Panella Law Firm
For Michael Panella, zealous advocacy isn’t just a professional mantra—it’s personal. His passion to defend the rights of the accused was sparked in childhood after witnessing what he believed to be an unjust outcome in a family legal matter. That early experience ignited a career-long mission to challenge inequities in the legal system and give a voice to the voiceless.
Graduating at the top of his class at the University of Central Florida, Panella worked for the United States Senate, helping constituents resolve issues with state and federal agencies. At the University of Florida College of Law, he earned the highest grades in multiple courses, including Criminal Law and Family Law, while serving as President of Phi Alpha Delta. He graduated cum laude, earning certificates in criminal justice, pro bono, and community service.
Panella’s professional accomplishments include his role on the defense team in State v. George Zimmerman, where he contributed to successful appellate writs and legal strategies on self-defense. As a partner in a criminal appellate firm, he worked on both capital and non-capital appeals and co-initiated a class-action lawsuit addressing prison abuse.
Before founding Panella Law Firm, he served as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s 18th Judicial Circuit, achieving an undefeated trial record. In private practice, his firm has secured major victories—jury acquittals, murder case dismissals, and appellate wins that have reshaped Florida’s self-defense laws. His commitment extends to family law, where he understands the personal stakes are equally high.
As one of the only lawyers in America simultaneously honored among The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100, and recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2019 to present, Panella continues to uphold the highest standards of advocacy. Panella Law Firm strives to obtain unreasonably good results in every case, every time.
1238 East Concord St., Orlando, FL 32803| 888-Panella | panellalawfirm.com | help@panellalawfirm.com
