Michael Panella

Of Counsel

Chandler, AZ

Bar admissions

Florida
U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida

Education

J.D., cum laude: University of Florida Levin College of Law
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida

Awards and recognition

01Avvo Rating 10.0
02National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40
03Super Lawyers (2019-2024)
04Best of Orlando Finalist 2023
05Orlando Style Magazine Attorney of the Year 2025
06Book Award - Criminal Law (University of Florida)
07Book Award - Family Law (University of Florida)
08Certificates in Criminal Justice, Pro Bono Service, and Community Service

Memberships

The Florida Bar
Orange County Bar Association
Broward County Bar Association
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Phi Alpha Delta (former President)
The National Trial Lawyers

Publications

Guest law school lecturer on Florida's Justifiable Use of Force laws

Background

Michael Panella is the founder of Panella Law Firm in Orlando, Florida, focusing on criminal defense and family law. He gained national attention as a critical member of the defense team in State v. George Zimmerman, contributing to two successful appellate writs, overall strategy, and self-defense issues. Before founding his firm, Panella served as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida's 18th Judicial Circuit, where he handled hundreds of cases and maintained an undefeated trial record. He has achieved major appellate victories, including opinions redefining Florida's self-defense laws, and serves Of Counsel at Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm.

Notable cases

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State v. George Zimmerman - defense team member, contributed to two successful appellate writs
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Capital and non-capital appeals through appellate firm partnership
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Class-action lawsuit focusing on prison abuse
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Hundreds of criminal cases as Assistant Public Defender (undefeated at trial)

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