Michael Owen Massey

Michael Owen Massey

4.7
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 27 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Gainesville, FL
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Employment & Labor, Wrongful Death ... +2 more

855 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

1%-25%

Pro bono

5 %


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 27 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1998

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Massey & Duffy, PLLC

855 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL, 32601

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Michael Owen Massey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Alex | March 24, 2014 | Debt & Lending Agreements

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 in...formed that we had obtained the absolute best case scenario. I recommend Mr. Massey very highly with no reservations.

Posted by Ann | June 03, 2013 | Personal Injury

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.

Posted by Matt | February 14, 2013 | Wrongful Termination

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!!!!

Posted by Tillissa | June 13, 2012 | Employment & Labor

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 r...ecommend Mr. Massey if your case involves employment or job related legal issues.

Posted by anonymous | December 06, 2010 | Wrongful Termination

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.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Owen Massey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Richard Errol Johnson headshot
Richard Johnson

Employment and labor lawyer | 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."

Frederick Charles Morello headshot
Frederick Morello

Employment and labor lawyer | 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."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gordon Thomas Nicol headshot
Gordon Nicol

Employment and labor lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A true professional."

Jeffrey Feulner headshot
Jeffrey Feulner

Business lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Massey. He is an excellent attorney who cares about his clients."

Darrin Michael Phillips headshot
Darrin Phillips

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

M. Todd Miller headshot
M. Miller

Business lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Frederick Laurence Koberlein Jr. headshot
Frederick Koberlein

Litigation lawyer | 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."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Ryan Worman headshot
John Worman

Unknown lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Patrick D Angel headshot
Patrick Angel

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Maurice Arcadier headshot
Maurice Arcadier

Litigation lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Scot Dale Goldberg headshot
Scot Goldberg

Business lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Hanan Spalter headshot
David Spalter

Employment and labor lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard E. Spiva headshot
Howard Spiva

Unknown lawyer | 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."

Seth Alkon Gladstein headshot
Seth Gladstein

Personal injury lawyer | 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."

Armando Edmiston headshot
Armando Edmiston

Personal injury lawyer | 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."

Matthew Alexander Holland headshot
Matthew Holland

Unknown lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Danialle Riggins headshot
Danialle Riggins

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Armando Edmiston headshot
Armando Edmiston

Unknown lawyer

Matthew Alexander Holland headshot
Matthew Holland

Unknown lawyer

Christin Marie Bucci headshot
Christin Bucci

Unknown lawyer

Francine Rae Kalish headshot
Francine Kalish

Unknown lawyer

Beau Bowin headshot
Beau Bowin

Unknown lawyer

Scot Dale Goldberg headshot
Scot Goldberg

Unknown lawyer

Jo-Anne Yau headshot
Jo-Anne Yau

Unknown lawyer

Mark Alan Steinberg headshot
Mark Steinberg

Unknown lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Unknown lawyer

Brooke M Deratany Goldfarb headshot
Brooke Goldfarb

Unknown lawyer

Jonathan Wesley Johnson headshot
Jonathan Johnson

Unknown lawyer

John Wesley Manuel headshot
John Manuel

Unknown lawyer

Melvin Bowen Wright headshot
Melvin Wright

Unknown lawyer

Keith Robert Taylor headshot
Keith Taylor

Unknown lawyer

Hugo Vincent Alvarez headshot
Hugo Alvarez

Unknown lawyer

Matthew D. Schultz headshot
Matthew Schultz

Unknown lawyer

Diana Santa Maria headshot
Diana Santa Maria

Unknown lawyer

Kathryn Bridget Johnston headshot
Kathryn Johnston

Unknown lawyer

Steven E. Heintz headshot
Steven Heintz

Unknown lawyer

Jonathan Hayes Groff headshot
Jonathan Groff

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Peer Review Rated, Matindale Hubble

2014

Book Award, Family Law, University of Florida

2013

Book Award, Family Law, University of Floirda

2012

Client Choice Award, AVVO

2001

Legal Research & Writing Teaching Fellowship, University of Florida College of Law

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Partner, Massey & Duffy, PLLC

2007 - 2009

International Senior Tax Consultant, Deloitte & Touche

1998 - 2000

Litigation Attorney, Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli

Associations

2015 - Present

Precedent Setters

Elite Life Member

2010 - Present

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Justice Teaching

Member

2003 - Present

National Employment Lawyers Association (Florida chapter)

Executive Board

1998 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

2011 - 2012

EBCJA

Executive Board Member

2008 - 2008

National Employment Lawyers Association (Florida chapter)

Treasurer

2003 - 2006

Marion County Bar Association

Member

2003 - 2006

Marion County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Member

1996 - 1998

Florida Justice Association

Member

1996 - 1998

Palm Beach County Justice Association

Member

1996 - 1998

Florida International Law Journal

Writer

Sample of 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.

McCullen v. RDR, LLC, d/b/a Beef O’Brady’s, Inc., Slip Copy 2007 WL 2071362 (M.D. Fla. July 13, 2007)

Jury Verdict

Haigh v. Planning Bd. of Town of Medfield, 940 So.2d 1230 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006)

Reported Appeal

Cadieux v. Ocala Breeder Sales Company, Inc., Case No. 5:04-cv-355-Oc-10GRJ (2006 M.D. Ocala)

Verdict for our client of $400,000.00.

Robyn v. Forest River, Inc., 913 So.2d 743 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005)

Reported Decision

Access 4 All v. Oak Spring, Inc., Case No. 5:04-cv-75-Oc-GRJ, (M. D. Ocala)

Summary Judgment in Client's favor.

Ash v. Geoline Surveying, 03-2671-CA-K (Ocala, Fla. 2005

Verdict for our client for $554,048.07; plus fees.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

1998

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

Auburn University , Auburn

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Business Conference in Orlando

Employment Law

Publications

1999

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

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution