Menelaos Papalas
Menelaos "Manny" is a trial lawyer in the areas of eminent domain, inverse condemnation and property rights, including ad valorem tax issues. His experience in eminent domain has included representation of property owners and businesses. Manny has handled hundreds of condemnation parcels and has participated in numerous eminent domain, inverse condemnation and valuation trials and other proceedings. He regularly negotiates with and litigates against county tax assessors throughout Florida regarding the ad valorem tax assessments of properties. Manny speaks and writes on these topics.
​
​
​
Manny grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from The Bolles School in 1990. He then attended
Jacksonville University, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration, with honors.
He next attended Florida State University College of Law, graduating with high honors.
Before beginning legal practice, Manny served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Leander Shaw Jr., former chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
​
​
​
-
Jacksonville University, B.S., business administration (honors, 1994)
-
J.U. Chapter, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Founding President
-
Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity
-
-
Florida State University College of Law, J.D. (high honors, 1997)
-
Law Review
-
Mock Trial Team, Best Advocate, 1996
-
Order of the Coif
-
Graduated top 7% of class
-
Daniel R. Bailey Memorial Scholar
-
A.H.E.P.A. Scholar
-
Dean – Appointed Student Tutor
-
Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award
-
Excellence for the Future Award, Constitutional Law
-
Book Awards for Academic Excellence; Legal Research and Writing; Constitutional Law
-
​
​
​
​
-
Florida
-
Florida Supreme Court
-
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
-
U.S. Supreme Court
​
​
​
​
-
American Bar Association
-
The Florida Bar
-
Eminent Domain Committee (2005-2007); (2010-present)
-
-
Jacksonville Bar Association
​
​
​
-
AV Preeminent™ rated by Martindale-Hubbell
-
Jacksonville Business Journal, "40 Under 40," 2009
-
Hillsborough County Guardian Ad Litem Program, Volunteer Attorney of the Year, 2000