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Michael Owen Massey

Personal injury Attorney at Gainesville, FL

4.7   15 reviews

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About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

MICHAEL O. MASSEY has been a partner with Massey & Duffy, PLLC since October, 2003. He focuses exclusively on civil litigation, including wrongful death, overtime cases, car and trucking accidents, insurance claims, breach of contract, general employment law, and serious personal injury lawsuits. As a resident of Gainesville, Florida and a University of Florida graduate, Mr. Massey is proud to serve the community which he loves.

Mr. Massey spent his childhood in Miami, Florida. He was a star student before attending Auburn University and eventually went on to attend the University of Florida’s College of Law. At the University of Florida, Mr. Massey graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. He also earned a LLM from UF in taxation.

After graduating from law school, Mr. Massey litigated construction cases and joined an internationally known firm to represent plaintiffs in such areas as construction claims and business tort cases. He was responsible for many cases that resulted in settlements and verdicts worth millions of dollars.

In October, 2003, Mr. Massey and Ms. Duffy founded the Ocala firm of Saju, Massey and Duffy, PLLC. After Mr. Saju withdrew from the firm, the name changed to Massey & Duffy, PLLC.

On May 11, 2005, Mr. Massey was lead counsel in a rear end collision case in Ocala returning a jury verdict of $554,. The verdict was reported in the Florida Jury Verdict Review as one of the largest of its kind. Also, on February 24, 2006, Mr. Massey worked to return a verdict of $400, in an employment law and commercial tort case involving a former employee. Mr. Massey is a member of the Florida Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and served on the Executive Board.

Education

L.L.M., 2000, University of Florida College of Law, in Taxation

J.D. with high honors, (top 10%), 1998, University of Florida College of Law
• Journal of International Law & Policy
• Appellate Advocacy Teaching Fellowship
• Book Awards:  Family Law, Civil Procedure, Evidence

B.S. summa cum laude, 1995, Auburn University, in Finance

Clerk & Government Experience

United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Externship, 1997

Professional Memberships and Affiliations (Past and Present)

Florida Justice Association
National Employment Lawyers Association, Florida Chapter (Past Treasurer)
Palm Beach County Justice Association
Justice Teaching
Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association
Marion County Bar Association

Bar Admissions

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Supreme Court of Florida

Reported and Westlaw Decisions

Federal Court: McCullen v. RDR, LLC, Slip Copy 2007 WL 2071362 (M.D. Fla. July 13, 2007); Bell v. Georgia-Pacific Corp., 390 F. 1182 (M.D. Fla. 2005)

State Court: Poropat v. Poropat, 54 So.3d 57 (Fla. 5th DCA 2010); Stackman v. Pope, 28 So. 3d 131 (Fla. 5th DCA 2010); Haigh v. Planning Bd. of Town of Medfield, 940 So.2d 1230 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006); Robyn v. Forest River, Inc., 913 So.2d 743 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005); Ash v. Geoline Surveying, 03-2671-CA-K (Ocala, FL, 2005) (Florida Jury Verdict Review & Analysis, Vol. 15, Issue 7, pp. 9-10, July, 2005)

Publications

Tenancies by the Entireties and the Bankruptcy Code: Clash of the Titans, The Florida Bar Journal (1999)

Photos and videos

Licensed for 24 years
State FL
Status Member in Good Standing
Acquired 1998
Updated 02/23/2023

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

Contact Michael

Similar lawyers nearby

Massey & Duffy, PLLC
855 E. University Ave.
Gainesville, FL, 32601

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
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Posted by Soraya | May 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Academia
Michael and Nick were extremely helpful to me in getting my case resolved. They honestly saved my academic career and I am eternally thankful and grateful to them both. Highly recommended from the Florida Bar Association for my specific academic needs.
Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2015
This Firm will impress!
I had a business dispute with an old employer about overtime pay. With no added stress on myself Michael and his team attacked my case and did the results ever show ! I recieved a very respectable settlement with a closing date to be proud of . If you have a dispute I would , and I will again , use Michael Massey and his team.
Posted by A.C. | January 16, 2015
Didn't know I would win!!
I had an employment issue. Went to see Mr. Massey for consultation. He was always nice and respectful. Johana was also VERY nice:) Mr. Massy never wasted my time. He always had valid info whenever we met and he kept me imformed ALWAYS! He explained everything to me so I had a clear understanding. I was referred by someone so if u are looking for a GREAT ATTORNEY that will KEEP U INFORMED and strive to get you the best compensation for your case MICHAEL MASSEY IS THE MAN!! (HANDS DOWN) He told me he was shocked at how much was paid and how fast it was paid! Thanx Mr. Massey:)
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Posted by Lisa | November 4, 2014
wonderful!
Did a great job on my small claims case and told me exactly what I needed to know to win the case.
Posted by Tedarrell | May 31, 2014
I 100% recommend Michael Massey for your case!
Mr. Michael Massey handled a wage compensation case for me, I was very impressed with his dedication towards my case. Michael was very thorough in gathering all info needed to prove, justify and prevail in getting me all of the compensation that was due to me. In my case a settlement had been reached and I was getting all that I was asking and Michael was going to get all that was due to him also, but there was a clause in the settlement that could have affected my future earnings due to the 1 clause. In my best interest Michael told them to remove the clause or there will be no agreement. The other side removed the clause and I got all that I was asking for in the settlement and it was all accounted to Michael Massey's knowledge of the law, unselfishness and dedication to his client. I would definitely recommend Mr. Massey's expertise.
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Posted by Alex | March 24, 2014
Satisfied Customer
I retained Mr. Massey's services for an issue I was having with a lender for a property that was no longer in my possession. He was very informative which immediately put me at ease and presented multiple scenarios for us to approach legally. After months of intense back and forth I was recently informed that we had obtained the absolute best case scenario. I recommend Mr. Massey very highly with no reservations.
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Posted by Ann | October 22, 2013
Job Well Done
I retained Michael Massey as my attorney for an accident in which a drunk driver hit my car head-on on a two lane highway. My car was destroyed and I suffered injuries. Mr. Massey showed a personal touch toward me and my family. In addition, he handled my case flawlessly. He was able to secure full payment for hospital, doctor and ambulance bills, reimbursement for my totaled car, obtain additional monies toward a new car and negotiate a settlement of $140,000 for me without going to court. I thoroughly recommend Michael Massey for any legal problem you might incur.
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Posted by Ann | June 3, 2013
Mr. Massey- knowledge and integrity
In August of 2012 a drunken driver hit my car head-on at night on a two lane highway south of Ocala, Florida. I suffered injuries to my arms and legs and spent 3-4 days in the hospital. My car was totally destroyed. Living in Florida for only two years I had not dealt with any attorneys in the area. My parents reviewed the qualifications of lawyers in the Ocala-Gainesville area through an on-line service. They chose Mr. Massey because of his background and profile. After hearing the facts of the case, he immediately outlined what he would attempt to do, especially since the individual who hit me had a minimal amount of insurance. Although my injuries turned out not to be life threatening, he also showed a personal touch toward me and my parents by showing concern for my health and for my parents anxiety since they came from Chicago to nurse me for nearly a month. In addition, despite the at-fault driver's inadequate insurance Michael Massey was able to secure full payment for hospital, doctor and ambulance bills, reimbursement for my totaled car and obtain additional monies toward a new car. He researched court cases that were similar to mine and consistently advised me of the best course of action in my case. He also kept my parents readily informed of our actions. He relentlessly negotiated with the at-fault driver's and my insurance companies to come to a fair and equitable solution. Mr. Massey was able to resolve this matter by negotiating a settlement of $140,000 for me without going to court. Without his leadership, assistance and genuine concern for me and my parents, I'm sure I would have accrued debts in addition to the injuries from the accident. I thoroughly recommend Michael Massey for any legal problem a person may have.
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Posted by Matt | February 14, 2013
I couldn't have picked a better Attorney
First let me say that I was completely satisfied with picking Mr Massey as my Attorney. I know there are a lot of Attorneys out there to choose from, and like all things, some Attorneys are better than others. I will be honest and say if I had chosen a different Attorney, I do not know if the outcome of my case would have been better, worse or even the same. What I can say is this, I had complete confidence in Michael from Day One. And that if I ever need an Attorney I would not hesitate to call Michael again. I highly recommend him. I was wrongfully terminated from my job so I went looking for a lawyer to represent me. I had told myself that I was going to talk with at least 3 different Attorneys, maybe more. Just like hiring a Contractor, you want to get at least 3 estimates, so I felt I needed to talk to at least 3 Attorneys to find the right one. I had an idea of the type of Lawyer I was looking for, and when I started talking to Michael during the free consultation, he began fitting that description more and more. The one thing that really nailed it for me was, of all things, his honesty. After explaining what had happened to me, Michael agreed that I did have a case against my former employer. But what shocked me the most was when he told me that if this did go to trial, there was a chance that I could lose and gain nothing. He explained the risk involved and was brutally honest about it. I expected a lawyer to pull my leg a little, you know, something like 'yeah you have a great case' or 'I don't see how we can lose' or 'you're gonna be rich when we get done with them'. Something like that, anything like that, but instead he told me the opposite. He told me the truth, that if it comes down to a jury trial, I might not win because you never know whats going to happen. I knew right then that I had found the right Lawyer to represent me. I never went and talked to another Lawyer even though I had swore to myself that I was going to visit at least 3 attorneys and was definitely not going to pick the first Lawyer I talked too. But that was not the case. I signed with Massey & Duffy on the spot and was completely satisfied with the entire process. He kept me very well informed about what was going on, what everything meant, and when I had questions he was able to answer them in a way I could clearly understand. His office was very efficient, they would both call and email me about things happening in my case and remind me about upcoming dates. I never felt that anything was being overlooked or that they had forgot something. We eventually did have to go to court and when we did, Michael was more than prepared. He knew my case inside and out and I could tell that he spent a lot of time and hard work preparing for trial. His closing argument was a thing of beauty. To be honest I felt that we had lost the case during the course of the trial. I had that sinking feeling in my stomach. But after he gave His closing argument I actually felt better, I still thought that we had lost, when the Jury went into deliberation, but I truly felt that Michael really put all of himself into my case and really fought for me and for justice. That's the type of lawyer I was looking for from Day One, and that's the type of lawyer I got with Michael Massey. I couldn't ask for anything more, nor would I go back and change a thing! Thank You Michael!!! Sincerly, MS P.S. For all those still wondering about the case....we won!!!!
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Posted by FSF | September 7, 2012
He's a winner!!
Michael took on my case from the beginning in full force. He was very informative and also educated me on a lot of medical terms that I didn't understand. He had faith in my case and the situation at hand and he handled it well. If there's ever a need in the future I won't hesitate to give him a call or refer him to anyone!!! Great guy. Thanks Michael. -Fonda
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Posted by Sheryl | July 8, 2012
Quality representation
I actually contacted Mr. Massey after finding his site on the Internet. He was positive throughout our case and this was vital because I wanted to just give up many times. Mr. Massey's positive attitude and perserverance resulted in very satisfactory results.
Posted by Tillissa | June 13, 2012
Great Attorney
Mr. Massey was very respectful and efficient en the handling of my case. He was honest and up front with any and all information that went into or out of his office regarding my case. We primarily communicated by e-mail however he was always available by phone if I had any questions. I would highly recommend Mr. Massey if your case involves employment or job related legal issues.
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Posted by anonymous | December 4, 2010
Legal Consultation review
As I was a only an observer in a legal consultation for a friend seeking attorney representation on a most volatile and emotional issue, wrongful termination, I found Mr. Massey to be insightful, professionally poised for the on-point issue(s). He single-handedly pulled my friend's potent issues that were hidden behind her mental mask of wounded pride and frustration. He candidly played 'devil's advocate' and she gave in with defensive rebuttals that proved to be provocative, and causational factors that could weigh for a determination under EEOC. As a legal assistant/paralegal with over 15 years experience in various specialties, I was impressed wi th Mr. Massey's demeanor and how he de-mystified the crucial legal facts, simplifying them for a layperson's understanding. I recommend him for consultation on any subject matter.
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Posted by Hope | February 24, 2010
Work discrimination case
I had a work discrimination case that took over a year to resolve. Throughout that time Mr. Massey and his staff maintained consistent contact and made moves in all the appropriate directions. The communication with this attorney was excellent and the work done on my behalf was well researched and reasoned. At mediation, Mr. Massey made it clear that he felt we should proceed to trial. However, I was exhausted by the process and wanted to end things. We achieved a good settlement and he left the final decision up to me respectfully, although he was well prepared and ready to take the case all the way.
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Posted by Melissa | August 20, 2013
Needed and employment lawyer and I chose poorly...
I obtained Michael Massey to represent me in an FMLA case; I work for the state. To keep this short, in my honest opinion, Massey is the most arrogant and incompetent lawyer I have ever come across. The $5000 retainer disappeared very quickly, with very little done. He seemed un-knowledgeable; I had to look up some of the laws that helped my claim. He fouled up in many ways and filed inappropriately . He served the wrong people and the claim he prepared was weak; it had to be amended by my new lawyer. The lawyer I have now is so much better and the $4000 retainer has yet to run dry after discovery and depositions. Michael Massey is a crook. He makes you sign an agreement that if you are un satisfied only an arbitrator can resolve the issue in a court. He doesn't tell you that he can refuse to appear - in other words, your money has been gone and the arbitrator says 'oh well, I tried'. I tried to arbitrate and this coward refused.
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Cost

Rates
  • Contingency 1%-25%
  • Pro bono 5 %

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Massey & Duffy, PLLC
  • 2009 - Present
  • International Senior Tax Consultant
  • Deloitte & Touche
  • 2007 - 2009
  • Litigation Attorney
  • Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli
  • 1998 - 2000

Education

  • University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 2000
  • University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • Auburn University , Auburn
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1995

Legal Cases

  • Stevenson vs. Second Chance Jai Alai, LLC. Case no. 5:11 CV 496; Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr.
  • Plaintiff's Verdict
  • McGowan v. Payroll Management, Inc., Case NO. 2010-CA-004869
  • $161,015.10 (plus attorney's fees and costs)
  • Quintana v. High Springs Family Practice Clinic, Case No. 01 2008 CA 005175 (2009 , Alachua County Circuit Court).
  • Successfully defended the Defendant at trial.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Precedent Setters
  • Elite Life Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Justice Teaching
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • National Employment Lawyers Association (Florida chapter)
  • Executive Board
  • 2003 - Present
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • EBCJA
  • Executive Board Member
  • 2011 - 2012
  • National Employment Lawyers Association (Florida chapter)
  • Treasurer
  • 2008 - 2008
  • Marion County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - 2006
  • Marion County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section
  • Member
  • 2003 - 2006
  • Florida Justice Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Palm Beach County Justice Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Florida International Law Journal
  • Writer
  • 1996 - 1998
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Matindale Hubble
  • 2017
  • Book Award, Family Law
  • University of Florida
  • 2014
  • Book Award, Family Law
  • University of Floirda
  • 2013
  • Client Choice Award
  • AVVO
  • 2012
  • Legal Research & Writing Teaching Fellowship
  • University of Florida College of Law
  • 2001
View all awards

Publications

  • Florida Bar Journal
  • Tenancies by the Entireties and the Bankruptcy Code: Clash of the Titans
  • 1999

Speaking Engagements

  • Business Conference in Orlando
  • Employment Law
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (41)
Given (183)
Endorse Michael
Employment and labor Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike Massey is the principal employee rights advocate in the Gainesville/Ocala area. He is a hard worker, an innovative legal thinker, and a committed advocate for his clients. I'm happy to recommend him."
Employment and labor Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and has been zealously representing employees in various matters throughout his years of practice. He cares about his clients and shares a wealth of information with his fellow members of NELA."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A true professional."
Business Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Attorney Massey. He is an excellent attorney who cares about his clients."
Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Business Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Massey was prepared during his representation of his client and due to his preparation the lawsuit moved smoothly and a favorable outcome was reached for both of our clients."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Business Attorney | Sep 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael Massey is an experienced and tenacious attorney. I recommend his services to those in the Gainesville area."
Personal injury Attorney | Jul 13
Relationship: Friend
"Michael is an experienced trial attorney, who aggressively advocates for his clients. He is detailed-oriented, and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in various litigation matters. I highly recommend him."
Personal injury Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Massey is very knowledgable about the law and knows how to position his cilent's case to maximize recovery. I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Gainesville Personal injury Lawyer Michael Owen Massey
Michael Owen Massey
Personal injury Attorney
Gainesville, FL
Licensed for 24 years