Gerard M. Virga, Jr.

Gerard M. Virga Jr.

Founding Attorney, The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

Gerard M. Virga Jr. is the founding attorney of The Virga Law Firm, P.A., a family law firm with offices in Panama City Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. With over two decades of experience, Mr. Virga has represented thousands of clients across numerous Florida counties and circuits, with particular focus on high-asset divorce, complex custody issues and military divorce. Guided by the firm's philosophy of Compassionate Counsel. Relentless Representation., he is committed to resolving cases efficiently, recognizing the significant emotional and financial impact that divorce and family transitions have on the people he represents. Mr. Virga is very hands on and deeply cares about his clients.

Mr. Virga earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida before completing his Juris Doctor at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law, where he served as Associate Editor of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy and received the Scholar of Merit award in Federal Criminal Procedure and Federal Civil Procedure. He was also a member of the National Civil Trial Team and Trial Board, as well as the American College of Trial Lawyers National Trial Team.

Bar Leadership and Professional Involvement

Mr. Virga is an active member of The Florida Bar's Family Law Section, where he serves on the Children's Issues Committee, the Continuing Legal Education Committee, the Family Law Rules and Forms Committee, and the Subcommittee on Constitutional Issues Related to Temporary Alimony. He is an Officer of the Family Law Support Issues Committee and Co-Chair of the Subcommittee on Legislative Changes to Disestablishment of Paternity. He also holds memberships on the Family Law Equitable Distribution Committee, the Family Law Legislative Committee, and the Family Law Sponsorship Committee, and is a member of the Bay County Bar Association. Mr. Virga is also a member of The Family Law Section of The Florida Bar’s Executive Council. 

Speaking and Publications

Mr. Virga authored “Courtroom Presence,” an installment of the Level Up series published in the August 2026 edition of FAMSEG, the Florida Bar Family Law Section's eNewsletter, in which he wrote on the importance of authenticity in courtroom testimony. He also authored Calamitous Events and Confidentiality: Untangling the Psychotherapist-Patient Privilege in Vincent v. Vincent, published in The Florida Bar Family Law Section's Commentator. He has been contacted by news agencies and newspapers to provide commentary on family law issues affecting Floridians, and is regularly sought out by local organizations and bar associations to speak on divorce law, military divorce, and collaborative law.

In recognition of his community service, Mr. Virga received the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award from the Florida Supreme Court and has been named among the “10 Best” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, a “Top Lawyer” and “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by the National Advocates, and a Super Lawyers® Rising Star. Mr. Virga has been recognized by The Family Law Section of The Florida Bar with awards such as “Rising Star” and “Chair Award for Special Merit”.

In addition, Mr. Virga hosts a podcast called, "The Florida Family Law Attorney Podcast" in which he discusses the nature of Florida family law with respected professionals in the Florida family law space, ranging from mental health professionals, forensic accountants, private investigators, etc. The Virga Law Firm also conducts an impressive Summer Internship Program in which Mr. Virga leads providing young law students hands on experience. 

Prior Experience

Prior to founding The Virga Law Firm, Mr. Virga served as a law clerk to former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida under Attorney General Charlie Crist. These experiences shaped his steadfast, relentless approach to litigation, a reputation he carries into every family law case today.

Family and Community

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Virga is a devoted family man and active community advocate. He and his wife, Mary, are regularly involved in fundraising and charitable efforts on behalf of children affected by violence or abuse, and The Virga Law Firm participates in multiple community fundraisers each year in support of these causes. Known for his attentiveness, discretion, and respect toward clients, Mr. Virga approaches every case with a clear understanding of the complex emotions involved in family law.