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I have been involved in the legal field since 1998, when I began my career as a receptionist at Wendy L. Aikin, P.A. I've worked in various areas over the years, including three years at Gray-Robinson, P.A., and a year at Egan, Lev & Siwica, P.A. However, my passion and the majority of my experience are in family law. I opened my private practice in 2010 and have chosen to focus my solely on family law, with a particular focus on children's issues.
I have always had a passion for advocating for children, victims and the disadvantaged. Prior to becoming an attorney, I volunteered with Junior Achievements, in classrooms, as a youth group advisor for teens, and various other volunteer children's activities. During my legal carrer, I have served through the Orange County Bar's Legal Aid Society as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, as well as being a teen court volunteer. I serve on various committees through the Orange County Bar as well as the Florida Bar, and am a member of the Central Florida Family Law American Inns of Court, which is an invitation-only organization which extends membership invitiations only to practitioners who exhibit a high level of integrity and professionalsm.
I attempt to resolve matters with minimal litigation and expense to clients, and consider it critical to conduct business in an ethical and professional manner. However, I will not hesitate to take matters to the courtroom if the circumstances warrant it. Since we are a small solo practice law firm, you will have direct contact with the attorney on a regular basis, and you can be assured that your case will be handled with care, compassion and efficiency.
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Chat withState: Florida
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
1801 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, #679414, Orlando, FL, 32867-2612
9 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes
Posted by Lisa | May 18, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Highly recommended
Before I hired Gladys, I worked with several attorneys in two different counties. I thought they were great attorneys until I hired Gladys. She has made maneuvering through the legal system understandable and a lot less painful to deal with. She spoke to me in terms I could understand and helped me m...
Thank you for your kind words. It is an honor to be able to help clients during these difficult times in their lives. Thank you for the opportunity to assist you with your case.
Posted by anonymous | October 25, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Not reccomended
This lawyer was unable to answers three questions right, I have to called the court and read through the constitution to find my answers. If I email her she takes a week to reply, phone did not work for weeks and no communication from her at all. In times with all the evidence I had on my favor she t...
Thank you for your feedback regarding your experience with me as your attorney. I'm sorry you were so disappointed by my representation, and would be happy to discuss your concerns with you. You are paying for services and should be happy with the services you are receiving. I have handled over 100 family law cases and have consistently received positive reviews, so I'm unable to determine who you are, or to address your concerns directly, unless you discuss them with me. Please feel free to let me know how I can better meet your needs. Most importantly, please let me know what information you believe I have provided that is not correct. This is not a concern that has ever been raised by one of my clients, and I would like to discuss the issue, and clarify any misunderstanding or misinformation, if any was provided. Regarding your concern about my doubting evidence or proof you have provided, it is sometimes the case, unfortunately, that I have to explain to clients that the other party has a better position, or that the client's own position or evidence isn't likely to succeed. If I tell you that the evidence you are providing is not likely to help you obtain the relief you desire, it does not mean I am taking the other party's side, though it may feel that way. It is my job to give you legal advice based on my experience, and I have significant experience in family law, having worked in this field for most of the 15 years I've been in the legal field and the five years I've been a practicing attorney. At times, clients are disappointed when I explain something, especially if the explanation is not the answer they hoped to receive. While I understand it is disappointing to hear that evidence you believe will prove something is not likely to do so, or that it is not likely to be admitted by the Court, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell my clients this in advance, and try to prevent the presentation of evidence I know will harm their position, or will not be accepted. Presenting it anyway not only makes the client's position appear poor, but it also gives the appearance that the attorney wasn't already aware of what evidence was admissible or appropriate. This is not a position you or I want to be in. Often there is evidence that WILL prove a particular point, and the point is important to a client for a variety of reasons, one of which is often the emotional element of family law. However, proving the particular point may not accomplish anything from a legal perspective. Sometimes clients simply want their "day in court" and want the other person to have to admit they did something terrible, and this is understandable. However, courts do not approve of presenting evidence that has no legal basis or remedy, as it takes up time that serves no legitimate legal purpose and could have been used for another hearing, at a time when the courts are already significantly backed up due to financial cutbacks. Finally, it is true that in moving offices, I had some technical difficulties with my telephone lines. This lasted one day the first week, and was resolved by the end of the day once I was notified by another attorney via email that the new line wasn't working. There was also a problem over the weekend that was resolved by 10:00 a.m. Unfortunately, transitions such as moving offices will cause temporary difficulties such as these, and since this was my first move after four years in the prior office, it was a new experience for me. I apologize for any delays caused by the move and assure you the new office is up and running with the new numbers you should have been provided as a current client. Again, the new telephone number is (407) 960-5688. If there is anything more I can address, or you want to discuss your specific case, please feel free to contact me directly so that I can determine how to better meet your needs.
Posted by Gabriel | April 27, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Stop looking...you just found your lawyer
i'm very fortunate to have found Gladys. first off, she was able to work with me on a price that fit my budget which is always important. i dont know a lot about the judicial system except what ive seen on Law and Order, so Gladys was great because she told me exactly what was gonna happen and what s...
Posted by Anne | April 12, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best Family Lawyer in Orlando!
Attorney Dejesus Smith-Mangan has not only been professionally on top of every aspect of my case, but she has also shown compassion on a personal level. Her education and experience, along with her energetic attitude, have made me feel at ease in a very difficult time in my life. She has proven time ...
"I highly endorse Attorney Gladys Smith-Mangan. She honestly cares about her clients and their problems, and will do everything in her power to make things right for them. If I ever came across a family law case that I didn't want to handle myself, I'd refer it to her."
"I highly recommend and endorse Mrs. DeJesus Smith-Mangan for all your Family Law needs; she is definitely the attorney you want in your side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Smith-Mangan cares for each one of her clients. She is passionate and researches every detail. I am honored to call her my colleague as well as my friend."
"I endorse this lawyer. She has the knowledge and experience handling a variety of issues. While a caring and compassionate in her approach; she is also a very strong and zealous advocate for her clients."
"Gladys is able to help her clients not only clarify and articulate their goals, but to work productively toward achieving them. She is always courteous and respectful, but at the same time she knows how to keep conversations on track and as brief as possible, something that is essential in the practice of family law."
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2012
Pro Bono Award, Orange County Legal Aid Society
2011
Pro Bono Award, Legal Aid Society of Orange County
2010
Oustanding Pro Bono Award, Orange County Legal Aid Society
2009
Pro Bono Award, Legal Aid Society of Orange County
2010 - Present
Owner/Attorney, DeJesus Smith-Mangan, P.A.
2006 - 2010
Associate Attorney/Law Clerk/Paralegal, LaGamba Law Firm, P.L.
2004 - 2005
Paralegal, Rotech, Inc.
2003 - 2004
Law Clerk, Egan, Lev & Siwica, P.A.
2000 - 2003
Legal Secretary, Gray Robinson, P.A.
1998 - 1999
Receptionist/Scheduling Secretary, Wendy L. Aikin, P.A.
2012 - Present
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of CourtAssociate Member
2012 - Present
Central Florida Association for Women LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Professionalism CommitteeMember
2010 - Present
Orange County Bar Legal Aid Society, Guardian ad Litem ProgramGuardian ad Litem
2009 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2008 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember
2008 - Present
Florida BarMember
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2012
Attorney Ethics
2010
English
Spanish
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