Cervay, John Adams

I was born and raised here in Southwest Florida. My office is just two blocks from where I went to grade school. I graduated from Bishop Verot High School in 1996. I immediately began going to college and working two or three jobs at one time. I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in criminal justice. My degree had an emphasis in legal studies and I was the first person in the school's history to be granted that distinction.

I went to law school at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. While living in Miami I worked at a criminal defense law firm. The highlight of my law school experience came when I was an intern for a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District Court, West Palm Beach division. I helped my Judge write briefs during a two week jury trial pertaining to a trade secrets violation. To this day I keep in touch with the Judge I served with and value our friendship. I graduated law school on the Dean's List of academic achievement.

I passed the bar exam and got married within two months in 2004. At the end of 2004, I started working as a prosecutor with the State Attorney's office for the 20th Judicial Circuit here in Fort Myers, Florida. My first jury trial was a DUI case involving serious bodily injury. I had no idea that I would find a passion in that trial but I did. Speaking to the victim of the accident and gaining their trust for such an important time in their life gave me a strong sense of purpose. I won that trial. I prosecuted many crimes and was eventually transferred to the domestic violence unit.

While a prosecutor, I was assigned to prosecute a four count voyeurism case. A man was secretly video-taping his girlfriend's daughter in the shower. On the first day of the trial, the Defendant pled guilty to all counts. The victim begged me to find her a civil lawyer for a violation of privacy suit. I spent a tremendous amount of time studying lawyers' resumes and asking around town. I met Allan Parvey and spoke to him about handling the case. We met and spoke about the evidence. Mr. Parvey was successful in securing a confidential settlement.

After I met Mr. Parvey we realized that we would work well together. Personal injury litigation reminds me so much of my first jury trial. I enjoy helping victims of negligence seek justice. Justice is the first duty of society and in order to maintain our society we must always protect it.

As it relates to my profession I am a member of the Florida Justice Association, past member of the Calusa Inns of Court, Honorable Peter T. Fay Inn of Court and the Lee County Bar Associatoin. Over the years I have taught several law courses at Florida Gulf Coast University. I am continually volunteering my time at Ave Maria School of Law as a judge for their moot court competition and mock trial judge for the Lee County mock trial program. In 2011, I was selected by Super Lawyers as a rising star within my profession.

I am a big believer in giving back to our community. I serve on the board of directors for the FGCU Alumni Association and am slated to serve as chairman of the board. I am active with the Rotary Club of downtown Fort Myers. For 5 straight years my wife and I hosted a private party at our house to raise money for the American Cancer Society with 100% of donations going to that worthy cause. As an avid angler I am a member and contributor to the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment.