationBankruptcy and debtFamilyCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    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."

    23 years, 2,110 cases

  2. Family: 25%

    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

  3. Bankruptcy and debt: 18%

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

    17 years

  4. Litigation: 5%

    I handled all aspects of civil litigation in State and Federal Court. I have represented hospitals, banks, insurance companies, small businesses and individuals.

    23 years

  1. International law: 2%

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

    10 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1246942 1272994705

1246942 1551987727

Contact

WAY LAW FIRM, PA

1020 E. Lafayette Street
Suite 112
Tallahassee, FL, 32301

      WAY LAW FIRM, PA

      301 W. Bay Street (TIAA Bank Building)
      14th Floor
      Jacksonville, FL, 32202

      WAY LAW FIRM, PA

      20 Avenue D (Historic Post Office)
      Suite 201
      Apalachicola, FL, 32320

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      FLMember in Good Standing199806/11/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers252
      Legal guides1
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Top 100 Trial Lawyers - CriminalThe National Trial Lawyers2013
      Florida's Legal Elite - Criminal LawFlorida Trend Magazine2010
      Handgun Hunter of the YearSafari Club International - Tallahassee Chapter2009
      Board Certification in Criminal Trial LawFlorida Bar2004
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      PresidentWAY LAW FIRM PA2005 - Present
      Senior PartnerGILLIS WAY & CAMPBELL2013 - 2017
      PartnerGentry & Way2000 - 2005
      Assistant State AttorneyOffice of the State Attorney1998 - 2000
      Assistant Public DefenderOffice of the Public Defender1998 - 1998
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident - Tallahassee Chapter2005 - 2008
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      The Florida State University College of LawJuris Doctor, with honors1998
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      DFS Lunch and LearnTrial Practice2019
      Law Practice Class 2LLaw Office Practice2012
      FSU Law and PracticeBilling practices2011
      Legal Writing IIOral Advocacy2010
      Tallahassee Police Department Lunch & LearnInteracting with lawyers in the criminal justice system2009
      Death is DifferentPlea Negotiations in Death Penalty Cases2005
      Civil and Criminal Jury SelectionTips and strategies for successful jury selection2005
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      State of Florida vs. Andre McKenzieDefendant was acquitted of 1st Degree Murder
      State vs. DMDefendant 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

      Reviews

      (119)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Ethan Way

      Absolutely Superb!

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Out of state litigation

      Posted by

      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!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Divorce

      Posted by

      Couldn't ask for a better attorney, professional and reliable. Highly recommend! Hope I never need a lawyer in the future but if I do....Ethan Way is who I'll call.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      Ethan Way's response: Thank you for your kind words.

      Awesome lawyer!

      Posted by

      I hired Mr. Way for a traffic infraction on my CDL. He went to court for me and got my ticket reduced, adjudication withheld and my costs are less than the original ticket. He did an awesome job with an outcome way better than I even remotely expected!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Thanks Mr. Way

      Posted by

      I want to thank Ethan for all his help with my case. This was my first time dealing with the law on this level, and he was very informative and made this whole trial very seamless for me. I live in Daytona and unfortunately the incident happened in Tallahassee. Mr. Way took care of his end in Tallahassee while I could focus on mine in Daytona. I appreciate your hard work. Thanks again!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      Ethan Way's response: Thank you for your review. I appreciate it very much.

      Quick and Professional

      Posted by

      I contacted Mr. Way via phone and he returned my call the same day. I hired Mr. Way to handle my Income Deduction Order Termination and all went smoothly due to his prompt and professional communications. I would hire Mr. Way again without hesitation. Quick and Professional legal service. Top Notch!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Intelligent, Knowledgeable, Motivated

      Posted by

      Ethan navigated me through a recent legal circumstance. He brought unique ideas to the table regarding my situation. Other lawyers I met with treated my situation as an “open and shut” case and gave me oversimplified legal “solutions” which were not truly in MY best interest. Ethan took ample time to THINK through my situation WITH me instead of throwing a simple solution at me. He was very easy to get into contact with and never made me feel like I was wasting his time with the countless questions I came to him with throughout my experience. If you find yourself in uncharted legal territory, seriously, do yourself a favor and hire Ethan. He is the only lawyer I’ve come across in Tallahassee that isn’t satisfied with the doing bare minimum or just making the “easy” deal.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      I wish I had him from the beginning.

      Posted by

      Having been through the unfair, corrupt and broken justice system, I wish we could just clone him for every single case in America. I had a federal international parental abduction case along with a divorce case. I tried 3 different very well known attorneys but unfortunately they all misled. Ethan is knowledgeable, experienced, and HONEST. Even though he managed the custody case to very positive outcome, I still wish i had him from the beginning.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Most compassionate lawyer

      Posted by

      Just shy of my 19 year old autistic/disabled child had a warrant was issued for felony battery. I was devastated and did not know what to do. After contacting multiple lawyers (no one wanted to even touch this case) I had received Ethans information and got in contact with. I explained the situation and how I was getting no where. Ethan had eased a lot of the fears I had and let me ask all kinds of questions. Do to this case being very different my son fell through some cracks, do to his age but needing a legal guardianship over him. Ethan has called me two days later and asked if I had found a lawyer, which I had not, he then proceeded to say that he wanted to be my son lawyer!! Everything changed from that moment. Ethan wasted no time in trying to make sure that Austin did not fall through the cracks. Ethan had worked hard on making sure to be in contact not only with Agency with people with disabilities, but also myself and the facility my child resides in. If I had a question, he responded almost immediately. Ethan never left me in question as to where we stood with the court and kept me informed through out the seven months the case was opened. Ethan had found an amazing dr to see if my son was competent to stand trial. That was something that waved heavy on my heart. Thankfully My son was deemed incompetent to stand trail. Unfortunately after this had happened my sons facility had given a 30 day notice for new placement for him. Again Ethan was right there to see what else could be done to help my son. Even though my sons case was very unique and honestly never should of had a warrant out for his arrest, I honestly can not think of a better lawyer than Ethan. I am truly thankful that Ethan had a special place in his heart for my son and was my sons voice when he couldn’t be. Even though my sons case was unique and was something I never thought would happen, I am thankful for Ethan willing to be the lawyer of my special needs child. Today Ethan had shared a huge victory in letting me know the case had been dismissed. Ethan from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent

      Posted by

      My friend referred me to Ethan and I am so glad I hired him to handle my divorce. Ethan is a knowledgeable, down to earth, straight forward lawyer and I like that. Throughout the whole process he listened to me, never made me feel like he was too busy and answered all of my questions. Ethan went above and beyond and did most of the leg work during my divorce since the other side was dragging their feet. This was my first experience with needing a lawyer and I'm glad I hired Ethan.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (20)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      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

      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

      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

      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.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates$350-$550/hour
        PAYMENT METHODS

        Cash, Check, Credit Card