Laurence Jay Smith

Laurence Jay Smith

also known as Larry Smith

3.8
Rating: 8.1

Licensed for 34 years

Family Lawyer Practice Areas: Family

About Laurence

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Family 100%

35 years | 5,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 34 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1991

Administrative - Not Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Laurence Jay Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.8 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Posted by Pamela LeMaster | November 30, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Bless You!

Mr Laurence was the only!! Attorney that bothered to message me with some sort of action I could take. And I REALLY do appreciate that. God Bless you and your family Sir.

Posted by Julie | October 9, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and Responsive

I hired Attorney Smith to advise me in a relocation case. In this role, he was always easy to contact, quick to respond to questions, and his answers were easy to understand. I have no regrets in hiring Attorney Smith. I would use him again and recommend him to friends and family members.

Posted by Richard | June 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Men's Rights Law Firm. Best in SWFL

I learned a lesson of life. If your wife has a lawyer who specializes in divorce you must have the very best representing you. In my original proceeding I had a " do everything " kind of lawyer who gave me bad advice. Consequently I signed a poor settlement agreement at mediation. Later when I di...scovered my former wife had violated the agreement I called Men's Rights Law Firm because I heard they're the best. My experience started with Matthew Irwin who agreed to take my case. It was a difficult case inasmuch as it involved an enforcement action of our marital settlement agreement. Attorney Laurence Smith and his paralegal Stephanie Prado were the best; outstanding professionals who kept me updated throughout the proceedings. The Judge ruled in my favor and ordered my former wife to return funds to me. She also ordered reimbursement of my Attorney fees. Although they're no winners in divorces, needless to say, I was very pleased justice had been served. Thanx to all at Men's Rights Law Firm!!

Posted by Mary Corso | January 6, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Step parent Adoption

My step son and I wanted to adopt one another. I knew I needed a lawyer, and that I wanted to have the adoption final in 2016! Larry and his team did the rest! Within 20 days of meeting with him, my adoption was final. He took care of business. I would hire him again, and recommend him to you....

Posted by Larry | July 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Extremely Pleased

Attorney Laurence Smith has been my lawyer for the last 3 or so years in what is still an ongoing difficult case. I have received excellent representation. Not only has Attorney Laurence Smith represented me well in court, I believe he is sincerely compassionate to my situation. I am looking forwa...rd to my continued work with him in resolving this extremely difficult case. In addition, the law firm for which he is employed, Men's Rights Law Firm, appealed decisions in my case to the appellate court and won on all counts. They have stuck by me for the last 5 years and stuck their neck out for me in so many ways. I thank Attorney Laurence Smith, Attorney Matthew Irwin, Stephanie Prado, and the many others in the office who have been so wonderful to work with.

See All Client Reviews

Laurence Jay Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Laurence
Alexandria Jaquay headshot
Alexandria Jaquay

Family lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Smith provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."

Jeffrey B. Lampert headshot
Jeffrey Lampert

Family lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Other

"I am pleased to give an endorsement to Laurence Smith. I do not know him personally, but have come across his responses to family law questions here on Avvo. His responses go beyond the basics, but add insight and practical considerations that go beyond a simple yes or no to a question. Most attorneys can cite to rules of procedure, statutes and cases but not all can put them into perspective. And, in addition, analyze the practical application of that perspective. Laurence has that ability, and he accurately conveys the information in a concise and understandable way."

Sam Richard Assini headshot
Sam Assini

Family lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Smith for a number of years both in Lee and Broward counties. Prior to working together we were involved as adversaries. Mr. Smith is a competent and seasoned attorney who is always prepared to either amicably resolve the case if that is in his clients best interests or litigate the case through trial if settlement negotiations become fruitless."

Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr. headshot
Terrence DeSalvo

Family lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"Larry Smith has a vast amount of Florida Family Law knowledge and experience that allows him to zealously represent his clients. He is also a respectful lawyer who exhibits unwavering professionalism and courtesy to clients and colleagues alike."

Ginine Marie Hanco headshot
Ginine Hanco

Family lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Larry for 8 years. I have had the pleasure of working with him both as a co-worker and as a colleague in the community. Larry is extremely knowledgeable about all areas of family law and always professional. He zealously advocates for his clients throughout the process. Larry works hard to settle disputes, but if a settlement is unable to be reached, he is prepared to litigate the matter to conclusion."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Laurence. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Theresa Daniels headshot
Theresa Daniels

Family lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Smith on several family law cases. I find him to be ethical and diligent in the representation of his clients."

Michael Ernest Chionopoulos headshot
Michael Chionopoulos

Family lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Attorney Smith is a very aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer. If I had a family law matter he would be on the short list of lawyers I would hire to represent me."

Matthew Paul Irwin headshot
Matthew Irwin

Family lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Larry is a skilled litigator, and fights aggressively for his clients. Highly recommended."

View All Endorsements
Ginine Marie Hanco headshot
Ginine Hanco

Family lawyer

Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr. headshot
Terrence DeSalvo

Family lawyer

Matthew Paul Irwin headshot
Matthew Irwin

Family lawyer

Stephen Duane Thompson headshot
Stephen Thompson

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.1 (Excellent)

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Marital and Family Law Attorney, Men's Rights Law Firm

2008 - 2012

Marital and Family Law Attorney, Smith Family Law Center

2006 - 2008

Associate, Thompson Family Law

1993 - 2006

Attorney, Laurence J. Smith, PA

1992 - 1993

Attorney, Fred J. Berman, P.A.

1990 - 1992

Attorney, Justin C. Johnson, P.A.

Associations

2005 - Present

Lee County Bar Association

Member

1991 - Present

The Florida Bar

Member

2012 - 2015

DeLaSalle Academy

Board Member

2006 - 2009

Association of Family Law Professionals

Board of Directors

2006 - 2012

Family Law Advisory Committee

Member

Education

1991

Stetson University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

Florida State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution