Terrence Lavy

Biography

Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law

Terry was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from SUNY College at Buffalo and JD from Rutgers School of Law, Camden NJ in 1993 with International Law Honors. After being admitted in NJ and PA in 1993, he joined the Florida bar in 2005. After 17 years with another firm, he co-founded Schmucker & Lavy Legal, PLLC with partner Monica Schmucker in August 2023. 
 
His practice is focused on construction-related litigation and first party insurance matters. He has represented owners, lenders, developers, general contractors and trades with respect to construction defect, lien and financing issues.  Some examples of his work include: trial defense verdict for alleged improper performance of mold remediation; summary judgment for general contractor on multimillion dollar claim for defective renovation; trial verdict of 20% of the demand.  Terry has represented insures in pre-suit investigations (including SIU) and litigated matters. 

Terry also works in the appellate courts:  Maidwell v. FIGA (Southern Fideliety) 6D23-74 (6th DCA, August 31, 2024) (affirm MSJ for insurer); Rainey v. Roop 209 So.3d 583 (2016) (affirm defense verdict); Duncan v. Citizens 172 So3d. 876 (2nd DCA 2016) (affirm defendant cost award); CTX v. Advantage, 47 So.3d 844 (2nd DCA 2010) cert den 64 So.3d 1260 (2011) (reversal for for lender in construction financing); Huff v. Strader, 31 So.3d 182 (2nd DCA 2010), (affirm MSJ for defendant); Caron v. Krol, 965 So.2d 131 (2nd DCA 2007) (affirm defense verdict);  Alston v. City of Camden, 773 A.2d 693 (N.J.,2001) (Reversal for City NJ tort claims Act); Morales v. Camden, 791 A.2d 220 (N.J. 2002) (NJ tort claims Act)

Education

• Rutgers, The State University Of New Jersey, Juris Doctor

Admissions/Licenses

• Bar Admissions: PA, NJ, FL, PA
• Licensed Adjuster: NJ