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.
4.8 /5.0
26 Client Reviews
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Rafael Joseph Echemendia
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About Rafael
Biography
Rafael Echemendia, a distinguished attorney, has deep roots in Polk County, Florida, where he was born and grew up. His educational journey began at Auburndale High School, graduating in 1984, followed by obtaining his B.A. from the University of Florida. Rafael furthered his academic credentials by earning a Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1997.
Shortly after being admitted to the Florida Bar in April 1998, Rafael embarked on his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender. His initial role involved handling a broad spectrum of cases, quickly transitioning from misdemeanor responsibilities to tackling serious felony cases, including drug possession and murder charges. This rapid progression showcased his innate capability and confidence in the courtroom.
By 1999, Rafael transitioned into private practice, joining a prestigious criminal defense law firm. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found The Law Offices of Allen and Echemendia with William Allen, a former colleague, in February 2000. After a decade of successful legal advocacy, Rafael decided to venture solo, establishing the Echemendia Law Firm in January of 2009.
Rafael handles criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases. His criminal defense work covers a wide range of charges from traffic violations like DUI (driving under the influence) and DWLSR (driving with a suspended or revoked license), to more severe allegations such as drug trafficking and murder. In family law, he handles cases from divorce and alimony to child custody and support. His personal injury practice is dedicated to representing victims of automobile, motorcycle, and truck accidents, as well as cases of wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, and nursing home neglect.
Known for his aggressive representation, Rafael has built a reputation for defending his clients vigorously. He is an active member of several legal associations, including the Middle District of Florida Federal Bar, the Lakeland Bar Association, the Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
On a personal note, Rafael cherishes family life. He married his high school sweetheart in 1989 and dedicates most of his free time to his family, actively engaging in various activities with his wife and children. This balance between his professional zeal and family commitment underlines Rafael Echemendia’s persona as both a dedicated lawyer and a devoted family man.
Personal attention for people in crisis. If you are in crisis, we can help!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Car Accident
30%
26 years
Divorce and Separation
30%
26 years
Criminal Defense
20%
28 years
Family
10%
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-33%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2015 2013
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 28 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Echemendia Law Firm PA
(863) 250-7390
Mobile
5473 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL, 33812
lakelandlegal.comGallery
Rafael Joseph Echemendia's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Case Results
Posted by Renee | July 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Wonderful law firm and the best in Florida.
I hired Echemendia Law Firm to help me with my Divorce case. It was going to be hard but Rafael told me in 30 days I would be divorced and as of yesterday 30 days later I’m divorced. They are really knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. I’m so glad that I hired them to take care of me. Angie was gr...
Posted by Amanda | October 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Divorce
Echemendia is an amazing attorney. I won my custody case against the father of my two children. Everything I asked for I walked away with. Him and his staff always communicated with me and were easy to work with I would highly recommend him!
Posted by Ellen | December 15, 2015 | Personal Injury
Awesome Personal Injury Attorney
Rafael and his paralegal, Joyce, were simply awesome. Initially, the insurance company didn't want to accept liability. A lot of attorneys wouldn't have spent the time and resources that Rafael and his staff expended to get my injury claim settled. Since then, I've recommended him to several frien...
Posted by Mark | December 13, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great Personal Injury Attorney
I had a very complicated case I consulted with several attorneys that were not interested in helping me. Rafael not only took my case but got me a great settlement. I highly recommend this law firm. Mark
Posted by ty | November 01, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent attorney & staff
Echemendia Law Firm is more than a 5 star rating. Starting with the receptionist Yesi, she is very polite and helpful, also she is bilingual. Geneva is the best paralegal I've worked with and I've been through several of paralegals. She's understandable,reassuring and understanding with my needs. Any...
Rafael Joseph Echemendia's Lawyer Endorsements
"Rafael is an excellent attorney. He is knowledgeable and works hard for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Echemendia provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."
"I endorse this lawyer. In previous years, I worked as opposing counsel on many criminal matters with Rafael. He was always been a fearless, yet respectful, advocate for his clients. Now that I work with Rafael, his experience and knowledge of the law is extremely apparent and his dedication to his clients and their legal matters is unparalleled. Rafael understands that preparation and familiarity of a case are necessities and achieves great results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Echemendia is an experienced lawyer who achieves positive results for his clients. I was opposing counsel to Mr. Echemendia on several occasions. Mr. Echemendia's experience and knowledge helps his clients, as he commands the respect of judges and other lawyers. He was respectfully adversarial on every occasion. That meant he knew how to deal with the parties in a respectful and courteous manner to get the best possible negotiated resolution, but in the event a negotiated resolution wasn't possible, Mr. Echemendia had no hesitation taking the case to trial to benefit his clients. Mr. Echemendia is an excellent legal advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rafael is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney who truly cares about the clients he represents. He is a skilled trial attorney who will stand up to his opponents. Rafael is very devoted and works tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for his clients. He is well respected in the legal community by fellow attorneys and the judiciary."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rafael is an intelligent, thoughtful attorney who is well respected throughout the Tampa Bay Area legal community. Rafael is willing to do what it takes to get the best outcome for his clients, whether that means going to trial or carefully negotiating a settlement."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rafael Echemendia has the experience to assist his clients on any matter, big or small, due to his years of experience in the local criminal justice system. He treats every client with personal attention and kindness, no matter the circumstances. He and his office staff are very attentive, are accessible to clients, and are quick to return phone calls. He is fair, honest, hardworking, and intelligent. Rafael is adept at balancing his life as a family man and a community lawyer. I would not hesitate to refer a family member or a friend to Rafael."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
N/A
Presidential Recognition, University of Florida
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Owner, Echemendia Law Firm
2000 - 2010
Founding Partner, Allen & Echemendia, P.A.
Associations
2017 - Present
Lawyers of DistinctionMember
Polk County Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Polk County Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Member
Polk County Bar Association
Member
Lakeland Bar Association
Member
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2001 - 2003
Berkley Charter SchoolPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Criminal Defense
Education
1997
Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Annual Fund Raiser
Legal issues for homeless
Publications
2010
Lakelandlegal.com
Alimony Guide
2010
lakelandlegal.com
Florida Driving Under the Influence
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Diversion Program
03 Nov 2014
Q&A
If I fail a drug test on Community Control, is there a chance I won't go to prison?
02 Sep 2014
Q&A
Will a one year filing "48a" on a felony drug possession that has been expunged appear on a f.b.i. Background check
15 Mar 2013