Richard James Mockler III

PRO

Richard James Mockler III

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Litigation Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Litigation, Divorce & Separation, Family, Mediation

600 N. Willow Ave., Suite 101, Tampa, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

About Richard

Biography

Client-focused advocacy to protect your rights.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Litigation 40%

24 years | 250 cases

40%
Divorce and Separation 30%

19 years | 500 cases

30%
Family 20%

19 years | 500 cases

20%
Mediation 10%

16 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 300-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2013
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2012
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 23 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2002

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Mockler Leiner Law, P.A.

600 N. Willow Ave., Suite 101, Tampa, FL, 33606

familylawrights.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Richard online.

Richard James Mockler III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

32 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (32) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 13 of 13 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

The Quintessential lawyer

I hired Mockler Law Group in Oct 2011 to represent me during a heated/contested divorce. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made to protect myself and my personal interest. When my ex-wife attempted a scheme to get me arrested so I lose my house and custody of my child, Richard came to the... rescue. He masterfully strategized a winning argument with facts and clear evidence that left no doubt in the Judge's mind that my ex-wife committed domestic violence and provided false information to Law Enforcement Officers, thereby granting me my first victory in this complex marital battle. After negotiations failed, Richard went head to head with my Ex-wife's lawyer. During the hearing, Richard questioned the court-appointed social investigator on the stand, whom had written a 60-page report that clearly favored my ex-wife over me in the custody battle for my child...clearly I was about to lose my case. Again, Richard unique style of questioning was able to build on a foundation that proved not only that I was a great Father. but the report was totally bias and should be inadmissible in court. To make my point, Richard decisively won my divorce trial where all that I requested from the court was fully granted. I'm now happily divorced, paying zero alimony and have 50/50 joint custody of my beloved child. Simply put, this was not an easy case as the Judge put it, "this was a very complex court case". Richard is truly a brilliant, highly experienced lawyer where he eats, sleeps, and breathes every aspect of family law. Richard staff, Rachel and Brittany, are equally superb, they also stand behind the clients every step of the way...courteous and professional. More importantly, Richard legal fees and extremely fair...he gave me one of the best deals that I couldn't refused. I'm writing this review on my own free will with the hopes that you hire Richard at Mockler Law Group. He will give it everything he got to bring satisfaction and closer to your case...hire him and you won't regret it!

Posted by Cheryl | October 01, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Amazing, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Helps walk you through a hard situation with ease and compassion.

I contacted Richard in June about my divorce. No divorce is easy and to make mine more complicated it is being fought in 2 states and is military related. Richard and both of his Legal Assistants, Rachel and Brittany are very friendly, and help you to make this difficult process easier. I've never ha...d an issue contacting Richard nor his office about problems or concerns, they were addressed in a very timely and professional manner via telephone or email. One of the great things about Richard is, he is very knowledgeable in military divorces and what they entail. He is not like every other military attorney I called that was more interested in only serving the service member, he was interested in my (the spouse to a service member) problem and how he could help best. I wish that Richard was barred in the other state my divorce and child custody is being fought it, I would love to continue to have him in my corner and fighting for me and my children's rights. I hope to never have to refer my friends or family for this situation, but if I do, Richard Mockler will be the only name I will ever recommend, ever.

Posted by Screwed | June 11, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

***PLEASE READ!*** Please don't make the same mistake I did!

Hiring the Mockler Law Group was the biggest mistake of my life. I was blown away reading the positive reviews on this site. It can't be the same Richard Mockler I hired. I'm not sure of his knowledge because I would never even get my questions answered. I did not feel he was knowledgeable of militar...y divorces, much less a simple divorce. There was no communication from him unless it was concerning paying him. Once he got all my money even that communication stopped. I never felt comfortable or educated on any part of the process, nor did I ever feel like he cared about me as a human being, which is extremely crucial in this type of life-altering situation. Not once throughout the entire process did I truly feel he was passionately fighting for me. He completely failed me. I wish I never hired him.

Richard Mockler

Replied last June 14, 2013

I am at a total loss as to whom this "client" could possibly be. This same post has been taken down by AVVO three times. My strong feeling is that this was posted by an ex-husband or ex-wife of one of my clients. I have been very flexible about money. I answer my clients' questions. I definitely care about my clients. And, I know a great deal about divorce, especially military divorce. I am not a perfect attorney. But, no client, judge, or opposing counsel has ever said that I don't care about my clients or that I am not knowledgeable about military divorce. Those statements are, for lack of a better word, silly.

See All Client Reviews

Richard James Mockler III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Courtney Davis Bowes headshot
Courtney Bowes

Family lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard is an outstanding attorney who is respected throughout the community for his professionalism and advocacy. I recommend him to anyone seeking assistance in a family law matter."

Christine Lynne Derr headshot
Christine Derr

Family lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard and I worked together on a divorce case with challenging custodial and financial issues. He was unfailingly professional. I endorse his work."

Drew Kurland Patterson headshot
Drew Patterson

Litigation lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Richard is a top-notch attorney in the area."

Ryan Thomas Fasso headshot
Ryan Fasso

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is an extremely knowledgeable attorney and a strong advocate for his clients. He is professional, extremely intelligent and compassionate. His knowledge of the law is fascinating and he is always available to share legal insight with fellow attorneys. He always takes the time to answer questions, brainstorm or help out a client or fellow lawyer. I highly recommend his services and/or litigation skills to anyone who needs assistance in their legal matters. I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer."

Kelli Lynne Mitchell headshot
Kelli Mitchell

Family lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Mockler is a highly adept and passionate advocate for his clients, and a tremendous mediator. His knowledge of the law and litigation skills are second to none. I strongly endorse Mr. Mocker."

Amber N. Boles headshot
Amber Boles

Family lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Mockler has an extraordinary ability to analyze cases, and advocate his client's position. He is often called on by his peers for his expertise and input. I highly endorse Mr. Mockler."

Robyn Ashley Bonivich headshot
Robyn Bonivich

Family lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Richard when he was the opposing attorney on difficult dissolution matter, with complex child custody issues. Richard's skills in the courtroom are exceptional. Aside from his skills, Richard genuinely cares about his clients. I have also worked with Richard in his capacity as a mediator and hope to do so again in the future. I have no reservations endorsing Richard as both an attorney and as a mediator."

Nadia Phanco headshot
Nadia Phanco

Mediation lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is one of the best mediators I have had the pleasure of working with. Richard helped my client reach a settlement agreement and successfully was able to keep tensions low. He is well respected within the community and very knowledgeable in family law."

Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

Mediation lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen attorney Richard James Mockler in and around several local courtrooms. He is always well prepared and very knowledgeable about mediation law matters."

Cary Garcia headshot
Cary Garcia

Mediation lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Richard on a project for a group that we're both a part of, and he was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was professional, knowledgeable, and helpful, but most of all, INTELLIGENT. I endorse Richard without hesitation!"

Paul Jason Phipps headshot
Paul Phipps

Family lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had cases against Richard and also know him as a fellow lawyer in the community. He is an exceptional lawyer, creative problem solver, and effective mediator. I endorse this lawyer."

Mark F Baseman headshot
Mark Baseman

Litigation lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard Mockler is one of the most intelligent, skilled and respected attorneys in the Tampa Bay area. He is a strong advocate for his clients, whether that means fiercely litigating a case or coming up with practical solutions to their problems. I highly endorse Richard."

David Veenstra headshot
David Veenstra

Family lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I am pleased to endorse this lawyer. I have litigated against and with Mr. Mockler and have found him to be a consummate professional. His knowledge and skill as a family attorney are unparalleled and serve as an example to which other attorneys should aspire."

Kevin Dean Astl headshot
Kevin Astl

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of litigating with Richard on opposite sides, on behalf of our respective clients. Richard is kind, sensitive, funny, but very strong in his advocacy. He exhibits an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of Florida law and statutes, and uses that knowledge to his clients' clear benefit - withOUT ever bludgeoning his opposition or resorting to base gamesmanship. In short, he is experienced, dedicated, and a strong recommendation for divorce/family counsel in the Tampa area."

Damien LaRue Mckinney headshot
Damien Mckinney

Family lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Mockler on several cases and have always found him to be professional, competent and intelligent."

Joseph Julius Registrato headshot
Joseph Registrato

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Tamra Carsten Givens headshot
Tamra Givens

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Darrin T. Mish headshot
Darrin Mish

Litigation lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Richard Mockler is truly top notch legal talent. I know a lot of lawyers (numbering in the thousands) but Richard has a sense of legal acumen that is truly rare. He is in the very top tier of lawyers in America and I heartily endorse him."

Richard E. Brown headshot
Richard Brown

Family lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. Outstanding marital and family law attorney. Knowledgeable and well versed on the law and very capably represents his clients."

View All Endorsements
Drew Kurland Patterson headshot
Drew Patterson

Litigation lawyer

Joshua Gammon Sheridan headshot
Joshua Sheridan

Criminal defense lawyer

Robyn Ashley Bonivich headshot
Robyn Bonivich

Child custody lawyer

Jonathan Hackworth headshot
Jonathan Hackworth

Criminal defense lawyer

Heather Bryan headshot
Heather Bryan

Family lawyer

Paul Jason Phipps headshot
Paul Phipps

Family lawyer

Mark F Baseman headshot
Mark Baseman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Olga Patricia Palma headshot
Olga Palma

Divorce and separation lawyer

Richard Alvarez headshot
Richard Alvarez

Litigation lawyer

Richard E. Brown headshot
Richard Brown

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joy Ann Demas headshot
Joy Demas

Family lawyer

Jennifer Ann Ficarrotta headshot
Jennifer Ficarrotta

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael John Stanton headshot
Michael Stanton

Litigation lawyer

Mark P. Stopa headshot
Mark Stopa

Foreclosure lawyer

Courtney Davis Bowes headshot
Courtney Bowes

Family lawyer

Robert Houpt Thornburg headshot
Robert Thornburg

Intellectual property lawyer

John Richard Caskey headshot
John Caskey

Probate lawyer

Jose Constantino Gonzalez headshot
Jose Gonzalez

Family lawyer

David M. Caveda headshot
David Caveda

Family lawyer

Suzette Michele Marteny headshot
Suzette Marteny

Intellectual property lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine

2021

Florida Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2021

Florida Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers

2020

Florida Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine

2019

Florida Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Florida Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Theodore Millison Professionalism Award, Stann W. Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa

2017

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

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2001

Presidential Outstanding Leadership Award, University of Florida

2000

2000 Student of the Year, University of Florida Levin College of Law

1998

Ferguson Scholarship, University of Florida College of Law

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Shareholder, Mockler Leiner Law, P.A.

2016 - 2018

Shareholder, Mockler Dorsett, P.A.

2015 - 2016

Shareholder, Davis Mockler Law, P.A.

2013 - 2015

Attorney, Solomon Law Group

2009 - 2013

Attorney, Richard J. Mockler, P.A.

2007 - 2008

Litigation Associate, Greenberg Traurig

2005 - 2007

Litigation Associate, Holland & Knight LLP

2002 - 2005

Litigation Associate, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

Associations

2018 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Certified Federal Mediator

2017 - Present

Florida Supreme Court

Certified Civil Mediator

2010 - Present

Florida Supreme Court

Certified Family Mediator

2009 - Present

Tampa Bay Family Law Inn of Court

Barrister

2009 - Present

Family Law Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association

Board Member

2008 - Present

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Tampa Bay chapter)

Member

2001 - Present

Florida Blue Key Leadership Honorary

Member

2008 - 2012

Cheatwood Inn of Court

Barrister

1998 - 2002

John Marshall Bar Association

President

Sample of Legal Cases

Mohammed v. Mohammed

The Husband prevailed on all issues

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

University of Florida Graduate School

LL.M - Master of Laws

2001

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

Juris Doctor

1998

Florida State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

HCBA CLE

Advanced Strategies & Procedures for Litigating Claims for Attorneys' Fees & Costs

2019

HCBA CLE

Evidence and Trial Advocacy for Family Law Practitioners

2018

HCBA CLE

Expert Witnesses in Child Custody Cases

2014

HCBA CLE

Maintaining Order: Understanding the Court's Contempt Powers

2013

HCBA CLE

Discovery of Medical Records and Trial of Cases Involving Medical Evidence

2012

HCBA CLE

Developing Parenting Plans for Children with Developmental Disorders

2012

HCBA CLE

Trial Advocacy in Family Law Cases

2009

Breaker Morant Presentation on Ethics

Ethics

Publications

2020

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Nuts & Bolts of Florida Family Law Mandatory Disclosures

2014

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Are All Sales Really Final? – The Enforceability of Prenuptial, Post-Nuptial, and Marital Settlement Agreements

2013

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Cast of Characters: Professionals in a Family Law Case

2012

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Prenuptial Agreements: 'Til Death Do Us Part

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Richard earned significant contribution points in 2013.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution