The strength of family has always been one of Avera & Smith’s most important foundations. Bill Avera’s sons, Mark Avera and Lance Avera, are partners in the firm, and Bill’s granddaughter Alexandria is an associate. Managing Partner Dawn Vallejos-Nichols has served the firm for over 28 years. Rod Smith, former state senator and longtime friend, and Jennifer Cates Lester are also partners. Providing dedicated service, associates John Whitaker, Bradford Willard, Gary Wimsett and Natasha Samria Mickens are important contributors to the success of the firm and its value of family.
The strength of family has always been one of Avera & Smith’s most important foundations. Bill Avera’s sons, Mark Avera and Lance Avera, are partners in the firm, and Bill’s granddaughter Alexandria is an associate. Managing Partner Dawn Vallejos-Nichols has served the firm for over 28 years. Rod Smith, former state senator and longtime friend, and Jennifer Cates Lester are also partners. Providing dedicated service, associates John Whitaker, Bradford Willard, Gary Wimsett and Natasha Samria Mickens are important contributors to the success of the firm and its value of family.
Avera & Smith is also proud to have an excellent support staff, which includes many members who have been with the firm for years. They not only support the attorneys, but also serve in the critical role of first point of contact with clients. They are the essential backbone of the firm and contribute immeasurable support toward its successful verdicts and awards.
Avera & Smith’s tradition of excellence is also apparent in our strong belief in giving back to the community with both monetary donations and time committed to various charitable events, educational opportunities and diverse community activity.
To schedule a consultation, contact Avera & Smith by email, or call 352-372-9999 or toll free at 800-654-4659.
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Today, there are nearly 90,000 lawyers licensed to practice law in Florida, yet fewer than 4,500 of them have passed the stringent requirements and examination necessary to achieve Board Certification by the Florida Bar in one of the 27 certification fields.
Established in 1982 by the Florida Supreme Court, board certification helps consumers identify specialists in various areas of practice. It demonstrates that the certified attorney has submitted himself or herself to many hours of rigorous training and examination, including trying actual cases in court. It has been well documented that lawyers who are willing and competent to go to trial to win cases also have the best settlement records.
While there are many qualified attorneys who are not board certified, an attorney who has done the hard work necessary to achieve board certification will have qualifications of the highest caliber, providing him or her with important skills and training that non-certified attorneys do not have. This can provide a significant advantage when they represent you for settlement or in court.
Partners Mark Avera and Jennifer Cates Lester are board certified in civil trial law.
Partner Lance Avera is board certified in workers’ compensation law.
