Expert Law Attorneys has named Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit the Best Criminal Defense Firm of 2026 in this year’s ELA Awards. The Gainesville, Florida firm earned the honor for its strong defense of people facing criminal charges.
About the 2026 ELA Awards
The 2026 ELA Awards highlight law firms that deliver for the people they represent. The program recognizes firms across a wide range of practice areas for their experience, their reputation with clients, their professional conduct, and their service to their communities.
Why Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit Earned the Recognition
Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit is a Gainesville criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Alachua County and the Eighth Judicial Circuit, across Florida and in federal courts nationwide. Gilbert A. Schaffnit, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Florida and its College of Law, brings more than 40 years of legal experience, with the last 30 years devoted exclusively to criminal defense. The firm handles drug crimes, sex offenses, internet crimes, white collar crime and violent crime, juvenile matters, probation violations, federal and state appeals, postconviction relief and sex offender registry removal, and represents University of Florida students in criminal and campus disciplinary matters.
Schaffnit has held a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating for 20 years and has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2013. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Law and president and co-founder of the North Central Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Clients work directly with Schaffnit, who accepts a limited number of cases to give each one personal attention.
What the Award Means for Clients
For anyone dealing with a criminal charge, the ELA Award is a helpful signal when comparing firms. It reflects the experience, client service, and professionalism Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit brings to each matter. The best next step is always a conversation with the attorney about your specific situation.