Ethan Andrew Way

Ethan Andrew Way

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Tallahassee, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Family, Litigation ... +2 more

201 South Monroe Street, Suite 400, Tallahassee, FL

About Ethan

Biography

Practice Areas

5

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."

28 years | 2,110 cases

58%
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.

27 years

23%
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.

28 years

14%
Bankruptcy and Debt 4%

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

22 years

4%
International Law 1%

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

15 years

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 400-625 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 27 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1998

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

WAY LAW FIRM, PA

201 South Monroe Street, Suite 400, Tallahassee, FL, 32301

WAY LAW FIRM, PA

2720 Park Street, Suite 227, Jacksonville, FL, 32205

WAY LAW FIRM, PA

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

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Ethan Andrew Way's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

152 Client Reviews

5 star (152)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Mia Messer | February 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional, ethical, dedicated

The shear expertise and competence of skill Mr. Way has is simply astounding. The dedication he showed to us and taking no less than the best outcome he could possibly get, just shocked us. Having had a very bad lawyer in the past who not only wouldn't communicate with us, but would often not show f...or court and obviously could care less about our future, made Mr. Way even more appreciated than he already was. He always took time to communicate with us and always made sure we were well aware of what was going on at all times. The tenacity and diligence he showed in our case has given us a future we were, at first, very unsure of. To say the very least, Mr. Way is YOUR lawyer when you hire him. He may have hundreds of other clients, but when it comes to your case, he puts his whole self into getting the best outcome he can. He knows the ins and outs, he knows the politics and how the "good ole boy" system works, he knows the laws and he is simply a true and dedicated professional. If you're looking for a piece of mind in hiring a lawyer that you know will be on your side, Mr. Way is that person. Thank you Mr. Way for absolutely everything you did for us and giving us our future back.

Ethan Way

Replied last February 22, 2026

Thank you very much for your kind review. I appreciate your trust in me and my firm.

Posted by Jason | January 27, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Dedicated. Professional .Trustworthy .

Mr. Way is by far the most professional, dedicated, trustworthy and determined lawyer you will ever meet. His knowledge and confidence gives you a piece of mind like no other. You know throughout the process that you are going through that he is on your side and will fight for you with all sincerity.... He is in constant communication with you which is unheard of for a lawyer. When he takes your case, feel comfortable knowing he will not stop. Mr. Way saved me in the situation I was in and fought for the absolute best outcome. Mr. Way has definitely been a blessing in my life and I’m truly grateful that I was able to hire him.

Ethan Way

Replied last January 27, 2026

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you.

Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

This is the attorney you want!

Mr. Way went above and beyond to secure a positive result. He is kind, super helpful, and immensely knowledgeable. Immediately following our first phone call, Mr. Way jumped in and took the necessary steps. Mr. Way provided regular updates and was always responsive to calls. Being from out of the ...area it was especially comforting in a stressful situation to have someone who is keenly familiar with the local forums and procedures. Mr. Way's advice was candid and based on a wealth of experience, allowing us to make informed decisions about how best to proceed. He truly cares about his clients. It is good to know we can call upon Mr. Way if we ever have a problem requiring a lawyer. I most highly recommend Mr. Way if you are in need of an attorney.

Posted by Beth | October 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Incredible lawyer, great experience

Ethan is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and considerate.We talked about my situation and he started working on it immediately, big relief! He was quick to answer all my questions, and always returned my calls.Ethan is an incredible lawyer. I would advise anyone and everyone to use him if ever... need be. Thank you, Ethan.

Posted by John | October 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Lawyer

Divorce from hell. I made a stupid mid life crisis mistake of marrying a crazy dragon lady who wanted to financially gut me after 21 months of marriage. After the divorce was filed this woman falsely Backer Acted me and then assaulted me for taking her drinking water. Ethan was there for me the wh...ole way through this 2 year divorce. I can’t thank him enough.

See All Client Reviews

Ethan Andrew Way's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ethan
Jared Blake Sutherland headshot
Jared Sutherland

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Renee Geer headshot
April Geer

Litigation lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I highly endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Michael Hutton headshot
Thomas Hutton

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Other

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

Suzanne M VanLeeuwen headshot
Suzanne VanLeeuwen

Litigation lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

Unknown lawyer | 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 S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 S Urban Jr. headshot
Mark Urban

General practice lawyer | 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 Collin Cherry headshot
Arthur Cherry

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 R Wohlsifer Esq. headshot
William Wohlsifer

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Victoria Marie Mussallem headshot
Victoria Mussallem

Unknown lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Matthew Leace headshot
John Leace

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Nadine Record headshot
Tracy Record

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Applegate Kunes headshot
Patrick Kunes

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Thomas Cotterall headshot
William Cotterall

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 headshot
Luke Newman

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Wilmot Schrader headshot
Amy Schrader

Family lawyer | 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 Jo Hilliard Esq. headshot
Maggie Hilliard

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Timothy Gillis headshot
Harold Gillis

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Doganiero Palmieri headshot
Lori Palmieri

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 All Endorsements
Madelyn Marie Pittman headshot
Madelyn Pittman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jacquelyn Anne Thomas headshot
Jacquelyn Thomas

Litigation lawyer

Jared Blake Sutherland headshot
Jared Sutherland

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Clayton Williams headshot
Matthew Williams

Criminal defense lawyer

O. Kim Byrd headshot
O. Byrd

Child custody lawyer

Ian Donovan Nesbeth headshot
Ian Nesbeth

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Kevin Robert Alvarez headshot
Kevin Alvarez

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles William Lammers headshot
Charles Lammers

Criminal defense lawyer

April Renee Geer headshot
April Geer

Litigation lawyer

Susan Meredith Malove headshot
Susan Malove

Criminal defense lawyer

Allen Sims McConnaughhay headshot
Allen McConnaughhay

Personal injury lawyer

Sean Timothy Desmond headshot
Sean Desmond

Criminal defense lawyer

Lauren Elise Kingry headshot
Lauren Kingry

Family lawyer

Mark S Urban Jr. headshot
Mark Urban

General practice lawyer

Lucas Style Lanasa headshot
Lucas Lanasa

Criminal defense lawyer

Arthur Collin Cherry headshot
Arthur Cherry

Criminal defense lawyer

Victoria Marie Mussallem headshot
Victoria Mussallem

Criminal defense lawyer

Kelly Bryan Sims headshot
Kelly Sims

Criminal defense lawyer

Mary Watts Colon headshot
Mary Colon

Real estate lawyer

Joel Settembrini Jr. headshot
Joel Settembrini

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers - Criminal, The National Trial Lawyers

2010

Florida's Legal Elite - Criminal Law, Florida Trend Magazine

2009

Handgun Hunter of the Year, Safari Club International - Tallahassee Chapter

2004

Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law, Florida Bar

Work Experience

2005 - Present

President, WAY LAW FIRM PA

2013 - 2017

Senior Partner, GILLIS WAY & CAMPBELL

2000 - 2005

Partner, Gentry & Way

1998 - 2000

Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney

1998 - 1998

Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender

Associations

2005 - 2008

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President - Tallahassee Chapter

Sample of 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

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

The Florida State University College of Law

Juris Doctor, with honors

Speaking Engagements

2019

DFS Lunch and Learn

Trial Practice

2012

Law Practice Class 2L

Law Office Practice

2011

FSU Law and Practice

Billing practices

2010

Legal Writing II

Oral Advocacy

2009

Tallahassee Police Department Lunch & Learn

Interacting with lawyers in the criminal justice system

2005

Death is Different

Plea Negotiations in Death Penalty Cases

2005

Civil and Criminal Jury Selection

Tips and strategies for successful jury selection

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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