Meet Marcel A. Lilavois, Jr.
Marcel Lilavois is an Orlando personal injury attorney serving his clients out of the Farah & Farah office just off North Magnolia Avenue. Experienced in both pre-litigation and litigation, he is well-equipped to manage a case from start to finish. Focusing most of his time on Orlando auto accident cases, Marcel can cater to his strengths in holding insurance companies accountable for fair and just compensation. Before coming on board at Farah & Farah, Marcel spent time defending insurance companies and held a host of other positions as an attorney.
Understanding is crucial to counseling clients toward seeking the maximum recovery they are entitled to under the law. Having touched on so many different areas of law, Marcel is well prepared to simplify the complex legal process for his clients.
Working Through Different Areas of the Law
While practicing law, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several fields. I appreciate that I’ve had such varied experiences because it helps me connect with more people, plan an appropriate action plan, and lead them toward the finish line.
Being a Public Defender Takes Grit
When I graduated from law school, I began my career at the Miami Public Defender’s Office.In this role, I represented people who could not afford an attorney. Working in the Felony Early Representation Unit, made me see the desperate need for a steady hand during a rough time.
Working in Criminal Justice Reform, Homelessness, Poverty, and Other Civil Rights
From there, I joined the Florida Justice Institute (FJI), where I practiced plaintiff’s civil rights litigation for several years. Representing clients in cases focusing the rights of the incarcerated and homeless was a very humbling and rewarding experience that taught me to be resourceful and sharpened my skills as an advocate.
Moving on to PIP Litigation
After my work at FJI, I joined a personal injury firm, where I practiced PIP litigation. I represented healthcare providers across Florida in obtaining their legally required compensation from insurance companies, for necessary care they provided to car accident victims. PIP stands for personal injury protection and is a type of insurance coverage everyone in Florida must have.
Insurance Defense Helped Me Learn Their Playbook
While I enjoyed personal injury, I moved on to a large insurance company where I practiced litigation defense. I only stayed in this role for a short time because the job just didn’t fit with whoI am. However, my time there was invaluable because I saw firsthand how insurance companies try to limit their liability, or what they’re obligated to pay, after an accident.
Joining Farah & Farah
Broadening my horizons, I got to experience a lot of different areas of the law. All the time spent elsewhere built up who I am today – brick by brick. That background helps me as an attorney here at Farah & Farah, because I have more experiences to draw from in guiding my clients toward an ideal resolution.
I handle all of my cases with a mindset toward litigation. That means preparing a case from the beginning with everything we need to go to trial if necessary. Not every law firm puts in this much work upfront, but we do at Farah & Farah, so each case is formed on a solid foundation and the experience can be as seamless as possible.
I love the atmosphere here at the Orlando Farah & Farah office. It’s incredibly warm and inviting, with a powerful sense of team. Having so many top-notch legal professionals around me to lend their support makes it easier for me to do more for my clients.
I Want to Be a Stable, Steady Guiding Light for My Clients
I became a lawyer first and foremost to help people. I knew early on that I wanted to help individuals, not corporations. I’ve enjoyed all of my different roles, but personal injury is what I gravitate toward. I love client contact and building relationships. Being incredibly responsive to my clients is just how I do things.
When clients decide to get an attorney, they’re usually facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives. I take pride in knowing that in their time of need I can be a stable and steady guiding light as we work hand in hand to make them whole again.
Something I excel at in my practice is helping to boil down all the complex legal jargon into easy-to-understand strategies. The law can be distant from what everyday people are going through. My job is to break it down and give my clients a message they can understand so they can make an informed decision. My personal method is establishing a connection, explaining the process, and eliminating any confusion or uncertainty as much as possible.
Time Away From the Office Is Important Too
In my time outside of the office, I try to stay active and also spend as much time as possible with my family. You’ll often catch me playing pickup basketball at a local park or going for a run. Otherwise, I’m with my family.
My dad started my love for a unique hobby of collecting antique and limited edition cognacs and brandies. What began as an outlet during COVID has become a reasonably serious leisure pursuit. I remember sharing my first cognac with my dad (when I was legally allowed to do so, of course) and that memory is special to me. If I have extra time, I like to visit the Corona Cigar Company in their downtown Orlando or Lake Mary locations.
