Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
42 Client Reviews
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Michael Panella
also known as Mike Panella
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About Michael
Biography
Attorney Michael Panella has dedicated his professional career to criminal defense and family law matters, with a focus on giving a strong voice in the courtroom to those who need it the most. Even in his first year in law school he was hired at a prestigious criminal defense law firm and was granted an exception to the University of Florida's general "no outside work" rule due to his outstanding scholastic achievements. He was also President of the Law School's Phi Alpha Delta organization. In addition to receiving his Juris Doctor with honors, he was awarded the University of Florida Levin College of Law Criminal Justice Certificate, a Pro-Bono Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, and the Community Service Award Certificate for Outstanding Achievement.
From there, Mr. Panella went on to become a contributing member to the defense in the State v. George Zimmerman case, was instrumental in achieving favorable pretrial appellate decisions, and contributed to jury selection and general trial strategy including a heavy focus on self-defense matters.
Mr. Panella also spent time working at a respected capital appellate firm where he worked on state and federal death penalty appeals and postconviction motions for relief.
Prior to opening his practice, Mr. Panella proudly served as an Assistant Public Defender for the 18th Judicial Circuit in both Brevard and Seminole Counties.
Mr. Panella enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys, and working to get great results for clients in the courtroom.
We Never Back Down When We Are Representing The Rights Of Our Clients. You Can Always Count On Us To Be Forceful, Fair, And Committed. Call For A Free Consultation (407) 753-6009
Facing An Assault Charge, Drug Offense, Or Any Other Criminal Charge? Attorney Panella Will Argue Forcefully On Your Behalf To Achieve The Best Possible Outcome! Call For A Free Consultation (407) 753-6009
DUI Is One Of The Most Destructive Charges A Person Can Face - Get An Aggressive Dui Defense Lawyer That Has Your Back. Call For A Free Consultation (407) 753-6009
We Recognize That No Matter Your Family Law Situation, It Is The Most Important Concern In Your Life Right Now. When We Handle Your Case, Your Legal Concern Becomes Our Important Concern Too. Call For A Free Consultation (407) 753-6009
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
Family
40%
DUI and DWI
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 11 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Panella's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 39 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Andrew | January 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mike Panella is the only attorney you need to talk to
I cannot recommend Mike Panella enough. He is an incredible criminal defense attorney who truly cares about his clients. He always communicated promptly, never made me feel like my questions were insignificant, and was consistently responsive throughout the entire process. I was overwhelmed and anxio...
Posted by Carol | August 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Look no Further; Simply the BEST!!
Let me begin by saying, I rarely write reviews, but had to make an exception in this case. Michael Panella is simply the absolute best. Not only is he professional, kind, caring, thoughtful, knowledgeable but he will work with you and your finances. Many lawyers are thoughtless and money hungry and r...
Posted by Felicia | July 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommended Lawyer
Mike Panella has been our family lawyer for over three years, and I can honestly say there is no one else I would trust with our legal matters. Most recently, he helped us win an important case for my son—and his dedication, knowledge, and heart made all the difference. Mike is not just incredibly...
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dismissed DUI
I could not be more thankful to have Michael Pannella represent me. I was charged with a DUI which would have devastated my career. Originally, I was offered a lowered plea of reckless driving. This was not an option for me as I needed the charges dropped completely for my profession. He was always s...
Posted by John | September 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Such a great lawyer
Answered all my questions and was super fair with the bill. He took the time to walk me through each issue in as much detail as i needed. Thanks!
Michael Panella's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. We have worked together on a few cases and he is dedicated to his clients."
"Michael has a thorough knowledge of his field, is a skilled advocate for his clients, and always brings a compassionate and personal style of representation to his work."
"Mr. Panella is a great lawyer and is passionate about his practice. He knows how to resolve matters efficiently and he isn't afraid to handle complicated issues. I endorse this lawyer."
"MIchael has worked cases that made the national spotlight and brings a lot to the table. He is a smart, sincere, and skilled lawyer. I endorse Michael!"
"Mr. Panella and I were co-workers during his time spent at the 18th Circuit Public Defender's Office. I witnessed firsthand his commitment and dedication to his clients' cases. In private practice, he continues to be an excellent advocate for his clients in the community. If you are seeking legal advice, I highly suggest reaching out to Mr. Panella. You won't regret it."
"Mike Panella is a top-notch criminal defense attorney. His dedication and availability to his clients are unsurpassed."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great in trial. Great negotiator. Care for his clients."
"I fully endorse Michael Panella for the areas of criminal defense and traffic law. I have had the opportunity to refer cases to him and I am impressed with his results and the attention he gives to his clients and other attorneys in the community."
"Michael is an excellent advocate for all of his clients. He works tirelessly for great results."
"Michael is a real bull dog. He will fight on your behalf as if his life depended on it."
"Mike Panella is an excellent criminal defense lawyer. I worked with Mike on a serious criminal case and he was outstanding. He was very responsive to the client and his family, answering questions and making sure they knew exactly what was happening. Mike was diligent in his work and developed defenses that the average lawyer would not consider. I sincerely endorse Mike Panella."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike gives his all. He works diligently and truly cares about his clients and getting justice for them."
Christopher Waggener
Personal injury lawyer
Michael Landers
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Jonathan Spellman
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Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Criminal Justice Certificate, University of Florida College of Law
2013
Community Service Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, University of Florida College of Law
2013
Pro Bono Certificate of Outstanding Achievement, University of Florida College of Law
2012
Book Award, Child, Parent, and the State, University of Florida College of Law
2011
Book Award, Criminal Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Owner, Panella Law Firm
2015 - 2016
Attorney, Office Of The Public Defender 18th Circuit
2014 - 2015
Attorney, Law Office of Sonya Rudenstine
2012 - 2014
Law Clerk, O'Mara Law Group
2011 - 2013
Law Clerk, Law Firm of Larry Gibbs Turner, P.L.
Associations
2015 - Present
Brevard County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
Florida BarMember
2014 - Present
Broward County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - 2012
Phi Alpha DeltaJustice (President)
Sample of Legal Cases
Criminal Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Criminal Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Criminal Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Criminal Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Domestic Violence Injunction Dismissed
Dismissed
Criminal Case Dismissed
Some charges reduced, others dismissed.
Serious Traffic Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Serious Traffic Case Dismissed
Dismissed
Civil Case Won
My client won.
HTO Reversed
License Revocation Rescinded
Serious Traffic Case Dismissed
License Restored
Education
2013
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor Cum Laude
2009
University of Central Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
OCBA YLS Mentoring Program
Mentoring Program
2018
Trial Team Scrimmage
Trial Team Strategies
2018
Legal Intern Symposium
How to Prepare for Law School
2018
Criminal Defense - the Basics
Criminal Defense Strategies for New Lawyers
2013
Law School Lecture: Race, Racism, and American Law
Race, Racism, and American Law
2013
An Afternoon with Michael Panella, Former Law Clerk for the George Zimmerman Defense Team
The George Zimmerman Trial and Comparison of Self Defense Laws
Publications
2015
2013
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I have to pay overweight ticket I got in California working for a private company, driving their truck? And I’m from Florida?
11 Dec 2023
Q&A
Reckless Driving case says "Status: Court Pending" and Disposition says "Adjudication Withheld." How to answer job applications?
03 Aug 2017
Q&A
I have a domestic violence charge. Will that show up on my background check.
08 Aug 2017