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Who We Are

Avera & Smith. Who we are.

A 70+ Year Tradition of Legal Excellence, Client Service & Community Commitment

When Bill Avera (1927–2009) began practicing law more than 70 years ago, he set the high standards of practice that have made Avera & Smith the successful firm it is today.

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Founded on the Strength 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 25 years. Rod Smith, former state senator and longtime friend, and Jennifer Cates Lester are also partners. Providing dedicated service, associates Jared Comstock, John Whitaker, and Bradford Willard are important contributors to the success of the firm and its value of family.

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Board Certification Means Skilled Experience

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.

Why is board certification important to you?

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.

Giving Back to the Community

Avera & Smith is proud to be a local attorney’s office. Our history is deeply rooted in North Central Florida. For more than six decades, our family has proudly served your family. Our commitment to the local community reaches outside the courtroom. We proudly sponsor and volunteer for numerous charitable events and organizations that benefit our community.

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Accreditations

  • The Florida Bar Board Certified Logo. Civil Trial
  • The Florida Bar Board Certified Logo. Workers Compensation
  • AV Preeminent For ethical Standards and Legal Ability Logo
  • Best Lawyers Logo
  • Laywers of distinction 2019 logo
  • Super Lawyers Logo
  • Top 10 MVA Settlements 2020 - CaseMetrix
   

Get My Free Consultation.

  • As the law firm Gainesville has trusted for over 70 years to fight on their behalf, we are more than ready to represent you. Put our experience and reputation to work. We are trial-tested attorneys Gainesville turns to time and time again. If you need help with any legal matter, whether it’s serious personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, medical malpractice or business law, contact us. The consultation is absolutely free.

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