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Lori Ann Vella

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Virtual Consultation
also known as Lori Vella
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Avvo Rating9.6
  • Tampa, FL
  • Licensed for 20 years
  • Free consultation
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About Lori

Welcome to the Avvo page of Lori Vella. 

Lori Vella has been an attorney for nearly 20 years. She practices Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Advanced Directives) in both Florida and New York. She is the creator of the #GetMyGuardian Guide (formerly Kid Care Package), a unique set of both legal and practical documents, that she created/compiled. She also authored The Live-On Project, a short book about writing letters to your children so that your spirit continues to live on in their lives, no matter what.  Lori recently created a free Online Course Portal called Florida Lawyer Online.  Find it on her website.


She is originally from Rochester, NY. She graduated from Albany Law School in 2000 (25th in her class out of a class of over 300 after the first year). She became a judicial law clerk for the Fifth District Court of Appeal from 2000-2002, with Judge Griffin.

She joined the Tampa law firm of Butler Pappas in 2003. She was a partner and attended hundreds of depositions, hearings and mediations. She felt the calling to start her own law firm in 2017 focusing on matters dear to her heart--the protection of assets for hard-working people and ensuring people set forth their wishes while they still can.

She is a first-generation Sicilian-American. She is an organic gardener and supporter of VISTA gardens, Board Member of the Carrollwood Players, BNI member, an avid reader, achieved Italian conversational fluency through self-study, and leads a local mom group in Tampa. Lori considers herself a Globetrotting Mom Lawyer. She loves traveling the world with her sidekick Gianni. He has been to Croatia, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, France, and Portugal.

Lori welcomes any Seinfeld trivia questions, any time--try to stump her! Message her to learn more about Wills, Trusts and protecting your kids. Available via video calls to all of Florida. 

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Practice areas

OtherContracts and agreementsElder lawEstate planningProbate
  1. Probate: 35%

    We handle probate in all Florida counties. Our team has over 34 years of experience in this area.

  2. Estate planning: 35%

    Wills, Trusts, Guardians for children, Power of Attorney, Living Will, Healthcare Surrogate, HIPAA waivers and more.

  3. Elder law: 15%

    Elder law focuses on many ages. It is planning ahead to ensure that you are not impoverished and may enjoy your sunset years in comfort and peace. We can start planning when you are healthy at 50 and "pull the trigger" on certain things much later.

  4. Contracts and agreements: 5%

    We have 20 years of experience in drafting contracts.

  1. Business: 5%

    We can draft LLCs, focus on asset protection, operating agreements that avoid probate, business succession plans.

  2. Guardianship: 5%

    Guardianships over alleged mentally incapacitated or over minors.

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1001540 1572911504

1001540 1572911610

1001540 1572911638

1001540 1599519062

Contact

Law Office of Lori Vella, PLLC

14502 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Suite 200
Tampa, FL, 33618

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NYCurrently registered 200602/28/2021
FLMember in Good Standing200004/04/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers5
Legal guides5
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Community Service AwardHillsborough County Bar Association2009
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
FounderLaw Office of Lori Vella, PLLC2017 - Present
PartnerButler Legal2003 - 2014
Staff AttorneyFifth District Court Of Appeal2000 - 2002
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionN/A2018 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
BookThe Live-On Project2018
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Albany Law School of Union UniversityJD - Juris Doctor2000
University of RochesterBA - Bachelor of Arts1996
Stetson University College of LawVisiting StudentN/A
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
#GetMyGuardianNominating Guardians for Children2019
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Creator of the Kid Care Package and #GetMyGuardian Community Event

Reviews

(9)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Review Lori Vella

Estate documents

Posted by

We worked with Lori Vella to update our estate documents. It was a very good experience because Lori communicates clearly, is very organized and patient. It is a complex process with lots of issues to address and Lori made it very manageable.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Thank you Linda. It was great working with you too.

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

Lori Vella assisted me with all of my estate planning and with advance health care directives. Her work is thorough and timely. Lori was referred by a family friend and I found her to be helpful during the process. It is something that must be done to support my daughters but needless to say it is uncomfortable. Lori made it easier!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Lori Vella's response: Hi Norma, It was wonderful working with you. I'm so happy you are all squared away! -Lori

Fantastic!

Posted by

I reached out to Lori with a last minute request to have wills completed for myself and my wife. Lori was on vacation with family for the holidays but took on the task anyway and completed on time. Documents were accurate and perfectly reflected our requests. She was very professional, answering all of our questions and providing great advice. Follow up was superb and very much appreciated. She went above and beyond our expectations. Very impressed!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Chuck, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and your family. I'm happy to work with you again. Thank you for the referral.

Wills and Estate Planning

Posted by

Lori did an exceptional job on our wills and estate planning providing us with everything we needed to know about the process, what was needed and most importantly the importance of what we were doing. She was very thorough, professional and patient. Not only did she help us get our wills in order, she also assisted us on getting the legal papers together for our over 18 son (living will, healthcare surrogate) which I would never have known about without her guidance. She made it very quick and easy. I highly recommend Lori and and would not hesitate to refer any others looking for an attorney to handle their wills and estate planning. Lori is very reliable.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Jackie, thanks for your great review and for becoming my "most photogenic" clients!

Professional and Passionate

Posted by

Being a single mom, it was important to me to have peace of mind and directives set in place for my child. Lori Vella went above and beyond, exceeding my expectations. She is thoughtful and thorough and takes the time personally to meet with you to explain every option available to you. Most of all she is kind hearted and is passionate about her work. Her and her work adds value to our community. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to speak with her about all your estate planning, she will impress upon you things you never thought of. I am so grateful to have this security in place for my beloved son. Thank you, Lori!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Kelli I'm glad I could help secure your family. Great working with you!

Someone you can trust!

Posted by

Lori is not only trustworthy and knowledgeable, she has a family of her own and knows how important it is to take care of them now as well as in the future. She walked us through each step and process needed to make sure our children and finances are secured and covered if anything should happen to us and for that we are grateful. It's nice to know everything is spelled out and would be taken care of, the way we planned. We used to think that setting up these documents was only for the wealthy but with Lori in charge, the process was affordable and helped us understand how beneficial this is for our kids!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: From one mom to another, it was great to work with you Jenny! You have a beautiful family!

Wonderful experience

Posted by

Lori has a passion for helping people, this is evident in the philanthropy work she promotes and participates in in her community. Lori was a joy to work with, she explained everything to me and was understanding and compassionate towards the delicate nature of her work. Would absolutely recommend Lori, she is awesome!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Thank you Felicia for your kind review. It is always great working with a responsible mom!

Accountant

Posted by

Very professional I will recommend her I know her for many years when I was living in Spring Hill Then I moved to Miami and I continue using her professional services and communicate with her by mail and phone
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Amira, always a pleasure to continue to work with you.

Lori has a passion for future planning.

Posted by

Lori walked us through the complicated process of estate planning in the event that something tragic happened to my wife and/or myself in way that made sense and was comforting knowing that our son would be protected. We had been discussing this planning but was constantly putting it off. She made the process simple, complete. I highly recommend Lori everyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Lori Vella's response: Thank you Gary. It was a pleasure working with both of you!

Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Erica Johnson

I endorse Attorney Vella. She is smart and professional. She is also a strong advocate for her clients.

Raul Cabrera, Family Attorney on Jan 17, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She has a great work ethic and follow through. She really knows her stuff. I've referred her a couple of clients and they had nothing but great things to say about her. She has a great reputation in the community as well. Thanks

Brenda Wallrichs, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 13, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lori is a very capable and conscientious lawyer. She will provide the highest and best service she can to accomplish your estate planning objectives. I highly recommend her.

Jennifer Muse, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 10, 2020
Relationship: Friend

I have worked with Lori on several projects as part of an attorney organization. Lori is creative, through in her analysis and works to solve the problem.

Rina Carmel, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 7, 2020
Relationship: Other

I worked closely with Lori in chairing a prestigious national legal seminar. She is diligent, thorough, and responsive. She cares about doing a good job, and gets it done!

Darrin Mish, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 7, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I never hesitate to send referrals to Lori Vella. She is an outstanding attorney who cares deeply for her clients.

Johnny DeGirolamo, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 5, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Lori gives 100% dedication to the estate planning of her clients. She sees all types of clients, from young to old, newlywed to retirement age, and has the ability to apply the laws to fit their specific needs. I refer clients with confidence to Lori.

Lorien Johnson, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 4, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lori Vella is an excellent attorney and very professional in all that she does. She has an active practice helping young families provide for the care of their children should the worst ever happen. I highly endorse Lori.

Lisa Streater, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 6, 2019
Relationship: Co-worker

Lori and I worked together and collaborated on complex commercial and insurance litigation cases over 15 years ago at a large defense firm, where she showed great skill as a litigator and dedication to zealously represent each client. Now, with well over a decade of litigation experience, and a family of her own, Lori not only has her own practice, but has directed her skill sets and found her passion in assisting other families, particularly in the area of Estate Planning. Lori has always been an amazing attorney, who has impressed both her coworkers and opposing counsel alike. However, she has now entered a new phase of her career where she truly shines because she absolutely LOVES what she does for a living, and that is protecting and serving families like hers, each and every day.

Kerri Merrick, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 9, 2019
Relationship: Friend

Lori is a brilliant lawyer. She is well versed in the law regarding trusts, wills, and other estate planning matters. She takes great pride in her work and really looks to help people. She makes sure she truly gets to know everything she needs to know about a client so that she can best help them and provide services that they need. I endorse this lawyer!

Michelle Smith, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 6, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lori is a wonderful attorney. She is smart and compassionate. Her commitment to ensuring that people's needs and wants for their estate planning needs are met is what everyone deserves for making such important decisions.

Charles Gallagher, Guardianship Attorney on Nov 5, 2019
Relationship: Co-worker

I worked with Lori at a prior law firm and have followed her practice since we both left that firm to start our own law firms. She is a brilliant attorney and serves her clients well. I endorse her without reservation.

Nicole Loughlin, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 2, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

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      10 minutes
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