In a recent episode of The Attorney Post, attorney Justin Givens offered an in-depth look at his legal journey, from working cases on the side to co-founding one of Florida’s prominent real estate law firms. With a background that spans criminal defense, public service, and community association law, Givens shared candid insights into the challenges and rewards of his legal career.
Representing Florida’s Communities
Givens' firm currently represents around 500 community associations across Florida, navigating the complexities of Florida Statutes 718 and 720—laws that govern condominium and homeowners associations, respectively. The firm’s scale reflects the growing demand for legal guidance in property governance and compliance, especially in a state where residential development is booming.
Givens explained that corporate clients are often required by law to maintain specific associations in order to operate, which makes legal representation essential. His firm assists these clients in managing contracts, governing documents, and legal compliance. As more communities expand, the need for attorneys who understand the intricacies of association law continues to rise.
A Career Fueled by Adaptability
Givens did not always practice real estate law. His legal journey began at the public defender’s office, where he gained valuable courtroom experience. However, budget cuts led to layoffs, prompting Givens to take on private cases out of necessity. This unexpected shift set the stage for what would eventually become a thriving private practice.
In a bold move, Givens and co-founder Jeremy Anderson launched their firm from a kitchen table. With only two clients, they leaned on personal connections to expand their practice, particularly in Sarasota. The strategic addition of partner DJ Fredericks helped the firm scale by managing labor-intensive collections work, further solidifying their presence in the real estate legal market.
Client Management in the Real World
One of the key themes Givens touched on was the challenge of managing client expectations. With community boards composed of individuals with different personalities and priorities, legal counsel must often balance diplomacy with practical guidance. Givens reflected on a case where his reservations about a construction contractor were ignored, ultimately costing the client financially—an example of how attorney advice can make or break outcomes.
Highlights and Lessons in Practice
Despite setbacks, Givens has had his share of victories. He recalled a criminal defense case where he successfully defended a nurse wrongly accused of negligence. The trial lasted two weeks, but the jury needed only nine minutes to deliver a not guilty verdict. He also spoke of a real estate deal that secured generational wealth for a client, reminding listeners that legal victories often have lasting impacts beyond the courtroom.
Navigating Real Estate Law Today
Givens shared his concerns about consumers bypassing legal professionals in property transactions. Many buyers and sellers attempt to handle deals independently or rely solely on title companies—an approach that can lead to legal pitfalls. He emphasized that law firms, unlike title companies, can diagnose issues such as liens or boundary disputes and provide legal solutions.
Wire fraud was another major concern raised during the episode. As scammers become more sophisticated—often using AI to intercept emails—clients are at increased risk. Givens’ firm proactively mitigates this by setting strict guidelines around wire transfers and communicating risks to clients clearly.
Advice for Homebuyers and Legal Professionals
For homebuyers, Givens advised thoroughly reviewing homeowners association documents to avoid future disputes. For young lawyers, his message was clear: get courtroom experience. With fewer than 10% of lawyers ever going to trial, he stressed that real legal education happens in front of a jury.
Justin Givens’ story is a testament to adaptability and perseverance. From modest beginnings to representing hundreds of associations, his path underscores the evolving nature of legal practice in the real estate space. His appearance on The Attorney Post offers a valuable perspective on building a firm, serving communities, and navigating the fine print of Florida property law.
Law Offices of Anderson, Givens, & Fredericks
1689 Mahan Center Blvd,
Suite B Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 224-2440
3665 Bee Ridge Road,
Suite 100 Sarasota, FL 34233
