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Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.

Family Attorney at Panama City, FL

4.3   17 reviews
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  • Licensed for 19 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2004
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

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

This guy is top notch
Christina
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Excellent Divorce Attorney
anonymous
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted Attorney
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About Gerard

Learn Gerard’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas

Gerard Virga received his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and then earned his juris doctorate from Cumberland School of Law.

Mr. Virga also had the distinguished honor of being a law clerk for former United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions and an Assistant Attorney General under Attorney General Charlie Crist. Following his legal service to the State of Florida and the United States, Mr. Virga returned home and opened The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

Mr. Virga is the lead attorney of The Virga Law Firm. The firm has grown to include law offices in Panama City, Fort Walton, Pensacola, Orlando, Destin, Panama City Beach, and Tallahassee Florida. Mr. Virga has routinely handled divorce and family law litigation for thousands of clients throughout Florida, having practiced in numerous counties and circuits throughout the state of Florida.

Mr. Virga has almost exclusively, devoted his practice to family law and divorce litigation. His reputation as an avid family law litigator was achieved by zealously representing thousands of clients in almost every type of family law case imaginable.

This attention to detail, compassion for clients, and aggressive representation has led to the expansion of his firm throughout Florida.

Among the many awards and accolades that Mr. Virga has received, he is most proud of being named in the “10 Best” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Mr. Virga has also been recognized by the National Advocates as a “Top Lawyer”, been given a distinguished honor by being named in the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers”, and listed as a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star.

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Reviews

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4.3 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Christina | December 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
This guy is top notch
Mr. Virga is easily one of the best attorneys in town. I found him through a law professor friend of mine who suggested to only find lawyers that are listed on superlawyers.com. I was in a really bad place in my divorce with my first attorney and then I called Mr. Virga. This man works around the clock for his clients. With all of his stellar accolades, I honestly didn’t expect someone with such a calm and kind demeanor. Don’t let that fool you though, this guy is effectively aggressive and exactly what I needed. I’ve been in a long custody battle with every kind of fight you can imagine in a divorce and I needed an attorney who could be 5 steps ahead. He really adds a personal layer of protection for his clients and the children involved. I’m so glad my friend recommended him and you will not regret choosing Mr. Virga. I’d recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent Divorce Attorney
Mr. Virga is super good with advice, he is always very willing and helpful. I would highly recommend him to anybody, he's very kind but also aggressive. I've experienced the exact opposite in lawyers, to the extent of a past lawyer being rude and condencending. After experiencing how Mr. Virga treats his clients is uplifting and refreshing. He makes the effort to care about the children involved, and works extremely hard for the best interest of the child. I'm planning on keeping extra business cards for anyone looking for a lawyer. You will not regret hiring Mr. Virga.
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Posted by anonymous | November 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child Custody
Mr. Virga and his team enabled me to get more time with my daughter and lower my child support payments in the process. These things never happen overnight and it is never fun but they held my hand through it all and explained every step. Instead of confused and frustrated I felt empowered and informed. Thank you Virga Law Firm!
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Posted by Nick | October 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer
Gerard was able to solve my legal difficulties with ease. The court came to a resolution about my case that he managed to put to them himself. I am very happy to have hired Gerard Virga, Esq.
Posted by Marie | January 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent!
Mr Virga was very helpful for my husband with child support problems with his ex in Texas. I have referred others to this attorney. He is kind. patient and makes sure you understand the issues before going in the court room.
Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
There should be fireworks in the street right now
Gerard Virga will provide you with an unsurpassed expertise in law. To say that he is gifted in litigation would be an understatement of the highest degree. No other firm can match the value and legal craftsmanship which you will receive. I had one of the most unique family law cases in the history of Bay County. I'd have given myself a 1% chance at success and redemption when my case began and that's being generous. Mr. Virga and Chris Melendez guided me to a victory which was otherwise unobtainable in any other format. The strategies employed were right out of Perry Mason infused with a twist of Liar Liar. Opposing counsel was rendered useless in its attempts to overcome the absolute genius coupled with some well timed humor from my counsel. He provides what is needed to be successful if you follow his guidance and not your own, remember, we come to Virga Law for help, so just follow their lead and leave your pride and your law degree at home. Don't think that you are the only person they are helping, have faith and patience. A wonderful staff and team of attorneys awaits even the most broken and dark circumstances, no one can attest to that better than I. If it was not for a miraculous answer of a call to Mr. Virga on a Saturday afternoon, my story may have been much different. Choosing Gerard was the best decision I could have possibly made.
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Posted by anonymous | January 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing service, polite and knowledgeable
Gerard and the team over at the Virga Law Firm are very quick and good at handling tough situations. I had so many people tell me how complicated my case was and they were able to reassure me and get me through the tough courtroom battles when I needed them. Thank you Mr. Virga
Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful Service
Had it not been for Gerard and his wonderful staff, I don't know what I would have done during my divorce. They were so knowledgable and helpful. I would recommend this firm to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | March 31, 2015
Awesome Lawyer
Knowledge is key and Gerard has it. On numerous occasions he has helped my family with various legal matters and has always steered us right.
Posted by Mary | March 25, 2015
Great Attorney
Excellent attorney!!! Knows his stuff and is personable along with professional. He takes your issue to heart and sees you as more than a client. He sees you as person!
Posted by James | March 25, 2015
An amazing family law attorney!
Gerard handles cases quickly and with very precise understandings of how the law works! He is current on a great many statutes, has a good rapport with other attorneys, and is very informative of how his process will work, how long my case would take, and what to expect the whole way through! I can honestly say I had an enjoyable experience working with Gerard and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a competent attorney in the Panama City area!
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Posted by Visi | July 25, 2014
The only one aI trust
It was a blessing for me to have Gerald on my side during the divorce. He was available for me when I had questions, at any time. My divorce was fast and I got what I was suppose to get. I did not have to fight, Gerald did it for me. I recommend him in a heartbeat and have done so in the past
Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2013
Knowledgeable, Calculating and Fearless
Mr. Virga represented me in a civil litigation matter. Mr. Virga not only accepted me as a client, but he took my case to heart. Mr. Virga developed and executed a masterful legal strategy that pummeled my opponent and rendered opposing counsel impotent. Mr. Virga has the extraordinary ability to take his opponents, analyze their strategy and likely objectives and counteract them in a way that benefits his client. I strongly recommend Mr. Virga for whatever legal matter you have. I keep his number on speed dial!
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Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2013
Great Panama CIty Attorney
This lawyer treated me with professionalism, and fought for my case. His staff was excellent and Mr. Virga had an excellent understanding of the law. Mr. Virga also was a very real person, and not just another stuffy lawyer.
Posted by AMBER | September 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEWARE...
This "Law Firm" is a JOKE! They sit in their cushy offices overlooking the world's most beautiful beaches and ROB the poor saps of Bay County who were stupid enough to sign a contract with them. We hired them 17 months ago for a simple divorce and after shelling out thousands and thousands of dollars and completely wasting our time, they regret to inform us that they will no longer be representing us until we pay them even more! Honest to God, go ANYWHERE else except for this firm. They are money hungry blood suckers with no conscience.
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Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2014
Not responsive and took too long
We were promised that our family case would take 3-4 months because it wasn't a hard one, but because of the office not filing timely, it took 1 year and 3 months! Every time there was a new paralegal who wouldn't know the case. The outcome was what we wanted but the problem was - time was wasted.
Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2014
Unjust attorney
This attorney was paid upfront for services he said he would perform. He had outlined the charges for each individual service, and was paid upfront for all of them. Later, after reconsidering the possible outcome, I requested that he not go forward with a couple of the services we had discussed, and that I would like a refund of the charges for those particular services. He sent me a letter saying he was dropping my case, and later repeatedly refused me any refund. He had spent one hour on our initial visit discussing the case for which he was paid close to a thousand dollars!
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Lead Attorney
  • The Virga Law Firm, P.A.
  • 2015 - Present
  • Partner Attorney
  • Virga Law Offices, P.A.
  • 2007 - 2015
  • Law Clerk to Senator Jeff Sessions
  • United State's Senator
  • 2003 - 2003

Education

  • Samford University, Cumberland School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2004
  • University of Florida
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2000

Legal Cases

  • Joe Francis and Girl's Gone Wild Federal Civil Case
  • Defense Verdict
  • Lee v. State of Florida
  • Reversed and Remanded
  • State v. Ouzt
  • Judgment of Acquittal
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • 2014 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawFACDLE
  • Attorney Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Family Law Section
  • Attorney Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Federal District Court Northern District Court of Florida
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Bay County Bar Association
  • First Saturday Legal Clinic
  • 2006 - 2008
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • 10 Best
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2014
  • Outstanding Pro Bono Service
  • Florida Supreme Court
  • 2008
  • Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award
  • Florida Supreme Court
  • 2007
  • Honors Attorney Position
  • Attorney General Charlie Crist
  • 2004
  • Associate Editor
  • American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • 2003
  • Vulcan Materials Legal Writing Award
  • American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

  • American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • UNITED STATES V. GRICCO: EXPERT TESTIMONY CONCERNING HANDWRITING ANALYSIS--SCIENCE OR JUNK?
  • 2002

Speaking Engagements

  • Women League of Voters
  • Judicial Qualifications and Ethics
  • 2014
  • Concerned Citizens of America
  • The role of the judicial system
  • 2014
  • Forum
  • Role of the Judicial System
  • 2014
  • Optimist Club Breakfast
  • Judicial Ethics and Qualifications
  • 2014
  • Kiwanis Club Luncheon
  • Family Law and the Judicial Process
  • 2014
  • Lecture on Family Law and Probate
  • Family Law and Probate
  • 2014
  • Morning News
  • Alimony Reform in Florida
  • 2012
  • Evening News
  • Florida Divorce Rates
  • 2011
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (10)
Endorse Gerard
Christopher Luis Melendez headshot
Christopher Melendez
Family Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Gerard is my supervising attorney and lead partner of my firm. Gerard demonstrated to me an incredible amount of knowledge about family and criminal law, and had the answer to every question I had as an attorney starting in family law. Gerard cares about his community and has led numerous charity events since my start there two years ago. Gerard is a model attorney and boss, sharing his knowledge, and demonstrating zealous advocacy and compassion for his clients, and participation in the community that employs us."
Michael Ray Goodson headshot
Michael Goodson
Family Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I whole-heartedly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Virga is a compassionate and dedicated attorney, who truly cares about his clients. I have seen Mr. Virga address client concerns at all hours of the day and personally invest himself in their legal issues."
Eric Ray Garmon headshot
Eric Garmon
Family Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Gerard is a fantastic attorney. I have referred many clients and friends who have family law issues to his law firm. If you ever need help with a family law issue, look no further!"
JerriLynn Hadley headshot
JerriLynn Hadley
Family Attorney | Sep 12
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer.Gerard is a man of integrity. He cares about his clients and works hard for them. He is an amazing strategist. His knowledge of Family Law is far above his contemporaries."
Adam James Ellis headshot
Adam Ellis
General practice Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Gerard is smarter than 95% of people I know, including lawyers. His intelligence combined with his work ethic make him an extremely effective advocate. Gerard is the kind of evil genius I'd want on my side heading into a courtroom battle."
Rusty Shepard headshot
Rusty Shepard
Litigation Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Gerard is a brilliant attorney; truly he is one of the smartest people I have met. I have found Gerard very knowledgeable on law and legal procedure, and am extremely impressed by his ability to devise and execute an aggressive legal strategy. I think it is fair to say that if you get caught in a foxhole, Gerard Virga is the guy you want to have with you!"
Joseph E Turner headshot
Joseph Turner
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I regularly refer family law and civil litigation cases to Mr. Virga because of his skill and knowledge of those areas of law. The clients I refer to Mr. Virga are always satisfied with and complimentary of his services."
View more endorsements
Seth Jeremy Rutman headshot
Seth Rutman
Divorce and separation
Raymond Joseph Rafool II headshot
Raymond Rafool
Divorce and separation
Robert Foster Boyette headshot
Robert Boyette
Divorce and separation
Jason Chad Self headshot
Jason Self
Family
William Joseph Ritchie headshot
William Ritchie
Divorce and separation
David G Lohr headshot
David Lohr
Divorce and separation
Joseph Aaron Baker headshot
Joseph Baker
Divorce and separation
Michael Ray Goodson headshot
Michael Goodson
Family
JerriLynn Hadley headshot
JerriLynn Hadley
Child custody
Douglas Blake Dykes headshot
Douglas Dykes
Car accident
Panama City Family Lawyer Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.
Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.
Family Attorney
Panama City, FL
Licensed for 19 years
View Contact Info