Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.

Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.

4.2
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

Family Lawyer at Panama City, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +3 more

415 Richard Jackson Blvd, Suite 500, Panama City, FL

About Gerard

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 21 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2004

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

415 Richard Jackson Blvd, Suite 500, Panama City, FL, 32407

The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

109 E. Garden St, Suite B, Pensacola, FL, 32502

The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite #160, Orlando, FL, 32810

The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

134 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548

The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

455 Harrison Ave, Suite E, Panama City, FL, 32401

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Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

5 star (17)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (4)

Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Virga is known as the man to call for a divorce for a reason

Gerard is known as the absolute best in family law for a reason. He really does work tirelessly on your case and cares. Not to mention, he is the equivalent to a walking law library. The man truly knows his stuff and is a beast in the courtroom. He has 20 years of experience in family law and it show...s.

Posted by Sandra | March 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Divorce Attorney

Mr. Virga is an outstanding and professional divorce attorney. He listens and understands his client’s needs. He has excellent communication skills and explains the laws so the client has a clear understanding of the his/her case. He is one of the most caring people I have ever meet. He works ti...relessly to make sure his clients are properly represented. I have witnessed him in my own case treat me with kindness and respect that displayed his true character as a person and professional. He is very knowledgeable of the laws and how they are applied to the client. Mr. Virga’s firm is most courteous and helpful while maintaining a positive attitude and professional environment. I would recommend Mr. Virga’s firm for any family law situation that might arise. He will represent you with dignity, sincere advice, and professionalism to help solve your family’s law needs. Mr. Virga’s field of expertise is Family Law and I’m thankful he represents me.

Posted by anonymous | March 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Family Law Attorney

Mr. Virga is an excellent attorney. He always quickly responds to any questions I have about my case, explains the process of what is going on, and what to expect. Going through anything like this is stressful but he has truly been a blessing during the difficult time.

Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Review of Virga Law Firm

(I am not reviewing Mr. Virga himself, but I am reviewing his law firm based on our experience with the firm). Do NOT hire the Virga Law firm in Panama City Beach, FL! Besides not getting the result we were hoping for, the bigger issues we experienced were lack of communication, lack of professional...ism, lack of respect for our time as clients, lack of movement on the case without having to stay on top of them, and disregard for us as clients in terms of what the outcome of the case meant to us. Oh, and as soon as you get your ruling, they are done with you. Don't expect to have a follow-on discussion to ask your questions or to get help interpreting the decision.

Posted by AMBER | September 27, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this 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 dollar...s 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.

See All Client Reviews

Gerard Matthew Virga Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gerard
Christopher Luis Melendez headshot
Christopher Melendez

Family lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 All Endorsements
Seth J. Rutman headshot
Seth Rutman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Raymond J. Rafool II headshot
Raymond Rafool

Divorce and separation lawyer

Robert Foster Boyette headshot
Robert Boyette

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jason Chad Self headshot
Jason Self

Family lawyer

William Joseph Ritchie headshot
William Ritchie

Divorce and separation lawyer

David G Lohr headshot
David Lohr

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joseph Aaron Baker headshot
Joseph Baker

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Ray Goodson headshot
Michael Goodson

Family lawyer

JerriLynn Hadley headshot
JerriLynn Hadley

Child custody lawyer

Douglas Blake Dykes headshot
Douglas Dykes

Car accident lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

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

Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2008

Outstanding Pro Bono Service, Florida Supreme Court

2007

Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award, Florida Supreme Court

2004

Honors Attorney Position, Attorney General Charlie Crist

2003

Associate Editor, American Journal of Trial Advocacy

2002

Vulcan Materials Legal Writing Award, American Journal of Trial Advocacy

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Lead Attorney, The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

2007 - 2015

Partner Attorney, Virga Law Offices, P.A.

2003 - 2003

Law Clerk to Senator Jeff Sessions, United State's Senator

Associations

2014 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Top 100 Trial Lawyers

2013 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawFACDLE

Attorney Member

2013 - Present

Florida Bar, Family Law Section

Attorney Member

2004 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

Federal District Court Northern District Court of Florida

Member

2006 - 2008

Bay County Bar Association

First Saturday Legal Clinic

Sample of 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

SMITH v. STATE 993 So.2d 588 (2008)

. AFFIRMED in part, REVERSED in part,

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

Samford University, Cumberland School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

University of Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Women League of Voters

Judicial Qualifications and Ethics

2014

Optimist Club Breakfast

Judicial Ethics and Qualifications

2014

Lecture on Family Law and Probate

Family Law and Probate

2014

Kiwanis Club Luncheon

Family Law and the Judicial Process

2014

Forum

Role of the Judicial System

2014

Concerned Citizens of America

The role of the judicial system

2014

Bay County Bar Association Judicial Qualifications

2012

Morning News

Alimony Reform in Florida

2011

Evening News

Florida Divorce Rates

Publications

2002

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

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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