Eric Steven Ruff

Eric Steven Ruff

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 46 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Gainesville, FL
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt

Ruff & Cohen, P.A., 4010 Newberry Road, Suite G, Gainesville, FL

About Eric

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Bankruptcy and Debt 100%

I enjoy helping people. Clients that come to me for help are usually under severe stress. They want to pay their debts but simply cannot. Stress is bad for health and relationships. Client couples are often on the edge of divorce from all the stress. For many people in this situation, bankruptcy law can result in cancellation of common debts, such as credit cards, auto repo debts, hospital bills, signature loans, and even judgments. No wonder the nickname for Chapter 7 is "fresh start."

47 years | 2,900 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 46 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1979

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Eric S. Ruff

Ruff & Cohen, P.A., 4010 Newberry Road, Suite G, Gainesville, FL, 32607

Ruff & Cohen

1756 University Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL, 32216

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Eric Steven Ruff's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (34) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 34 reviews

Posted by Fernando | February 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Mr. Ruff

I cannot say enough great things about attorney Eric Ruff. From the very first conversation, he made me feel completely comfortable and at ease. He is incredibly professional, yet so warm and approachable that speaking with him feels less like talking to a lawyer and more like talking to a trusted fa...ther figure who genuinely cares about your well-being. Eric has an exceptional way of explaining the law in a clear, educational, and reassuring manner. He doesn’t rush you, he doesn’t talk over you, and he makes sure you truly understand every step of the process. His knowledge of the law is outstanding — he knows it like the back of his hand — and that confidence immediately puts you at ease during what can otherwise be a stressful situation. What really sets him apart is how much he cares. You can tell he takes pride in his work and in helping people, not just handling cases. I walked away feeling informed, supported, and confident in my decisions. I highly recommend Eric Ruff to anyone looking for an attorney who is not only extremely knowledgeable and professional, but also compassionate, patient, and genuinely invested in his clients. The best in Florida.

Posted by Chris | May 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Best Bankruptcy Attorney

If you are looking for a Bankruptcy attorney in Northern Florida, you can end your search here. Eric Ruff is the most experienced, professional and personable attorney you would want while going through such a difficult process like filing for Bankruptcy. I hired Eric to be my attorney, and quickl...y realized Eric treats you like a friend when discussing your unique situation. He fully understands that every client's circumstances are different, and he is empathetic to the impact going through a bankruptcy can have on an individual. Next, Eric has more experience that most attorneys in the industry; which makes him extremely knowledgeable on all the laws and legal proceedings regarding filing for bankruptcy. He can breakdown complex legal matters and be able to explain them into layman's terms, so his clients understand the law and processes involved. Also, he pays immense attention to detail when dealing with your case. He will walk you through the entire process to ensure the filing is complete and accurate. Eric is also easy to contact. He returns phone calls in a timely manner and will answer emails the same way. I would highly recommend Eric Ruff to be your attorney if you are going through a Bankruptcy.

Posted by BYRON | July 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Eric Ruff is a pretty awesome lawyer and person, here's why:

From the start he was very nice and had a great sense of humor. It immediately made me feel comfortable talking to him about my situation. The initial meeting was very informative, as he has a 1 hr long video that is necessary to watch and helps answer alot of initial questions. Throughout the whol...e process he always answered all of my questions promptly. He is a very genuine person and was a great pleasure to converse with in our meetings. He ensured that my bankruptcy case was filed with accuracy and made it seem like a walk in the park. I highly reccomend him to anyone that needs advice in the bankruptcy arena. Thanks again Eric!

Posted by anonymous | July 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Great Lawyer

I can't begin to tell you how thorough, caring, informed and prompt both Eric Ruff and Lisa Cohen were. I was so embarrassed that I was going to have to file bankruptcy and felt like a real loser. The first thing I did was watch a great video that explained everything about bankruptcy and made me... feel a little better. Eric educated me about bankruptcy, explained it step by step, treated me like a friend and made me feel that I wasn't such a loser after all. He made himself available and did a wonderful job of looking out for my best interest. If you find yourself in this position I would tell you if you want the very best, call Eric!

Posted by Dan | August 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Eric Ruff

Mr. Ruff is an outstanding attorney and a credit to his profession. He was easy to contact by phone and email. I never had to wait long for him to respond to my questions, and there were many. His video and written instructions throughout the case were particularly helpful. His attention to detail i...s so great that he even has video instructions for where the best places are to find parking at the courthouse. He makes you feel at ease during a difficult time. I never felt like I was just another client even though he is very busy. I would recommend him to anyone considering filing for bankruptcy protection.

See All Client Reviews

Eric Steven Ruff's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Eric
David Albert King headshot
David King

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Eric since 1992. I have sent many clients to Eric over those years due to his expertise in the field of bankruptcy law. I have never had anything but excellent feedback from my clients concerning his representation of them."

Richard Milton Knellinger headshot
Richard Knellinger

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known and worked with Mr. Ruff for more than thirty years. I continue to refer my clients to him because he is highly intelligent, knowledgeable, resourceful and effective. He is my "go to" guy in bankruptcy."

Barbara Blount-Powell headshot
Barbara Blount-Powell

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Ruff. I have known Mr. Ruff for over 30 years and know him to be of the highest integity and intellectual capabilities. He is well known in the community for his excellent advice and legal assistance. His demeanor, gentle humor, and genuine care for his clients adds tremendously to the value of his legal services. I strongly recommend Mr. Ruff."

Nicholas Tyler Schroeder headshot
Nicholas Schroeder

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Ruff is a very knowledgeable and skilled Bankruptcy Attorney. As an attorney I have referred my clients to him for over 20 years and the results he has attained have always been exactly what was needed. He and I have also served as directors on the board of a local not-for-profit corporation and his insight and wisdom has always been very useful. I highly recommend him for anyone needing an experienced and skillful attorney for all types of bankruptcy matters."

View All Endorsements
Barbara Blount-Powell headshot
Barbara Blount-Powell

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Milton Knellinger headshot
Richard Knellinger

Probate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2016

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Distinguished Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top Bankruptcy Law Firm, LAWS.com

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

BV Distinguished rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1998

Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Downtown Gainesville

1979

Certficate of Recognition of Academic Excellence, Florida Law Review

1976

Book Award for Contracts !, University of Florida College of Law

Work Experience

1986 - Present

President, Ruff & Cohen, P.A.

1980 - 1985

Associate, Trinkle, Redman, Alley & Moody, P.A.

1979 - 1980

Associate, Law Office of William Randolph Klein

Associations

2000 - Present

Plaza West Condominium Association, Inc.

Director and past Secretary

2011 - 2013

Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association

Member

2011 - 2013

Clay County Bar Association

Member

2009 - 2011

Madera Community Association, Inc.

Director

2008 - 2008

Democratic Party

Official Poll Watcher

2006 - 2012

CLO Alumni Foundation, Inc.

Director

2004 - 2004

Democratic Party

Official Poll Watcher

1996 - 1996

Rotary Club of Downtown Gainesville

Director

1988 - 1989

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Editor of Newsletter

1983 - 1983

Tampa Bay Osborne Computer Users Group

President

1983 - 1984

Ruff Software, Inc.

President

1981 - 1982

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Chairman of the East Division

Sample of Legal Cases

Meares v. Revels Ford Tractor Co., Inc., 456 So.2d 1339 (Fla. 2d DCA 1984)

On appeal obtained affirmance in client's favor as against individual defendants, reversal as to corporate defendant)

Icard v. Henderson, 455 So.2d 417 (Fla. 2d DCA 1984)

On appeal obtained reversal in part and affirmance in part, both in client's favor

Revels Ford Tractor Co., Inc. v. Meares, 419 So.2d 1190 (Fla. 2d DCA 1982)

On appeal obtained reversal for client at Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal

Miley v. Miley, 402 So.2d 557 (Fla. 2d DCA 1981)

On appeal obtained reversal for client at Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal

Hall Truck Sales, Inc. v. Wilder Mobile Homes, Inc., 402 So.2d 1299 (Fla. 2d DCA 1981)

On appeal obtained reversal for client at Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal

Kent v. Connecticut Bank and Trust Co. NA, 386 So.2d 902 (Fla. 2d DCA 1980)

On appeal obtained reversal for client at Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal

Williams v. Feather Sound, Inc., 386 So.2d 1238 (Fla. 2d DCA 1980)

On appeal obtained reversal for client at Florida 2nd District Court of Appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1979

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor with honors

Speaking Engagements

2006

Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association Annual Meeting

Florida Exemption Law (Eric Ruff wrote the speech; it was delivered by Atty. Lisa Cohen)

2005

Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association Annual Meeting

Means Testing Under BAPCPA (Eric Ruff wrote the speech; it was delivered by Atty. Lisa Cohen)

1994

Florida Northern District Bankruptcy Bar Assn. Annual Meeting

Dischargeability of Tax Debts in Bankruptcy (Eric Ruff wrote the speech; it was delivered by Atty. Lisa Cohen)

Publications

1977

Bulletin of the Jacksonville Bar Association Drunk Drivers Collide With Punitive Damages

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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