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Guichard St. Surin
About Guichard
Biography
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
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 14 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2011
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
Location
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
1919 Courtney Drive, Suite 16, Fort Myers, FL, 33901
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Guichard St. Surin's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 33 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Matt | August 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent lawyer
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!
Posted by Margaret | March 4, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Guardian Law Firm
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.
Posted by Ashley | March 4, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Turn LEFT !
I hired Guichard a few months ago regarding a child custody case that we have LOST ! How and why right since his ratings are great, right? Well let me explain , Let's start off with him NOT showing up on time , then let me continue saying he left me there to defend myself while he flipped through his...
Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
BRILLIANT ATTORNEY
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 ad...
Posted by Sean | July 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
EVERYONE HAS 5 STARS, BUT THIS GUY IS LEGIT!
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...
Guichard St. Surin'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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Guichard St. Surin is intelligent, hard working, and a great attorney. I would highly recommend his services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Guichard is active in the legal community, knowledgeable, and works hard for justice for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. St. Surin is an exceptional attorney and his clients are very fortunate to have him on their side."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.
Admonishment issued in FL, 2016
updated on 08/15/2016An 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.”
Honors
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Esteemed Member, The Global Who's Who
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top 40 under 40, The National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Outstanding Certificate of Achievement in Pro Bono Service, University of Florda, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
2011
Outstanding Certificate of Achievement in Community Service, University of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law
2009
Final Four, Black Law Student Association Southern Regional Mock Trial
2006
Regional Best Attorney, American Mock Trial Association
Work Experience
2012 - Present
CEO, The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
2011 - 2012
Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney, Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida
2011 - 2011
Certified Legal Intern, Public Defender, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida
2010 - 2010
Certified Legal Intern, State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit Of Florida
2009 - 2009
Judicial Law Clerk, Eleventh Judicial Circuit In & For Miami Dade County, Fl
2009 - 2009
Family Law Clerk, The Eleventh Circuit Court Of Florida
2009 - 2009
Intern, State Attorney, Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Associations
2015 - Present
Association of Family Law Professionals (Southwest Florida)Board of Directors
2015 - Present
Lee County Law LibraryBoard of Trustees
2015 - Present
Calusa American Inn of CourtMember
2011 - Present
Florida BarMember
2011 - Present
University of Florida Levin College of Law Trial TeamLiaison
2015 - 2016
Lee County Legal AidBoard of Directors
2014 - 2014
National Bar Association -Isaac Anderson ChapterPresident
2014 - 2015
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Fort Myers Chapter)Vice President
2013 - 2016
Florida Bar, Standing Committee Student Education & Admissions To The BarCommitte Member
2012 - 2015
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - 2015
Collier County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2015
Lee County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2014
National Bar Association -Isaac Anderson ChapterVice President
2011 - 2015
American Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2011
University of Florida Fredric G. Levin, College of Law Entertainment Law ReviewMember
Education
2011
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
Florida State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2016
CLE
Court Room Decorum
2015
CLE
Ethics
2014
CLE
General Ethics
2013
CLE
Ethics
2012
School Psychologist meeting
Haitian Culture in the Classroom
2012
Chapter Meeting
Effective use of Social Media
2012
1st Annual Career Panel
Career Seminar
Publications
2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
10 Things to Know About Family Court
2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
Family Court Guiding Principles
2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
10 Instructions For Testimony
2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
Time-sharing Dos and Don'ts
2018
The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
Timesharing Schedule Creation Guidelines
Languages
English
Creole
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a Divorce Lawyer from a different city handle my case?
27 Jun 2016
Q&A
What can I do when ex didn't give me itinerary before 7 days (per parenting plan)
21 Jun 2016
Q&A
How do we divide equity in a split if I paid the down payment?
19 Jun 2016
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
In my Florida divorce case, does the mediator meet with the spouses separately or together?
06 Jan 2018
Video Legal Guide
In my Florida divorce case, can we decide ourselves how to divide our property?
06 Jan 2018
Video Legal Guide
If the other parent will not allow me to see my children, do I have to pay support in Florida?
06 Jan 2018