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Spencer Law, PAMember
Crystal Collins Spencer
Pro

Crystal Collins Spencer

4.6
84 reviews

316 S. Baylen Street, Suite 520, Pensacola, FL 32502

Family Law, Divorce, Divorce for Stay at Home Moms and 8 more

About Crystal Collins Spencer

Attorney Crystal Collins Spencer is the founder of Spencer Law, P.A., a law firm with offices in Pensacola, Ft. Walton and Sandestin providing assistance in family law, medical malpractice and personal injury from Pensacola, Ft Walton, Destin to Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City. With over 30 years of courtroom experience in Florida and throughout the U.S., Crystal is a dedicated, respected and aggressive advocate for her clients’ causes.

Crystal graduated from the University of Kentucky with high honors and earned her Juris Doctor law degree from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. She gained valuable courtroom skill and experience while serving as an Assistant State Attorney for the Office of State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit of Florida, before moving into private practice. Crystal spent years representing doctors and hospital groups and has knowledge and experience of medical malpractice matters from both sides of the case. As a distinguished family law attorney, she has handled high net worth and complex divorce matters. She has shepherded notable cases through trial and appeal, including arguing before the Florida Supreme Court.

Crystal is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, denoting the highest level of legal ability, ethics and professionalism as evaluated by her peers. In addition, she is a Senior Fellow of the legal honor society Litigation Counsel of America. She has been named to the Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend, as well as being recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer among her peers. Spencer has been profiled as a Leading Attorney by Town & Country, and recognized among Women Leaders in the Law by Fortune Magazine.

Crystal is an active member of The Florida Bar, belong to The Bar’s sections on Health Law, Trial Lawyers, and Family Law. She is also a member of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, the Litigation Counsel of America, the Trial Law Institute and the Diversity Law Institute.

As passionate about volunteering as she is about law, Crystal devotes tireless hours and focused leadership to the causes she champions. She is active in numerous national, regional and community organizations, and has received The Escambia Santa Rosa Bar’s Community Service Award. As Chair of the City of Pensacola Charter Review Commission, she was a primary drafter of Pensacola’s new charter, and spearheaded the adoption of Pensacola’s new form of government.

Special Qualifications

• Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator (2004-2013)

• Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator

• Media Crisis Training (one-on-one) w/Clarence Jones, Author of “Winning with the News Media”

Honors and Recognition

• AV Preeminent Rating®, Martindale-Hubbell

• Client Distinction Award, Martindale- Hubbell

• Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers

• Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

• National Association of Distinguished Counsel (recognized as among the Nation’s One Percent of Attorneys)

• Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend (recognized by peers as among the top 2 % of Florida Lawyers)

• Florida Super Lawyer® (recognized as among the top 5% of attorneys)

• Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, The Trial Lawyer Honorary Society (consists of less than 1% of American Lawyers)

• Lawyers of Distinction

• American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

• Best Attorneys of America, Lifetime Charter Member, Rue Ratings

• Barrister, Order of Justitia

• Barrister, Order of Certus

• Women Leaders in the Law, Fortune, October 2014

• Profiled in Town and Country, August 2014

• American Academy of Medical Malpractice Lawyers, Charter Member

• Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Laurate 2016

• Outstanding Community Volunteer/Community Service Award – 2011, Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association

• Annual Power List – 2010-2017 Pensacola Independent News (Area’s Top Most Influential & Powerful People)

• Outstanding Woman in Business – 2007, Pensacola Business Journal

• Best of Coast 2006 – voted Best Local Attorney, Pensacola Independent News

Reported Cases

• Chadbourne v. Chadbourne, 146 So. 3d 75 (Fla. 1st DCA 2014)

• Fleming v. FWBMC, 113 So. 3d 444 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013)

• McMahon v. McMahon, 108 So. 3d 1084 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013)

• Griffith v. Griffith, 860 So. 2d 1069 (Fla. 1st DCA 2003)

• Sayeh R., Matter of, 670 N.Y.S. 2d 377, 91 N.Y. 2d 206, 693 N.E. 2d 724 (N.Y. 1997) co-counsel

• Sayeh R., Matter of, 659 N.Y.S. 2d 590, 239 A.D. 2d 959 (N.Y.A.D.4 Dept., 1997) co-counsel

• Mott v. Rivazfar, 653 N.Y.S. 2d 760, 236 A.D. 819 (N.Y.A.D. 4 Dept., 1997), modified by

• Mott v. Rivazfar, 661 N.Y.S. 2d 417, 172 Misc. 2d 507, (N.Y.Sup., 1996) government

• Russenberger v. Russenberger, 669 So. 2d 1044 (Fla. 1996) (Relocation of custodial parent with minor children)

• Russenberger v. Russenberger, 654 So. 2d 207 (Fla. 1st DCA 1995)

• Russenberger v. Russenberger, 639 So. 2d 963 (Fla. 1994) (Psychological examination of minor child)

• Russenberger v. Russenberger, 623 So. 2d 1244 (Fla. 1st DCA 1993)

• M. Collins v. State of Florida, 626 So. 2d 991 (Fla. 1st DCA 1993)

Appointments

• AHA/ACC Guideline Writing Committee Lay Member, Guideline for the Management of Patients with Hypertension (2014-2016)

• AHA/ACC Guideline Writing Committee Lay Member, Guideline on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery (2013-2014)

• Lay Stakeholder Peer Review Committee, Basic Cellular 1, 2013, 2014

• Bioethics Committee, West Florida Hospital, 2014, 2015

• State of Florida Department of Health, Tobacco, Education, and Use Prevention Advisory Council, 2011-2013

• City of Pensacola Charter Review Commission, Chair, 2008-2009 – Primary drafter of City’s new Charter changing the form of government

• Believe in a Better Pensacola, 2010 (Led successful campaign for passage of the Pensacola Charter, changing form of government to strong mayor form)

Community Service

• American Heart Association National

• Writing Committee Member 2014, ACC/AHA Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

• Writing Committee Member 2017, ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults

• You’re The Cure on the Hill, April 2013

• Volunteer Training Task Force, 2013-2014

• Core Vitae, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

• Heart & Stroke Champion

• Paul Dudley White Legacy Society

• Greater Southeast Affiliate (FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, TN, PR)

• GSA Volunteer Executive Cabinet, 2013-2016

• Nominating Committee, 2015-2016

• Board of Directors, 2006-2014

• Immediate Past Chair, 2013-2014

• Cor Vitae Affiliate Chair, 2013-2014

• Chair, 2012-2013

• Chair-Elect 2010-2012

• Secretary/Treasurer, 2009-2010

• Business Operations Chair, 2009-2010

• Business Operations Committee Member, 2006-2013

• Florida Advocacy Subcommittee, 2008-2012

• Florida/Puerto Rico Affiliate

• Board of Directors, 2005-2006; Secretary/Treasurer, 2006

• Annual Meeting Committee Member, 2005-2006; Annual Meeting Go Red for Women Presenter, 2006

• Heart on the Hill Committee Member, 2005-2006; Business Operations Committee Member, 2005-2006

• Outstanding Freshman Volunteer, 2006;

• Learn & Live Visionary Speaker, 2006-2007

• Northwest Florida Division

• Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team

• Heart Ball Chair; Heart Ball Vice-Chair

• Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team; Heart Walk Team Captain

• Heart Walk Top Walker Award; Heart Walk Rookie Company Award

• Advocacy Volunteer; Fundraiser of the Year Award

• Presidential Award; Rookie of the Year Award

• Leadership Circle; Community Board Member

• Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Trustee

• Pensacola State College

• Anna Society, Founding Member

• WSRE—PBS on the Gulf Coast

• Co-Chair, 40th Anniversary Celebration of Public Television, 2007

• Co-Chair, 19th Annual Food and Wine Classic, 2007

• Pensacola Bay Area IMPACT 100

• Member, 2004-2009, 2016, 2017

• Pensacola Little Theater/Pensacola Cultural Center

• Board Member and Numerous Chairs, 1992-2006

• Trustee Emeritus Lifetime

• United Way

• Alexis de Tocqueville Society Member

• University of West Florida

• WUWF Crystal Circle, 2013

• Nautilus Society, 2007-2009

• Covenant Hospice

• Ruby Society

• American Cancer Society—Escambia/Santa Rosa Chapter

• Committee Chair, Past Board Member & Various Chairs

• Volunteer Leadership Award

• National Society of Fund Raising Executives

• Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer

Professional Memberships

• The Florida Bar

• Health Law Section

• Trial Lawyers Section

• Family Law Section

• Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association

• Member, The Trial Law Institute

• Member, Diversity Law Institute

 

Crystal Collins Spencer (Pensacola, Florida) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Crystal Collins Spencer got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Crystal Collins Spencer got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Crystal

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Overall Rating
4.6
See All Reviews
84
4.7
Lawyers.com
15
4.6
Martindale
53
4.5
Avvo
16
Showing 1-10 of 15 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
93%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
7%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.7
Quality of Service
4.7
Responsiveness
4.7
Value for Money
4.7
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
June 04, 2013
Hired Attorney

She has the finest legal mind I have ever seen and I come from a family of attorneys. As brilliant as she is naturally, I have never seen her "wing it." Her research is immaculate and detailed, and her grasp of language as a tool unmatched. My advice to any adversary is to GIVE UP. She will not.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
May 19, 2013
Hired Attorney

Crystal has done a excellent job representing me thru a very
difficult time in my life.She has been very attentive to all
the details that are important to my case.Chrystal has also
been a very good adviser and a calming person during the
whole process.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
May 18, 2013
Hired Attorney

Crystal has a brain that works at the speed of light. Very ethical, courteous, respectful and truly cares about you. Her staff is equally exceptional. A rare find.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
May 18, 2013
Hired Attorney

Extremely prepared, well spoken and commanding in deposition, courtroom and mediation arenas.
Instantly responsive to all phone and e-mail communications.
Very thorough and comfortable to work with.

Child Custody
Posted by Vanessa
December 12, 2023
Hired Attorney

Crystal used to be great but times have changed. She runs off all her staff, including co-counsel. Read employee reviews at Glassdoor. Very telling. She will run your bill up and then get off your case when you need her the most. She makes it her mission to remove all negative reviews through her bully techniques. CRYSTAL I WILL NOT REMOVE MY REVIEW.

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 4
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Spousal Support
  • Other 6
    • Divorce for Stay at Home Moms
    • High Asset Divorce
    • Temporary Relief
    • Property Division
    • Restraining Order
    • Modification and Enforcement

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1986, Florida
    United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
    United States Supreme Court
    Bar Fellowship
    American Academy of Medical Malpractice Lawyers, Charter Member Florida Hospital Association/Florida Academy of Healthcare Attorneys Florida Defense Lawyers Association Defense Research Institute Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association Reported Cases:

    Fleming v. FWBMC, (Fla. 1st DCA App. 2013) Opinion filed 4-15-13; McMahon v. McMahon, (Fla. 1st DCA App. 2013) Meszler v. PMI Employee Leasing, 877 So. 2d 726 (Fla. 1st DCA 2004); Griffith v. Griffith, 860 So. 2d 1069 (Fla. 1st DCA 2003); Mott v. Rivazfar, 653 N.Y.S. 2d 760, 236 A.D. 819 (N.Y.A.D. 4 Dept., 1997), modified by Mott v. Rivazfar, 661 N.Y.S. 2d 417, 172 Misc. 2d 507, (N.Y.Sup., 1996); Russenberger v. Russenberger, 669 So. 2d 1044 (Fla. 1996) (Relocation of custodial parent with minor children); Russenberger v. Russenberger, 654 So. 2d 207 (Fla. 1st DCA 1995); Russenberger v. Russenberger, 639 So. 2d 963 (Fla. 1994) (Psychological examination of minor child); Russenberger v. Russenberger, 623 So. 2d 1244 (Fla. 1st DCA 1993); T. M. Collins v. State of Florida, 626 So. 2d 991 (Fla. 1st DCA 1993)

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
    Class of 1985
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Kentucky
    Class of 1982
    B.A.
    with honors

Contact Crystal Collins Spencer

Member at Spencer Law, PA
4.6
84 reviews

316 S. Baylen Street, Suite 520Pensacola, FL 32502U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Crystal Collins Spencer was admitted in 1986 to the State of Florida.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Crystal Collins Spencer has a 4.6 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Crystal Collins Spencer has a 4.7 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Crystal Collins Spencer attended University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.

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