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Sami Thalji
About Sami
Biography
First and foremost, I sue debt collectors. My firm is a full service consumer rights firm that represents regular people against debt collectors, banks, lenders, and insurance companies. We also handle bankruptcy and all types of commercial and residential real estate transactions.
I am a native Floridian, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. I graduated from Osceola High School in Seminole, Florida before attending and receiving my Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. My first job out of law school was in public service and law enforcement with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office. In 4 short years, I lead the first-ever Juvenile rocket-docket program, handling thousands of cases alone. I also worked in the Domestic Violence and DUI divisions, trying 50 DUI jury trials and 12 DV jury trials. Once Mark Ober was elected State Attorney and instituted a merit based promotion program, I quickly rose to the rank of Felony Lead Trial Attorney and ultimately the Major Crimes Division. I tried more than 50 felony jury trials, including serious felonies such as kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. I won more than 90% of my jury trials while at the State Attorney's Office, including a perfect 5-0 record in murder trials.
Once I left the State Attorney's Office, I joined the criminal defense firm of Taracks and Associates. During my two years there, I tried many high profile defense cases, including the successful defense of a hate crime case in Pinellas County, Florida. After 1 year of litigation, 2 jury trials and 1 mistrial, the jury waited only 5 minutes, after hearing my closing argument, to return a verdict of not guilty on the hate crime charge. That was truly one of my proudest moments as a lawyer. My client was clearly not guilty and the State's heavy handed tactics were employed solely for the use of cheap political gain rather than with any thought of actual justice. The jury agreed with me too.
After two years working as a criminal defense attorney, I woke up one day and found myself craving a new challenge. So, I walked away from the comfort of my high-paying job and started STAMATAKIS + THALJI with my colleague, law school class mate and dear friend, Scott Stamatakis. Our firm has evolved in a number of different ways since our founding. Initially, we represented banks in foreclosure actions against consumers. The money was good, but it wasn't the type of work that fit our personality. After much thought we decided we were perfect for consumer justice. With our combined knowledge of banking laws, bankruptcy, mortgages, foreclosures, and my vast trial experience, we decided that representing actual people with problems would be the type of challenge we were looking for. Now, STAMATAKIS + THALJI is the one of the State's leading and most popular full-service consumer justice law firm. We have represented thousands upon thousands of every day citizens who have suffered problems at the hands of their banks or insurance companies. Specifically, our firm excels at the practice of AUTO ACCIDENT, PERSONAL INJURY, WRONGFUL DEATH, SINKHOLES, FORECLOSURE DEFENSE, BANKRUPTCY, COLLECTIONS DEFENSE, LOAN MODIFICATIONS, SHORT SALES, and CREDIT REPAIR.
My vision is to change the practice of law in America. Every day, we search for ways to offer everyday consumers affordable legal representation that is effective, efficient, and very computer friendly. If you have a problem, give me a call. I can help.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Consumer Protection
33%
19 years
Personal Injury
32%
24 years
Bankruptcy and Debt
20%
24 years
Real Estate
10%
24 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 26 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
STAMATAKIS + THALJI + BONANNO
8751 North Himes Ave, Tampa, FL, 33614
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Sami Thalji's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Laura Crittenden | January 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Absolute Best Consumer Rights Attorney!
You cannot go wrong by contacting Sami Thalji. I had a debt collector calling me and harassing me with threats of imprisonment for a debt that I knew nothing about! Sami answered my question on this forum and handled my case professionally and with ease securing me the max in statutory damages! I cou...
Sami Thalji
Replied last January 17, 2018Thank you Laura. I'm glad I could help.
Posted by anonymous | April 7, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Thank you
Quick response with concise, honest advise. Thanks
Sami Thalji
Replied last April 10, 2017Thank you for the review. I hope everything works out for you.
Posted by John | March 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Lawyer
Mr. Thalji's firm represented me in a foreclosure defense matter and at some point during the case identified a possible claim against the bank for calling my cell phone. I didn't understand what was happening but Mr. Thalji took the time to explain it to me and then filed a lawsuit against the bank ...
Sami Thalji
Replied last March 27, 2017Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad we were able to get a great result for you on your case!
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2014
Not very responsive
During the time they have "handled" our foreclosure, we have been through 4 legal assistants. No one returns your call and emails are sometimes answered and sometimes not. When a switch has been made to a new person, no one advises you that the person has left the firm - after several emails and ph...
Sami Thalji
Replied last March 16, 2017Hard to respond when someone leaves anonymous review. When running a consumer protection practice, especially when defending a mortgage foreclosure action in Florida clients are often frustrated with the legal process and take it out on their lawyer. Our firm has successfully represented thousands of homeowners and have been able to work out different solutions in different cases, in many instances winning the case at trial. However, we are not able to meet the client's expectations in every instance. For example, if a client wants to "save their home" but doesn't have any money to make a mortgage payment or even a modified mortgage payment then the home cannot be saved. Often times clients cannot deal with these hard facts. I also take exception with the notion that we missed court hearings. We do not miss court hearings. Often times hearings are resolved in advance and only one side attends the hearing to report the agreement. Again, very likely a client misunderstanding. I understand frustrations when it comes to dealing with different legal assistants but that is the nature of business. People leave or are fired and new people are hired, always with the goal of improving as a firm. The client's frustration is somewhat related to their lack of understanding of what it take s to run a law firm. However, I will be clear that the lawyers representing them did not change. We stand by all of our work.
Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2013
Stay away from this one
They took my money, missed my court date, withdrew from my case the sent me a bill for more money. They did nothing but take my money. He may be cheap but you get what you pay for.
Sami Thalji
Replied last March 16, 2017Hard to respond when someone leaves anonymous review. When running a consumer protection practice, especially when defending a mortgage foreclosure action in Florida clients are often frustrated with the legal process and take it out on their lawyer. Our firm has successfully represented thousands of homeowners and have been able to work out diffierent solutions in different cases, in many instances winning the case at trial. However, we are not able to meet the client's expectations in every instance. For example, if a client wants to "save their home" but doesn't have any money to make a mortgage payment or even a modified mortgage payment then the home cannot be saved. Often times clients cannot deal with these hard facts. I also take exception with the notion that we missed court hearings. We do not miss court hearings. Often times hearings are resolved in advance and only one side attends the hearing to report the agreement. Again, very likely a client misunderstanding.
Sami Thalji's Lawyer Endorsements
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Thalji is a dedicated and hardworking attorney."
"I have known Sami Thalji for many years as a tireless fighter in consumer protection cases. He is a lawyer's lawyer. Bright, innovative, and aggressive. If I needed help with a consumer protection law matter in Tampa, this is the call I would make."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Sami Thalji has demonstrated a high level of talent and devotion to his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him."
"Sami Thalji displays genuine concern in every question he answers on Avvo. His answers reflect a solid understanding of the law and a quick grasp of the applicable law in every situation. I enjoy reading his replies and appreciate his willingness to contribute his knowledge."
"Mr. Thalji is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Thalji possesses a wealth of knowledge in the field of personal injury and consumer protection law and will represent clients well."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sami is a fierce advocate and "out of the box" thinker."
"I strongly endorse Sam Thalji. Having known him for over 16 years, he displays the utmost professionalism both in and out of the courtroom and fights zealously for all his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Thalji consistently gives good advice in clear, concise and understandable terms. I endorse this attorney with enthusiasm."
"One of the best trial lawyers I have ever seen."
Jason Linden
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David Payma
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Mark Rowe
Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer
Gary Anderson
Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer
Kevin McKie
Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer
Channika Desilva
Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer
Michael Stanton
Litigation lawyer
Daniel Berman
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Massey
Business lawyer
Amy Bellhorn
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Philip Mason
Family lawyer
Brooke Perez
Workers compensation lawyer
Mustafa Ameen
DUI and DWI lawyer
Robert Bonanno
Personal injury lawyer
Nick Fowler
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Melissa Thalji
Real estate lawyer
Scott Stamatakis
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Experience
Honors
1997
Book Award, Trial practice, University of Florida, College of Law
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Managing Partner, STAMATAKIS + THALJI
1999 - 2003
Lead Trial Attorney, Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office
Associations
1999 - Present
Florida Bar
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
YMCA
Youth Mentor/Volunteer
Sample of Legal Cases
Foreclosure Defense
Foreclosure Dismissed - bank paid attorney's fees undisclosed amount
Motorscooter Accident
$190,000 pre-suit settlement
Motorcycle Accident
$190,000 pre-suit settlement
Slip and Fall Walgreens
$200,000 mediated settlement
Hate Crime - Pinellas County, Florida
Not Guilty - Felony Hate Crime, Guilty lesser included misdemeanor battery
Education
1998
University of Florida, College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
University of Florida
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2008
Remax Realtors Conference Clearwater
Short Sales and Foreclosure: A Realtor's Guide
2007
Florida Bar Criminal Defense Seminar
DUI Defense
Publications
2009
2004
St. Petersburg Times
Judge declares mistrial in noose case
2004
St. Petersburg Times
Times Editorial
2003
St. Petersburg Times
At what point is it no longer self-defense?
2003
Tampa Tribune
Driver Challenges Deeper Life Church In Deadly Crash
1998
The Observer
Florida Mosque Overcomes Dispute
Languages
English
Arabic
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My husband is a convicted felon and want to travel to Jamaica. Would he have a problem returning to the United States ?
13 Jan 2018
Q&A
What can I do to extend or request a temporary stay of 24-hour eviction if I have a small child in the house
24 May 2017
Q&A
Can credit card ccompanies seize my car that I still owe on and is worth less than my pay off balance.
05 May 2017