Atty. Michael Panella
For Mike Panella, the concept of zealous advocacy developed at an early age - fueled by what he perceived to be an unjust resolution in a personal family legal matter. Mr.
Attorney · Serving Orlando, FL · 12+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Panella at a Glance
Michael Panella is a Principal based in Orlando, Florida, practicing at Panella Law Firm. They have 12+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2014. Admitted to practice in Florida (2014). Educated at University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law J.D. cum laude, Book Award, Criminal Law; Book Award, Child, Parent, and the State; Criminal Justice Certificate; Community Service Cert (—) and University of Central Florida B.A. Political Science: International Relations/Comparative Politics; Recipient of the Research and Mentoring Program fellowship; Recipient of the Research and M (—). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Orlando, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Michael Panella in Orlando
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About Michael Panella
- For Mike Panella, the concept of zealous advocacy developed at an early age - fueled by what he perceived to be an unjust resolution in a personal family legal matter
- Mr. Panella would later attribute his passion to defend the rights of those who stand accused to those inequities in the legal system he observed, and considered unjust
- Mr. Panella went on to graduate at the top of his class at UCF and spent several years working for the United States Senate, where he assisted Senators in rectifying constituent concerns involving state and federal agencies
- At the University of Florida College of Law, Mr. Panella earned the highest possible grade in several courses including Criminal Law and Family Law
- He was unanimously elected the President of Phi Alpha Delta, a legal fraternity
- Mr. Panella also worked closely with a respected criminal defense firm while in law school, and earned certificates in Criminal Justice, pro-bono work, and community service
- He graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with honors
- From there, Mr. Panella joined the small defense team in the State v
- George Zimmerman case, and became a critical member contributing to two successful appellate writs, overall strategy, and self-defense issues
- After seeing that case through to a successful resolution, Mr. Panella spent time as a partner in a criminal appellate firm, where he worked on both capital and non- capital appeals
- Mr. Panella also helped initiate a class-action lawsuit focused on prison abuse
- Mr. Panella has been a guest law school lecturer on Florida's Justifiable Use of Force laws
- Before opening Panella Law Firm, Mr. Panella served as an Assistant Public Defender for Florida's 18th Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office and worked hundreds of cases in both Brevard and Seminole Counties
- Mr. Panella was undefeated at trial
- Panella Law Firm is ready to devote the time and effort necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for your criminal trial or appellate matter
- PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS - Florida Bar, Member - Orange County Bar Association, Member - Broward County Bar Association, Member - Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member - Phi Alpha Delta, Member - The National Trial Lawyers - United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, Member
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Orlando
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Orlando are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Orlando Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Orlando-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Orlando or all attorneys in Florida.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Michael Panella
Where is Michael Panella's law office located?
How long has Michael Panella practiced law?
Where did Michael Panella go to law school?
How can I contact Michael Panella for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Michael Panella received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Orlando Choose Michael Panella
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Panella's practice.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Panella brings 12+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Local Presence in Orlando
A Orlando-based practice means Michael Panella attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael Panella Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Orlando commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael Panella.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael Panella directly.
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael Panella
No reviews yet.