Hourly Rates $350-375/hour
Free consultations
Are you Margherita R Downey? Claim this page now or Cliam yourself lawyer page
My practice is mostly Family Law, Custody, Support, some Domestic Violence cases. I am also a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and Qualified Florida Arbitrator. I became a lawyer because I wanted to make a difference. It is my "calling". I only accept cases I believe in. My clients are my "partners" in the litigation. I detest injustice so I am not afraid to take a stand. I believe: '"When good people are silent, evil thrives." Thus, I passionately speak up.
I have worn many hats in the Legal System; I've practiced Law for over 20 years; prior to that I was a police officer and public servant. I worked for a famous Lawyer helping the rich and I worked as a Public Defender helping the poor. I have been a litigant as well as an attorney; I've walked your path. I'm "no nonsence" and frustrated when others make justice difficult; the new word for that is "Swamp".The law is a different language for people we serve and often the legal "process" is a confusing and painful journey. I have a small, trusted staff to conserve expenses to pass on savings to my clients. I don't have a Website because my clients are mostly referred by prior clients. A wise Law School Professor (Judge Goldenberg) taught - if you give your client 100%, he/she will refer others. It's true. Thank you for reading my story. :-)
 |
151 NW 1st Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444-2611 |
| Phone: | 561-272-2981(561) 272-2981 |
| Offices: |
|
Divorce, Children Issues, Contempt, Relocation, Family transition and conflict
Arbitrator, Mediation
Trials, Hearings
Domestic Violence Claims and Defense, Protective injunction Hearings
State Court
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 15th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem | Volunteer GAL | 1991 - 1997 |
| Craig S. Barnard American Inns of Court | Member | 1996 - 2002 |
| Florida Bar | Member | N/A |
| Certified Attorney Ad Litem | Attorney Ad Litem | N/A |
| District of Columbia Bar | Inactive Associate | N/A |
| Craig S. Barnard American Inns of Court | Secretary | 2000 - 2001 |
| Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association | Secretary | 2001 - 2002 |
| Palm Beach County Bar Assn, Special Needs of Children Committee | Member | 2001 - 2004 |
| Children's Rights Council of Florida, Inc. | President | 2003 - 2012 |
| Florida Supreme Court | Certified Mediator | N/A |
| Qualified Arbitrator | Arbitrator | N/A |
| Youth Court Volunteer Judge - 15th Judicial Circuit, P.B.C. | Volunteer | N/A |
| Florida Bar Domestic Violence Committee | Member | 2009 - 2010 |
| City of Delray Beach Neighborhood Advisory Council | Member | 2010 - 2013 |
| Florida Bar, Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee | Member | N/A |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bono Attorney Award | Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County | 2012 |
| Pro Bono Attorney Award | Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County | 2011 |
| Pro Bono Attorney Award | Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County | 2009 |
| Exceptional Pro Bono Service | Supreme Court of Florida & Florida Bar Pro Bono Coordinators collaborating PBC Legal Aid Society | 2007 |
| Outstanding Service & Professionalism Award | American Inns of Court Barnard Chapter, PBC | 2001 |
| PBC Pro Bono Attorney of the Month for February 2000 | Legal Aid Society & Florida Bar Pro Bono Coordinators | 2000 |
| Moot Court Best Brief Award | Shephard Broad Law School, Nova S.E. University | 1996 |
| Book Award | Badge & Gavel Club | 1995 |
| Foster Parent Service Award | State of Florida | 1994 |
| Scholarship Outstanding Young Woman in PBC | Soroptomist International Club of Palm Beaches | 1978 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade Community College | A.A. | 1978 |
| Barry University | Bachelor of Science | 1980 |
| Florida Atlantic University | MA - Masters | 1985 |
| University of Florida Law School Abroad | Participant | 1996 |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 1997 |
| Palm Beach Flight Training | FAA Airman License | 1999 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Jane Doe v. John Doe | The Judge dismissed the Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence entered against my innocent Client. |
| State of Florida v. Russell M. | Not-Guilty DWI Jury Verdict for my innocent Client. |
| State of Florida v. Ted B. | A Jury found my Client Not-Guilty of Domestic Violence. |
| State | Number | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL | 104574 | Member in Good Standing | 1997 | 09/12/2019 |
| DC | Inactive | 2000 | 10/14/2017 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Southern Second Reporter | Sobel v. Sobel | 2001 |
| Federal 2nd Reporter | U.S. v. Golding | 1999 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Young Republican Club | Meet the Candidates | 2012 |
| Women's Chamber of Commerce | Meet the Candidates | 2012 |
| Voter's Coalition | Meet the Candidates | 2012 |
| South Florida Tea Party | Meet & Greet | 2012 |
| South End Neighborhood Association | Meet & Greet | 2012 |
| South County Democratic Club | Meet & Greet | 2012 |
| Palm Beach County Bar Association | Judicial Race | 2012 |
| National Organization of Women | Meet & Greet | 2012 |
| Florida Voters Guide | Circuit Court Meet & Greet | 2012 |
| Acreage Landowners Association | Meet & Greet | 2012 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| State Trooper | Florida Highway Patrol, D.H.S.M.V. | 1981 - 1985 |
| Reserve Officer | Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office | 1989 - 1997 |
| Of Counsel | Law Office of F. Lee Bailey | 1997 - 2000 |
| Assistant Public Defender | Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office | 2000 - 2003 |
| Associate Attorney | Glantz & Glantz P.A. (Prepaid Legal Services Provider) | 2004 - 2006 |
| Partner | Law Office of Margheita Downey LLC | N/A |
| Volunteer Judge | "Teen Court" 15th Judicial Circuit & PBC School Board | 2009 - 2018 |
Check
