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

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews

Posted by Joseph | July 31, 2015 | Family

Jkids

I picked up my final judgment papers today because of Lauren Smith and his paralegal Stephanie Prado and everybody in the office at Men's law firm I got my life back I can never thank you all enough I was informed of everything that what is going on with my case at all times I felt like I was in ...great hands and when I went to my first court date with Larry I finally seen him in action and I was very impressed because of all their hard work and them knowing the law I got my kids back and I got everything I wanted I can never thank them enough words can't express how happy I am that I hired Larry to be my attorney and fight on my behalf the best thing I've ever done I will recommend Men's law firm to anybody and everybody that I ever meet That needs a Family law attorney I give them the highest recommendation humanly possible and deeply appreciate all of their hard work and once again thank you so much Larry and Stephanie for all of your hard work fighting for me to get my kids back sincerely Joseph Bigelow and of course my Jkids

Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2015 | Child Support

warning about deposit

When I sought this law firms help fighting Florida and it's Out of Control and Lawless Child Support department I was asked to send a fairly large deposit. I did and Mr. Smith did a great job trying to help. In the end he wasn't able to help without a lot more money, funds I just didn't have. His b...illing was very fair and accurate which left some of my deposit left over. After a few email request to get my unused funds returned the office manager said the Managing Partner is keeping my money. Calling it " nonrefundable deposit"! While I am sure that detail was hidden somewhere in all the legally worded paperwork I had to sign. That being admittedly my fault for not being educated in legal verbiage but it still isn't something any other services would try and do. Keeping money you haven't earned is wrong and a practice I believe most people wouldn't do. Again Larry did the best he could and its not him keeping money for nothing. Its his employer who believes in money for nothing. Most men using these services to fight an Out of Control state agency have already been ripped off and have all their disposable income stolen from the state, there isn't any left to fight much less give away. I would Not hire this firm again and unless you want to give money away to a lawyer I wouldn't recommend anyone else hire. Find another law firm and be sure to ask about Unused Funds.

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2015 | Family

Avoid!

I hired the firm at first. Had a different lawyer who could not even write letters as a ten year old. then switched to Larry. He was practically out of touch, despite abundance of evidence he mumbled his way through hearing and could not even bring one fact to the Judge's attention. Avoid Mens' ri...ght firm and specially this attorney.

Laurence Smith

Replied last January 20, 2015

I doubt that this was an actual client because he did not identify him/herself. This type of a review is typical of a competitor, which reflects only a desire to compete unfairly, not to provide an actual evaluation of a client. If this was a client, I invite that person to contact me and discuss their true evaluation.

Posted by faninaj | July 26, 2013 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Do not waste your time or MONEY

Very very disappointed at his lack of a simple thing he could have done that would have saved me 15k in fees including a new attorney. Do NOT hire him. Please do your research first before handing over thousands of dollars. Be warned !!!

Laurence Smith

Replied last November 01, 2013

I am highly suspicious that this person was actually a client of mine.

Posted by anonymous | December 31, 2008 | Divorce & Separation

Good attorney, needs a bit of a push to move forward.

I retained Mr. Smith in a Divorce/Custody hearing. Initially, he held onto the retainer without actively pursuing the case but once the ball got rolling, he was completely responsible and two steps ahead of the other attorney involved.

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

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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