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.
4.7 /5.0
51 Client Reviews
PRO
Free Consultation
As of October 2012, Richard was appointed by a joint committe of Federal judges, Federal Public Defenders, and private attorneys to the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Southern District of Florida. A handful of attorneys are selected to the CJA Panel regionally and are carefully screened in order to ensure that the attorney possesses the professionalism and experience necessary to handle complex Federal matters. The CJA Panelists are called upon and appointed by Federal judges to handle any/all Federal criminal cases where a conflict exists with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.
5
Practice Areas
33 years | 1,000 cases
33 years | 800 cases
33 years | 1,000 cases
33 years | 750 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 5 minutes
Sometimes
State: Florida
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Fax
101 N.E. Third Avenue, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
richardamerlino.comShowing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Consumer Protection
Posted by John | April 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Consumer Protection
Deep regret
Be sure and read the fine print on the retainer. I didn't and lost $10,000 for 1 days representation. Retainer suggests by the hour but goes on to say 'considered earned when paid' which in legal jargon for no refunds. In my situation I hired him but found a lawyer local (Texas) 1 day after paying re...
"John," I find your defamatory allegations disappointing and disingenuous to say the least despite my long tenure in a very adversarial profession. The Firm was hired pursuant to a formal plain language flat fee written agreement to initiate proactive investigative research, review of corporate documents and communications, and communication with the Government during the investigative stage of an alleged federal, multi-corporation, large scale medicare fraud scheme involving, at a minimum, tens of millions of dollars in total loss to the United States Medicare Program. The allegations included, in part, not only a scheme to defraud the Medicare Program, but vulnerable elderly Medicare recipients. Most of the work on this matter was done in good faith even prior to receipt of the executed flat fee agreement and fee payment. The flat fee agreement was discussed with you at length prior to your execution of same. As a 27 year criminal trial attorney with a pedigree in federal trial practice who has been the Chairperson of 2 Florida Bar Ethics Grievance Committees, I find it repugnant and ironic, given the allegations, that our timely and efficient efforts have resulted in this unfortunate situation. A fair reimbursement was provided.
"I highly recommend Attorney Richard Merlino. I have handled numerous criminal matters with him. We have worked as co-counsel on complex criminal matters. Mr. Merlino is highly skilled and competent in his field. He is well respected among our peers and I find him to have high ethical standards. I completely endorse Richard with no reservations whatsoever."
"Rich is one of the most committed and dedicated attorneys I've ever worked with. I wholeheartedly endorse Rich and his team and look forward to working with them again in the future."
"I've known Rich for approximately six years. There are few, if any, more professional, well-respected attorneys in the courthouse. Having worked many cases against him, I can attest that Rich has an excellent reputation and knows the law as well as anyone. He's an exceptional trial lawyer who always fights for his client's best interest!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have tried cases with Richard. He is a highly skilled trial lawyer with the ability to win cases other less skilled lawyers might lose. He is a difference maker for those who truly care about their freedom."
"I have known Rich for many years, and had the opportunity to share several clients with him. Rich is a zealous advocate for his clients, achieves great results, and the clients we shared have provided overwhelmingly positive reviews of his services. I highly recommend Rich as a criminal defense lawyer."
Criminal defense lawyer
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2006 - Present
Partner, VOLUCK & MERLINO, PL
1995 - 1997
Felony Trial Unit Prosecutor, Broward County State Attorney's Office
1993 - 1995
Supervisor County Court Division, Broward County State Attorney's Office
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
Guilty of lesser included offense, Case still pending appeal
HUNG JURY, CASE LATER DISMISSED
NOT GUILTY
ACQUITTED OF ARMED TRAFFICKING
NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
Guilty of lesser: Manslaughter
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, ALL COUNTS
NOT GUILTY OF MURDER
NOT GUILTY VERDICT ON ALL COUNTS
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
1993
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
CRIMINAL LAW
Spanish
English