Attorney Terry DeSalvo brings over a decade of dedicated family law experience to clients throughout Southwest Florida. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Terry relocated to Southwest Florida in 2003 and has since become an integral part of the legal community, serving families in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties with distinction.

Education & Academic Excellence

Terry’s academic achievements reflect his commitment to legal excellence. In 2007, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where he distinguished himself as a top performer. Building on this foundation, Terry attended Florida Coastal School of Law (FCSL) in Jacksonville, graduating Cum Laude and ranking in the Top 14% of his law class.

Professional Experience & Recognition

During law school, Terry gained valuable practical experience as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable James R. Adams in Lee County. This early exposure to the judicial process proved invaluable when, as a Certified Legal Intern with the State Attorney’s Office of the 20th Judicial Circuit, Terry tried and won his first case during his 3L year—a remarkable achievement that foreshadowed his future success in litigation.

Licensed to practice law in Florida since 2013, Terry has focused exclusively on family law throughout his career. Before joining The Law Office of Russell Knight as Senior Partner, he practiced as a Partner in another Naples, FL family law firm, developing deep expertise in all aspects of family law matters. His dedication to the profession has earned him recognition as a Florida Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2021, a prestigious honor reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40.

Professional Memberships

Terry maintains active membership in key professional organizations:

Florida Bar – Member in Good Standing since 2013

Montana Bar – Member in Good Standing since 2020

Legal Philosophy & Approach

Terry’s approach to family law is rooted in understanding that legal disputes involving family members require both compassion and strength. He believes in being patient and understanding with clients while never backing down from a fight when their interests are at stake. This balanced approach has made him a trusted advocate for families throughout Southwest Florida.

His continued mission is threefold: to serve as an exceptional advocate for his clients at The Law Office of Russell Knight, to be a respectful colleague within the legal community, and to remain an upstanding member of the Southwest Florida community he calls home.

Personal Interests

When not practicing law, Terry enjoys spending quality time with his family, fishing in Southwest Florida’s abundant waters, and following his beloved Cleveland Browns.