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

Showing 31 - 35 of 37 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Goes Above and Beyond

Unbelievable attorney. I had a DUI in December of 2010, and a previous DUI that had been reduced to a reckless before that (handled by a different lawyer). Not only did I need a lawyer to deal with the hell that revolves around a DUI charge, I also had very unique circumstances - first I needed to tr...avel abroad for a family emergency only a week after my arrest, and then had to relocate for a job at the very beginning of my probation. From the beginning, Mr. Way was extremely understanding and dedicated to solving all of my problems. He was extremely informative, and kept me updated with any changes that happened on my case. He is always readily available, whether via phone or email, at all hours of the day, and responded right away to every question I had. In Florida he is very well connected and knows exactly who to speak to to speed up processes or get better results. Throughout multiple times since my arrest, Mr. Way was given extremely tight deadlines to help me out and was always able to find a way. He's also very affordable and enabled me to pay in partial payments to help ease the cost. I wish I had gone to him for my first arrest instead.

Posted by Ms. Wolf | September 07, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Ethan Way one of the greatest Humans on this planet !

He has a positive effect on his client, to an extent far beyond his clients, given the sad situation that brings them to Ethan Way. He is so responsible and communicative. He is a gift from G-d, being that he can save one life, and each life is an entire world. I as a single mother with no one to he...lp me with the most stressful time in my son's life. I thought I would lose him forever, in more ways than one. Not only did Ethan Way find a solution when it seemed their could not be one, he was a role model for my 22 year old son,. He became father, attorney, and tough brother, all wrapped up in one amazing package- he is a gift- a present. No money would ever be enough for the good he does. He is simply a NATIONAL TREASURE. G-D bless your big heart Mr Way. P.S. just for the record , before working with Ethan Way, and the various times I worked with attorneys, they were all the worst experience in my life. If their was a prayer for attorneys prior to Mr Way, it would have been may gone like this- May G-D protect the attorney and keep him far away from us, not for Ethan Andrew Way Law firm. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Outstanding lawyer

Our son was involved in some occurrences which led to our requiring legal assistance. Having no experience with attorneys in Tallahassee, Florida, we were referred to Ethan Way. At immediate first contact, Ethan was responsive, thorough, and spent a good hour with us, then with our son, all while ...out of the area on vacation with his family. We were extremely comfortable with Ethan - his interest and professionalism, as well as his experience with and knowledge of the court system in Tallahassee. He was always responsive to our questions and concerns as he worked quickly and efficiently on the case. He took the time to counsel our son on his behavior, the future, and the results which he could expect if he didn't change his current path. He provided more than the appropriate legal advice to us. Ethan carried us through a very difficult and challenging (and not to mention scary) time. He clearly goes over and above his "required duties" - his counseling of our son has proven invaluable! We have and will continue to recommend Ethan Way as an excellent attorney, welcoming advocate, and comprehensive lawyer who has only the best interests of his clients in mind.

Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2010 | Criminal Defense

Very happy I found Ethan.

I had a few charges on me from 2006. Years later I find out that I had violated some terms of the probation. I needed to clear 3 VOP warrants from my record. My previous lawyer, who handled the original charges, was (and still is) a friend of mine I met through the company for which I I worked. He... was a good guy and I believe he did the best but I have learned in the years since that he may not be part of the elite lawyers in the Tallahasse area. So my search was on to find a great attorney who also had a resonable retainer. After days of searching the web and talking to a few friends who work for the state, Ethan was the name to popped up. Now here was the result... just so you know how important it is to pick the right lawyer: My oringinal lawyers best plea deal X days in jail, 200 hours community service, 1 year supervised probation plus fines, court costs, probation fees etc. Ethan got me the same number of days... but nothing else. No probation, no monthly visits from the probation officer, no communtiy service... just did a few days and Ethan got the state to call it even. Unless you have been on supervised probation and slammed with hundreds of hours of community service... you have no idea how HUGE this was for me. Since I now live out of state, I could have lost a great job dealing with court appearences, probation check in and lost hours of work to do community service hours. Here is a great story about a friend of mine who has also faced criminal charges. I directed him a few years ago to the lawyer I first used on this case. My friend fired him after about 2 months. He then went to a very expensive law firm in Tallahasse who had him on a $20,000 retainer plus he had to spend almost another $10,000 on depositions and all kinds of crazy stuff. After $30,000 and very little movement on his case, he is now on his third attorney. Here is the point, I asked my friend to email Ethan a question while I was being held. Ethan responded back in a matter of moments like he always does. My friend relayed the info to me but had a lot more to say. He couldn't believe, now that he has gone through three different lawyers, how fast Ethan is to respond to any and all your questions. He spent $30,000 dollars on a lawyer who wouldn't even email him back. Even if your case isn't the biggest one Ethan is working on, he can somehow make you feel like you are his top priority. I know he's busy and I don't understand how he does that... just very happy that I found Ethan. I have sent three very close friends of mine to the first attoney I used, and even thought that attorney is still a friend of mine, I feel horriable for the friends I sent his way because I just don't think he is great in the courtroom. So if I can help point people in need to one of the best in Tallhassee, then I hope I that will make up for my earlier uninformed opinions. Now that I have gone through a few lawyers and close friends have gone to many more, I can give you a VERY informed opinion. Just call Ethan and see what you think for yourself.

Posted by Robert | August 22, 2010 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Great Attorney!!!

Great Lawyer, he always answered any questions promptly and let me know of any problems. Ethan is very fiery when he is needed and not afraid to tell how it is and what to expect. As difficult as I can be at times he worked with me to help me get what I want and not let me give anything (that I didn'...t want to) too easily to the other party. Overall, very friendly, prompt with responses, helps as needed, and he just plain gets things done and gets results. Thank you so much for everything

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

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