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Guichard St. Surin

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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016. Read more
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Avvo Rating10
  • Fort Myers, FL
  • Licensed for 8 years
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About Guichard

Guichard is a French name of Germanic origin that, loosely translated, means “made strong from combat.” When Guichard St. Surin partner with his clients in family law matters, he likes to shield them from battle. “I want them to see past the position they are fighting for and truly get to the root of the issues in order to avoid coming back to court for modification or enforcement proceedings,” he said. He employs a holistic approach to help keep clients’ wellbeing intact, including referrals to financial advisors and psychological counselors to help manage the upheaval that inevitably happens in big transitions. “The reward is knowing that I was able to help a family navigate through the storm and uncertainty of divorce and having them come out confident on the other end.”

Guichard was born in Haiti and grew up in Naples with eight brothers and sisters. Service was a family ethic, which is evident in the career choices of several of the siblings. An older brother served in the U.S. Army, and did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Another is an officer with the Naples Police Department. A sister that is school teacher. St. Surin also married well – his wife is a school psychologist.

Guichard wanted to be an attorney since high school. “That decision was solidified in my third year in undergrad when I won Best Advocate in a national trial competition in my first year of doing mock trial,” he recalled. “From then on I had a burning passion for being in the courtroom.”

He realizes that what separates him from his clients is often just a matter of happy circumstance. He once worked out a 10-year sentence for a 16-year-old who was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, punishable by life in prison. “He looked just like my younger brother and I immediately felt a connection with him.” Although his efforts were successful, he felt far from triumphant. “I realized that a lot of these young men have no positive male role models in their life,” he said. Being in a position to serve as such a role model, St. Surin mentors a group of boys on Wednesday nights at his church.

Guichard welcomed his first-born son in the Fall of 2015. "Being entrusted with a child is the greatest blessing that God has bestowed upon me. Being a parent and seeing how much joy my son has when I'm around has brought me a deeper level of understanding and love.  I want every parent to continue to experience that joy and love that only parenthood brings. I want to help them through the painful transition period of separation and work with them to create and develop a schedule that allows both parents to continue to enjoy those priceless moments with their child." 

 

Practice areas

OtherDomestic violenceChild custodyDivorce and separationFamily
  1. Family: 25%

  2. Divorce and separation: 25%

  3. Child custody: 20%

  4. Domestic violence: 15%

  1. Child support: 15%

Languages spoken

English, Creole

Photos and videos

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Contact

1919 Courtney Drive
address map

The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.

1919 Courtney Drive
Suite 16
Fort Myers, FL, 33901

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License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing201104/19/2020

Professional misconduct


This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.

  • Admonishment
    issued in FL, 2016

    updated on 08/16/2016

    An admonition means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar gives the lawyer an admonition in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

    Guichard's comment:“This was a singular occurrence that was due to the results of two disgruntled previous criminal law clients. I always try to do my upmost for every single client and I am sorry the results were what they were but I did everything in my power to obtain the best outcome. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions about this instance.”

Avvo Contributions
Legal answers83
Legal guides86
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
Esteemed MemberThe Global Who's Who2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers Association2013
Top 40 under 40The National Trial Lawyers Association2013
Outstanding Certificate of Achievement in Pro Bono ServiceUniversity of Florda, Fredric G. Levin College of Law2011
Outstanding Certificate of Achievement in Community ServiceUniversity of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law2011
Final FourBlack Law Student Association Southern Regional Mock Trial2009
Regional Best AttorneyAmerican Mock Trial Association2006
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
CEOThe Guardian Law Firm, P.A.2012 - Present
Assistant State AttorneyState Attorney, Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida2011 - 2012
Certified Legal InternPublic Defender, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida2011 - 2011
Certified Legal InternState Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit Of Florida2010 - 2010
Judicial Law ClerkEleventh Judicial Circuit In & For Miami Dade County, Fl2009 - 2009
Family Law ClerkThe Eleventh Circuit Court Of Florida2009 - 2009
InternState Attorney, Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida2009 - 2009
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Association of Family Law Professionals (Southwest Florida)Board of Directors2015 - Present
Lee County Law LibraryBoard of Trustees2015 - Present
Calusa American Inn of CourtMember2015 - Present
Florida BarMember2011 - Present
University of Florida Levin College of Law Trial TeamLiaison2011 - Present
Lee County Legal AidBoard of Directors2015 - 2016
National Bar Association -Isaac Anderson ChapterPresident2014 - 2014
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Fort Myers Chapter)Vice President2014 - 2015
Florida Bar, Standing Committee Student Education & Admissions To The BarCommitte Member2013 - 2016
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2012 - 2015
Collier County Bar AssociationMember2012 - 2015
Lee County Bar AssociationMember2012 - 2015
National Bar Association -Isaac Anderson ChapterVice President2012 - 2014
American Bar AssociationMember2011 - 2015
University of Florida Fredric G. Levin, College of Law Entertainment Law ReviewMember2009 - 2011
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.10 Things to Know About Family Court2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.Family Court Guiding Principles2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.10 Instructions For Testimony2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.Time-sharing Dos and Don'ts2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.Timesharing Schedule Creation Guidelines2018
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of LawJD - Juris Doctor2011
Florida State UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2008
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
CLECourt Room Decorum2016
CLEEthics2015
CLEGeneral Ethics2014
CLEEthics2013
School Psychologist meetingHaitian Culture in the Classroom2012
Chapter MeetingEffective use of Social Media2012
1st Annual Career PanelCareer Seminar2012

Reviews

(35)
5 Star
89%
4 Star
3%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
9%
Review Guichard St. Surin

Excellent lawyer

Posted by

I got a dui charge back in March, and I thank God for Mr. St Surin and his staff. Due to their diligence and research they got me down to a reckless driving charge. I keep my license. Can't beat that!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Guardian Law Firm

Posted by

Guichard St.Surin is a man of his word. He went the extra mile for me in court. This is the second time Guischard at The Guardian Law Firm has represented me, and both times I was more than pleased with the outcomes.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

BRILLIANT ATTORNEY

Posted by

I contacted Guichard St. Surin just a few days before my hearing for a restraining order. I was nervous because the opposing party had a lawyer and being told how hard it was to get a restraining order. I presented my evidence to Guichard the morning of my hearing. He brilliantly put together and addressed the court with my case that had the opposing party running to offer us a settlement for a 1 year restraining order. Guichard discussed it with me and knew we could go all way and get a permanent restraining order so we declined the offer. In the end the judge came to a decision and granted us a permanent restraining order. I am so grateful to find such a skillful lawyer that could execute my case and present it to the Judge with confidence. Thank you Guichard!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

EVERYONE HAS 5 STARS, BUT THIS GUY IS LEGIT!

Posted by

Guichard is the North Star amongst all the the five stars on Avvo that will give true direction, counsel, and representation. He (and his staff) was a blessing to me during my dissolution of marriage case. He not only represented me, he cared for me. His wisdom to take the long view, while being with me in the moment, helped to bring me understanding, peace, and confidence. In taking the long view, I truly felt that he had my wellbeing, as well as my children's wellbeing, in mind for decades to come. My fatherhood and finances are better for choosing Guichard. This guy is legit!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Knowledgeable and affordable attorney

Posted by

I needed an attorney immediately, I didn't know how to find the right one. They're so many to choose from. I asked my friend and she told me about Guichard St. Surin , he is amazing. I had a consolation and talked to him about my case and expressed that I don't have a lot of money on hand. I told him what I could afford and he set me up with a fair payment plan. I had many questions about my case and I could call and talk to him directly at any time, he was always available. He also offers an app that has all of our documents, appointments and even a private messager to communicate with him and his employees. The outcome of my Child Custody case was handled perfectly, it benefited my whole family (even the father). He's very personable and wants what's best for everyone in the situation. Now I have a different kind of case and I contacted him on very short notice and he was egear to help me. I am so very glad I found him and I would recommend him to anyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A Honest, Caring & Proactive Team

Posted by

I have had a wonderful experience working with the entire team at Guichard St. Surin and as unpleasant as it is to face legal issues for me they have all made helped my experience to be more compassionate than I had thought possible. THANK YOU
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

One of the best, honest, reliable, straight forward, hands on attorney in Lee County

Posted by

From the first time I sat on his office he was straight forward with me. He was there and understood EVERYTHING on a personal level that I was going through. He never judged or passed judgment on anything. I would beyond recommend him to ANYONE, he is an amazing attorney and I thank him for coming into my life.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Kindest, most understanding lawyer ever !

Posted by

I was at a point where I was ready to give up and give in just to have peace back in my life. I only had a few days to have someone take care of my divorce for me and while searching online I was led to this Attorney and he literally saved me and made sure my future would be secure. I've worked with Attorneys, hired Attorneys in the past and known them in all walks of life but this is the first time that I ever felt I was talking with someone who was on my level and just a real good person. He's friendly, honest and truly has your best interest in his heart. If ever I need him again I will not hesitate to call him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Secure feeling

Posted by

Was looking at fighting a case that would have jail time and probation involved. (Driving without a license) Wanted to plea my case and see what else could be offer. So instead of going to the court appointed attorney I went on a search for a qualified attorney. Thankfully I was recommended to see Mr Surin. Once I was done speaking with him I knew I was in good hands and had a secure feeling of knowing he was going to help in any way possible. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney that you need to feel secure in.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Modification of my court order

Posted by

I am a 49 year old male single parent of two girls now thanks to the Guichard Law Ferm. What I most like about working with this law firm was they put my children and my needs first and foremost. They worked continuously in timely fashion on bringing my case to court and obtaining a winning decision for me. So to all the men in this world that think that they can't win custody of their children. I am living proof that you can with the help of this law firm. May I see at this time thank you for everything you've done for me in this process. GOD BLESS YOU.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(29)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Mar 23, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.

Miesha Hewitt, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Jan 8, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Kenneth Turner, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 26, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Guichard is a very capable lawyer who cares about people. A good man who brings integrity and honor to our profession. He is truly one of the good guys. I would not hesitate to refer a matter to him.

Natoria Hubbard, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Don Mathews, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 17, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Ms. St. Surin is a reliable source to refer my clients too and the clients are appreciative of same. I believe he cares about the people he represents.

Caila Coleman, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 1, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Guichard provides excellent service to his clients by being knowledgable on the law, communicating with clients, and being prepared for court. I have seen him in action and he is always willing to zealously advocate for his clients.

Nicol Hanyard-Miles, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 16, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Brittany O'Neil

I endorse this lawyer.

Pablo Hurtado, Immigration Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Marck Joseph, Family Attorney on Feb 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Alexander Peterson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
Relationship: Friend

Guichard cares about his clients and has the experience to get the job done right! He gives his clients the best shot at a victory in Court. I fully endorse this lawyer.

Aaron Cilek, Estate planning Attorney on May 30, 2014
Relationship: Friend

I endorse this lawyer.

Jerome Williams, Child custody Attorney on May 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Vera Bergermann, Child custody Attorney on Feb 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Atty. St. Surin represented one of my family law clients in a DUI matter and did a wonderful job. He explained everything in great detail to the client, so that no requirements would be missed. He also got a very favorable outcome for the client. I have recommended him to other clients.

Bhavik Patel

Guichard St. Surin is intelligent, hard working, and a great attorney. I would highly recommend his services.

Erica Cordova, Employee benefits Attorney on Oct 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Bradley Rothman, Employment and labor Attorney on Sep 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Guichard is active in the legal community, knowledgeable, and works hard for justice for his clients.

Eunice Gedeon, Family Attorney on Sep 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Erica Luque, Immigration Attorney on Aug 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Patrick Bailey, Appeals Attorney on Aug 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. St. Surin is an exceptional attorney and his clients are very fortunate to have him on their side.