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Meghan CeloAttorney at law · FL

Case file · Fla. Bar No. 1031922

In re:

Meghan E. Celo, Esq.

Florida attorney in the Tampa Bay area. I draft the motions, take the depositions, and explain all of it in plain English.

Read the record Say hello
Meghan Celo smiling in her signature cobalt-blue glasses, in front of a white brick wall
the glasses stay on.

Findings of fact

The record, at a glance

  • Fact no. 1

    500+

    motions filed in 2025, the most in her office

  • Fact no. 2

    10

    associates trained on PIP, bad faith and declaratory actions

  • Fact no. 3

    30+

    cases resolved as an Assistant Public Defender

  • Fact no. 4

    59/205

    class rank, graduating cum laude

Statement of the case

I'm a Florida attorney who loves the craft side of law: a clean motion, a well-prepared witness, a deposition outline that actually gets used.

Legal matters are stressful, so I put a premium on clear communication and transparent process. Every file gets the attention and care it deserves.

Points of practice

  • I.

    People first

    Every client and every file is different. I take the time to understand the goals and worries behind a matter before choosing a strategy.

  • II.

    Plain English

    Legal concepts explained in normal words, with regular updates so nobody is left guessing about where things stand.

  • III.

    Diligent advocacy

    Careful research, tight drafting and real preparation, whether it is a deposition, a hearing or a stack of discovery.

  • IV.

    Ethics, always

    The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar are the floor, not the ceiling. Integrity is not negotiable.

The docket

Experience, entered in order

Most recent entry first. Tap any entry to read the full filing.

  1. Entry 04Jan 2022 – Present

    Associate Counsel, Staff Counsel – PIP

    GEICO · Tampa, FLLeads her office in pending motions filed, with 500+ filed in 2025 and hundreds of resolved cases.    In sessionShow details

    Particulars

    • Drafts pleadings, motions, discovery responses and trial preparation materials
    • Second-chairs major case hearings alongside managing partners
    • Prepares witnesses for deposition testimony
    • Conducts and defends depositions
    • Trained 10 associates on budget neutrality, benefit exhaustion defense, declaratory actions and bad faith
    • Contributes to a team culture built on knowledge-sharing and continuing legal education
  2. Entry 03Oct 2021 – Nov 2021

    Assistant Public Defender

    The Law Offices of Julianne Holt · Tampa, FLManaged a high-volume caseload while keeping every matter inside Speedy Trial deadlines.    Show details

    Particulars

    • Argued and won 3 motions, including 2 dispositive motions
    • Resolved 30+ cases through negotiation, motion practice and client advocacy
  3. Entry 02Aug 2021 – Sep 2021

    Legal Trainee

    The Law Offices of Julianne Holt · Tampa, FLInterviewed clients for First Appearance Court to support bond motions and early case assessments.    Show details

    Particulars

    • Helped Assistant Public Defenders prepare bond motions with thorough client insight
    • Researched novel legal issues for the Major Crimes – Homicide, Misdemeanor A and Juvenile E divisions
  4. Entry 01Jan 2021 – Apr 2021

    Certified Legal Intern

    The Law Offices of Julianne Holt · Tampa, FLWorked alongside an Assistant Public Defender representing indigent clients.    Show details

    Particulars

    • Researched potential defenses and evidentiary issues in depth
    • Helped identify and develop defenses for courtroom argument

Exhibits B – D

Education & admission

ExhibitB2021

Juris Doctor

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Cum laude

  • Rank 59/205 · Dean's List 7 of 8 semesters · Honor Roll 8 of 8
  • Certificates of Merit: Advanced Criminal Procedure; Compliance & Regulation
  • Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society
  • Student Magistrate, Cooley Appeals Board
  • American Constitution Society · Spring 2021 Trial Skills Academy
ExhibitC2016

B.A., Political Science

University of South Florida

  • Emerging Leadership Institute
  • Green & Gold Student Tour Guide
ExhibitD

The Florida Bar

Admitted 2021 · Bar No. 1031922

Verify on floridabar.org (opens in a new tab)

Case notes

Law, in plain English

Short explainers on Florida PIP and public defense, written from the trenches.

All case notes

In the court of good conversation

Motion to say hello

COMES NOW the reader, who respectfully moves to get in touch, and in support states as follows:

  1. 1.Emailmeghancelo@gmail.com
  2. 2.Call or text321-759-5949
  3. 3.LinkedInConnect professionally(opens in a new tab)
  4. 4.Based in Clearwater, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay area.

WHEREFORE, the reader requests a friendly reply within a reasonable time.

/s/ Meghan E. Celo

Fla. Bar No. 1031922

Granted

Please don't include confidential details in a first message. Reaching out does not create an attorney–client relationship.