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Lawrence Joseph Marraffino

also known as The Marraffino Law Firm, Lawrence J. Marraffino, P.A.
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Avvo Rating10
  • Gainesville, FL
  • Licensed for 37 years
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About Lawrence

I am a Florida Bar Board Certified Attorney, which is the highest recognition given by the Florida Bar for the competence and experience of attorneys.  You want an attorney handling your case that actually goes to trial!!  Don't trust your case to a lawyer who advertises on television and handles thousands of cases.  Your case will be handled by me personally.I have been an attorney for over 33 years. I believe that an attorney should be competent and also compassionate and understanding of the problems facing his or her clients.  No one is happy to be going through a divorce, bankruptcy or to be injured in an accident.  When you have to see an attorney for any of these life changing events, your attorney should treat you with respect and dignity and and the attorney's office should be a place of refuge where you can come knowing that your legal matter is being handled competently, timely, and with care and understanding of your needs.  

 

During the first two years of my practice I represented insurance companies.  I did not like representing insurance companies as I do not believe they treat people fairly.  I now represent only injured people in personal injury cases.  My experience as an insurance attorney has given me valuable experience and training that gives me an advantage over attorney's who have not worked "both sides of the fence."  Now I am on YOUR side!!

  

I have also filed more than 1500 bankrkuptcy cases during my career.  I do not believe that filing bankruptcy should be a traumatic or embarassing experience for the client.  Financial crisis can happen for a lot of different reasons and no matter what caused your particular situation, you deserve the utmost respect and caring attention from the attorney you hire and his or her staff.  At my office I make sure you receive kind, caring, personal attention. Please take the time to read our client reviews.

 

I also use my trial experience to handle family law matters of divorce, child custody, and child support.  I understand that going through a divorce or child custody dispute is on of life's most stressful events.  I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Florida before going on to law school.  I understand that practicing family law involves a certain amount of counseing that often goes beyond the law.  It is that part of family law that I enjoy most.  I will fight hard for my clients, but my goal is to resolve your case as efficeintly and quickly as I can, while protecting your interests. 

 

Call me and I will talk to you personally.

 

Larry Marraffino

Practice areas

  1. Bankruptcy and debt: 25%

    We offer a free initial consultation to tell you how bankruptcy can get you a fresh start in life. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can actually rebuild your credit and give you a fresh start!

    38 years

  2. Child custody: 25%

    Child Custody is the most important aspect of a Family Law Case. Mr. Marraffino has 35 years of experience to put on your side. Call for a consultation.

    38 years

  3. Divorce and separation: 25%

    All issues related to family law and paternity and child custody cases. Mr. Marraffino has 35 years of experience. Call and have your questions answered.

    38 years

  4. Family: 25%

    All family law matters handled including child support, child custody, divorce, paternity and alimony. All cases handled with compassion and the benefit of 35 years experience.

    38 years

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Contact

Lawrence J. Marraffino, PA

3312 West University Avenue
Gainesville, FL, 32607-2551

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    FLMember in Good Standing198403/17/2022
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers824
    Legal guides11
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate Granted
    Best Divorce Lawyers in GainesvilleExpertise.com2020
    Three Best Rated Divorce Attorney in GainesvilleThree Best Rated2019
    2018 Who's Who in the WorldMarquis Who's Who in American Law2018
    Top 10 Attorney--Personal InjuryAttorney and Practice Magazine2018
    10 Ten% of Lawyers in USALawyers of Distinction2016
    AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
    2016 Client Distinction AwardMartindale-Hubbell2016
    Top 10% AttorneysAmerica's Most Honored Professionals2016
    Nation's Top One Percent AttorneysNational Association of Distinguished Counsel2015
    Premier AttorneyAmerican Academy of Trial Attorneys2015
    Top 100 Lawyers--Matrimonial & Family LawThe National Advocates2015
    AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
    Circuit Civil Mediation TrainingUniversity of South Florida2015
    Top 100 Litigators in FloridaAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2015
    Top 100 Litigators in FloridaAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2014
    2014 Lawyer of the Year--Gainesville FLCorporate Livewire2014
    Named finalist Board Certified Lawyer of the YearThe Florida Bar2013
    Top 20 Law Professors in FloridaStatestats.org2013
    Walter Crumbley Law Practice Management AwardThe Florida Bar2012
    Appointed to the Evaluation CommitteeFlorida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education2011
    Rising StarFlorida Superlawyers2011
    Board Certified Civil Trial LawerFlorida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education2011
    Who's Who in Amercan LawMarquis Who's Who in American Law2011
    Rising StarSuperlawyers2010
    Who's Who in American LawMarquis Publication2010
    Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial LawyerThe Florida Bar2010
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2009
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2009
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2008
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2008
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2007
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2007
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2006
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2006
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2005
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2005
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2004
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2004
    Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerFlorida Bar2003
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2003
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2002
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2001
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis2000
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1999
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1998
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1997
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1996
    Who's Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1995
    Whos' Who in American LawWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1994
    work experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Adjunct ProfessorUniversity of Florida Levin College of Law2002 - Present
    AttorneyLawrence J. Marraffino, P.A.1986 - Present
    Trial Team Coach--AAJ National CompetitionUniversity of Florida Levin College of Law2004 - 2010
    Associate AttorneyMarchbanks & Feaman, PA1986 - 1986
    AssociateFertig & Gramling, PA1984 - 1986
    associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    James C. Adkins, Jr. American Inn of CourtMember2019 - Present
    American Association for JusticeMember2004 - Present
    Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Bar AssociationMember2004 - Present
    Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember2004 - Present
    National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember2003 - Present
    National Association of Personal Injury LawyersMember2002 - Present
    Florida Justice AssociationMember1998 - Present
    U.S. District Court--Northern District of FloridaMember1997 - Present
    Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar AssociationMember1996 - Present
    U.S. District Court--Middle District of FloridaMember1985 - Present
    The Florida BarMember1984 - Present
    American Association for JusticeMember1997 - 2009
    Florida Bar Trial Lawyers SectionMember1986 - 2009
    publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    The Gainesville SunConsider the Supreme Court2008
    The Gainesville SunFloridians Duped on Amendment 32004
    education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1984
    University of FloridaBA - Bachelor of Arts1981
    speaking engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    University of Florida College of Law Spring Boot CampWorking In Small Firms2015
    Florida Association for Women LawyersInterview Etiquette2015
    University of Florida College of Law Spring Boot CampWorking in Small Firms2014
    University of Florida Adjunct Professor of LawLaw Practice Management2010
    University of Florida Mock Trial TeamTrial Skill2010
    Going Solo Successful Practice SeminarLaw Practice Management2010
    Law Practice ManagementLaw Practice Management2009
    Trial Team CoachLitigation Skills2009
    LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COURSEPRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND LITIGATION SKILLS2008
    Trial Team CoachTrial Team Competition2007
    Law Practice ManagementLaw Practice Managment2006
    Condominium Association Law SeminarCondominium Law2004
    legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Slip and fall at fast food restaurant$825000.00 settlement
    Negligent Security Car Wash$500,000.00 settlement

    Reviews

    5.0 stars4.8 (87)
    5 Star
    		93%
    4 Star
    		1%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		6%
    Review Lawrence Joseph Marraffino

    Excellent lawyer, highly recommended

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Thank you so much. We are glad that you felt comfortable working with us. Larry Marraffino

    He's David to Goliath!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    international Custody Case

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Thank you so much Rinky! I am so glad you were reunited with your daughter.

    Divorce

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Best wishes to you and thank you for your kind words.

    Highly recommend!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Thank you so much Nancy. I am very happy that you got such a great result.

    Thankful

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Thank you so much Cristina for this wonderful review.

    Thank You!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    An Extraordinary Attorney...

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Thank you so much June!

    Highly recommend Mr. Marrafino for family law matters!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Client

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's response: Thank you Roger! I am glad that we were able to get such a great result for you.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (21)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Thomas Gerard Pye

    Thomas Pye, Unknown Attorney on Oct 1, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I confidently endorse Lawrence Marraffino. I have known Larry for many years and have always known him to be of the highest ethical standards. I have on many occasions referred clients to him based on this trust and confidence, knowing that he handles his clients and their legal matters with the utmost care and professionalism.

    Lawyer Tee Hoa Lee

    Tee Lee, Family Attorney on Mar 20, 2020
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    Larry Marraffino is a great opponent. He is professional and works hard for his client. Larry is experienced in family law and a skilled litigator.

    Lawyer Tee Hoa Lee

    Tee Lee, Family Attorney on Mar 20, 2020
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    Larry Marraffino is a great opponent. He is professional and works hard for his client. Larry is experienced in family law and a skilled litigator.

    Lawyer Dan Weisman

    Dan Weisman, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 15, 2020
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Mr. Marraffino is board certified, and handles every matter with diligence, thoroughness, professionalism, and compassion. We have worked on cases together and I have personally seen the high quality of his work.

    Lawyer John Joseph Kelly

    John Kelly, Family Attorney on Feb 7, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer in the area of Family law. I needed to confer with a lawyer on how best to advise a client in a family law matter and Mr. Marrafino's advice was sound and to the point. Within moments, he had reviewed the documentation I submitted to him and was prepared to discuss the issues at length. I would recommend Mr. Marrafino to anyone seeking a family law lawyer.

    Lawyer Sergio Cabanas

    Sergio Cabanas, Unknown Attorney on Jan 4, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable and seeks to serve his clients interests at all times.

    Lawyer Thomas Gerard Pye

    Thomas Pye, Unknown Attorney on Oct 1, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I confidently endorse Lawrence Marraffino. I have known Larry for many years and have always known him to be of the highest ethical standards. I have on many occasions referred clients to him based on this trust and confidence, knowing that he handles his clients and their legal matters with the utmost care and professionalism.

    No photo

    Nicholas Hamm, Family Attorney on Apr 13, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Hovanes Margarian

    Hovanes Margarian, Unknown Attorney on Dec 11, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Michael S. Waddington

    Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Jun 11, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

    Lawyer Jonathan Phillips

    Jonathan Phillips, General practice Attorney on Jun 28, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Marraffino is a dedicated lawyer and an excellent adjunct professor at the University of Florida.

    Lawyer Keith Patrick Ligori

    Keith Ligori, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Mar 18, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Howard M Lewis

    Howard Lewis, Family Attorney on Jan 20, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Marraffino is one of the finest attorneys in his state. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services.

    Lawyer Herbert Ira Ellis

    Herbert Ellis, General practice Attorney on Dec 30, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Chris Matthew Limberopoulos

    Chris Limberopoulos, Family Attorney on Dec 27, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer John Michael Phillips

    John Phillips, Unknown Attorney on Oct 7, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Attorney Marraffino. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos.

    Lawyer Sherry Gale Ivey Jones

    Sherry Jones, Unknown Attorney on Jul 18, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. As a professor at U.F. Law, Mr. Marraffino is a great resource of information to his students, and continues to provide information and help to students long after graduation. I have recommended clients to Mr. Marraffino in the Gainesville area, and have always received positive responses from those client's who retained Mr. Marraffino's Law Firm.

    Lawyer Rafal Strzalkowski

    Rafal Strzalkowski, Unknown Attorney on Jul 13, 2012
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Nicholas David Russo

    Nicholas Russo, Personal injury Attorney on Jul 10, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Marrafino is one of the few attorneys who cares more about his clients then making money. He gives back to his community through bro bono work and teaching.

    Lawyer Darren Adam Heitner

    Darren Heitner, Unknown Attorney on May 17, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Lawrence Marraffino is an excellent advocate for his clients. He also provides outstanding service to his students at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, which has undoubtedly resulted in an advancement in the practice of law in Florida.

    Lawyer Margery Ellen Golant

    Margery Golant, Foreclosure Attorney on Apr 12, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have encountered Atty. Marraffino's advice on Avvo frequently as it relates to foreclosure and bankruptcy. Since these are fields in which I am extremely involved, I am able to say with confidence that his advice is consistently excellent.

    Lawyer Eric Chase Roberson

    Eric Roberson, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 11, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Marraffino is a great advocate and teacher. I highly recommend him for your personal injury and bankruptcy needs.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-40%
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Sometimes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card