From Baseball Dreams to Personal Injury Law: A Conversation with Attorney Giovanni Fio

At Notary SWFL, we love showcasing professionals who bring passion, resilience, and heart into their work. Recently, I sat down with Giovanni “Jovi” Fiallo, a personal injury attorney in Tampa, to talk about his journey into law, what inspired him to focus on personal injury cases, and how remote online notarization is adding value for clients and law firms.

From Baseball to the Courtroom

Giovanni’s story begins with two passions: baseball and the law. When his baseball career ended unexpectedly, life took a tough turn. He was briefly arrested, and without the resources to hire a lawyer, he began studying legal strategies on his own. Giovanni represented himself in court and won. That experience sparked something life-changing.

“I realized this is what I was meant to do,” he shared. “Everything happens for a reason, and that trial showed me that the law was the path I was supposed to take.”

From that moment, Giovanni pursued law with determination. Today, he has been practicing for nearly ten years, focusing on personal injury.

Why Personal Injury Law

Giovanni explained that his decision to practice personal injury came from both professional and personal reasons. A close family member experienced a life-altering injury, and the attorney who represented them became like family. Watching how that attorney fought for his loved one inspired Giovanni to follow the same path.

He also values the contingency fee structure in personal injury law. “Clients do not have to pay upfront. We cover the costs, and if we do not win, they do not owe us. That opens access to people who otherwise could not afford legal representation.”

For Giovanni, the practice is about far more than compensation. It is about making the world safer and helping families through some of their most difficult seasons.

When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney

So when should someone reach out to a personal injury lawyer? According to Giovanni, sooner is often better.

“After a crash or injury, call an attorney right away,” he said. “Do not talk to the insurance companies first. Even if you are not sure whether you have a case, I can walk you through your options.”

Insurance companies often look out for their own interests, which means consulting with an attorney early can protect your rights.

Going Solo and Building a Practice

After years of working for a large statewide firm, Giovanni recently launched his own practice, JCF Injury Law. The decision was driven by his desire for independence and his commitment to giving clients a more personal experience.

“When you work for a big firm, you sometimes have to take cases that are handed to you. Now, I can be selective. I want to really know my clients and their families. That way, when I walk into a courtroom, I can tell their story to a jury in the most authentic way possible.”

While starting a new firm comes with challenges, Giovanni embraces the freedom to build his practice in his own style. He values the opportunity to connect with clients on a deeper level and focus on providing the type of representation he believes they truly deserve.

Where Notaries Fit into Personal Injury Law

During our conversation, Giovanni outlined the types of documents in his field that often require notarization, including:

• Affidavits

• HIPAA forms (depending on the doctor)

• Proof of loss statements

• Interrogatories

• Settlement agreements and releases

Traditionally, these documents required in-person visits to a notary. However, Giovanni sees great potential in Remote Online Notarization (RON) for improving client convenience.

“Clients who are injured may not have the time or ability to travel to an office. RON makes life easier for them, and at the end of the day, that is what matters,” he explained.

Interestingly, Giovanni also shared that I was the very first notary to reach out and market to him. Many attorneys are still unfamiliar with the convenience RON provides, which means notaries can offer unique value by introducing this service.

Commitment to Growth

Outside of his work with clients, Giovanni continues to invest in professional growth. He is an avid reader, often studying trial strategy books to refine his skills. “If we stop learning, we stop growing,” he said.

His passion for knowledge, paired with his determination to fight for clients, makes him not only a strong attorney but also a relatable advocate for those who need help after an accident.

How to Contact Giovanni

For those in need of a personal injury attorney or simply looking for guidance, Giovanni welcomes calls and texts directly at 813-842-3361. His firm website is jcfinjurylaw.com, and he is actively building his online presence to expand his reach across Florida.