About us
Perspective Is Everything
Terrence L. (Terry) Lavy is a Florida attorney with over 30 years of experience. Over the course of his career, Terry gained perspective, the ability to see the merits and potential pitfalls of cases from all sides.
Terry has worked in private practice, as in-house counsel in Philadelphia, and as a leader in a multi-state law firm. He has represented, and continues to represent, individuals as well as businesses.
From this perspective, he provides guidance on the legal, practical, and business considerations that influence how disputes develop and, more importantly, how they can be resolved.
Perspective Is Everything
Terrence L. (Terry) Lavy is a Florida attorney with over 30 years of experience. Over the course of his career, Terry gained perspective, the ability to see the merits and potential pitfalls of cases from all sides.
Terry has worked in private practice, as in-house counsel in Philadelphia, and as a leader in a multi-state law firm. He has represented, and continues to represent, individuals as well as businesses.
From this perspective, he provides guidance on the legal, practical, and business considerations that influence how disputes develop and, more importantly, how they can be resolved.
- AREAS OF EXPERIENCE
Experience Across Advocacy, Expertise & Resolution
Terry’s career spans specialized construction law, litigation, expert testimony, mediation, and arbitration. Each role reflects a different perspective on how disputes develop, how competing interests can be evaluated, and how matters may ultimately be resolved.
Construction Specialist
Terry became a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law in 2015 and proudly maintains this distinction, limited to only a very few specialists in the field who focus their practices on construction law issues. Construction law practice involves licensing, contract analysis, insurance, financing, subcontractors and trades, project design, development and management, allegations of defective design and work, lien issues, and damages.
If litigated, the cases are almost always complex and frequently involve many parties, all with competing interests and demands. An attorney seeking certification must obtain the approval of peers, pass a rigorous examination on the details of construction law, and complete 75 hours of construction education every five years.
Terry has not only taken these courses — he has taught them to other attorneys, individuals, and insurance company representatives. He has presented courses with the National Business Institute (NBI) and at the National Conference of Claims and Litigation Management (CLM).
Litigator
Terry’s construction-law specialty is complemented by a broader viewpoint of litigation in state courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, as well as federal courts.
Over the breadth of his career, Terry successfully managed cases from inception through alternative dispute resolution, trials, and appeals, including matters reaching the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Although the focus is construction, Terry has also litigated diverse areas including, for example, property insurance claims, personal injury, and employment disputes.
Expert
Fellow attorneys in Southwest Florida have periodically sought Terry’s evaluation as an expert regarding attorneys’ fees and court costs.
When litigation is decided as to the substance of a dispute, there are times when entitlement to fees and costs, and the amount of those fees and costs, remains in dispute.
Terry analyzes the materials, researches the issues, and breaks them down, testifying cogently and directly to the core dispute.
Mediator
After participating as a litigant’s attorney for decades, Terry determined to obtain the training to become certified as a mediator for civil matters by the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
He has assisted in the training of others entering the field and frequently volunteers his time to mediate small claims matters in Lee County.
His balanced approach has brought many matters to voluntary resolution without the need for further litigation.
Arbitrator
Terry regularly serves in court-assigned and privately retained dispute-resolution matters in Southwest Florida.
His approach closely follows the rules set by the Florida Courts. In his view, arbitrating a case means more than simply giving a decision. It means providing findings of fact and conclusions of law so that the parties understand why the decision is what it is.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Admissions
Currently, Terry is admitted to active practice in Florida, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
He began practicing in the state courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Education
Terry earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in 1993, with an honors certificate in international law.
He completed his Bachelor of Science at Buffalo State University in 1989.
Family and Community
Terry views his finest achievements as personal rather than professional, he is immensely proud of his three grown children.
When they were young, Terry was their baseball and softball coach, and fervent cheerleader. Each came through Lee Schools and obtained their own degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University in Lee County.
When not practicing law, Terry can often be found on stage at community theaters throughout Southwest Florida, sometimes sharing the stage with his son. He has met much of the Southwest Florida performing community and shared many memorable moments with them.
His next performance will be as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family.
Have a Legal Matter to Discuss?
Lavy Law & ADR provides experienced counsel and dispute-resolution services in construction, litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
Contact the firm to discuss your matter and the available options for moving forward.
Address:
8824 Swell Brooks Court North Fort Myers, FL 33917