Richard Maney

For over 40 years, Richard Maney has dedicated his legal career to championing justice for immigrants and families, establishing himself as a preeminent authority in U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law. As the visionary force behind Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., he has led the firm to resolve immigration matters for 72,000+ clients—a testament to his relentless advocacy and strategic expertise.

Distinguished Credentials

• Board Certified in Immigration & Nationality Law (Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization), a distinction held by fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys.
• AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest accolade for legal ability and ethical standards, as peer-reviewed by fellow attorneys and judges.
• Nationally Recognized Author & Educator: Authored 10+ authoritative immigration law guides, including The Visa Guide (4 editions) and The Immigrant Story, and trained professionals through seminars, university lectures, and corporate workshops.
• Admitted to Practice Before the United States Supreme Court, demonstrating the highest level of legal qualification.

A Legacy of Leadership

Mr. Maney’s passion for immigration law is rooted in his unwavering commitment to moral justice. Inspired by his father’s lesson to “always seek what is just,” he has spent four decades guiding individuals and businesses through complex legal challenges—from employment-based visas to humanitarian protections. His unique perspective is shaped by his marriage to an immigrant, deepening his understanding of the resilience and contributions newcomers bring to America.

Firm Impact & Philosophy

Under Mr. Maney’s leadership, Maney | Gordon | Zeller combines large-firm resources with personalized counsel. The firm’s success is built on:

• Strategic Advocacy: Navigating high-stakes cases, including family reunification, asylum, and corporate compliance.
• Community Empowerment: Founded the Immigrant Protection Plan and distributed 1.2 million free books to Tampa Bay children through his nonprofit, Reading is Fundamental.
• Ethical Excellence: A “client-first” ethos that prioritizes transparency, dignity, and results.

Recognition & Thought Leadership

• Frequent Media Contributor: Featured in national discussions on immigration policy, including analysis for The New York Times and legal commentary on Cross Exam (a local legal TV show).
• Sought-After Speaker: Delivered keynotes at HR Florida, universities (USF, University of Tampa), and corporate forums (Darden Restaurants, Olive Garden).
• Leadership Roles: Past President of the American Immigration Alliance and Mentor for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Mission Statement

“My purpose is to serve those who enrich our nation through their courage and vision. Every client’s journey is a reminder that justice is not merely a law—it is a legacy we build together.”

Let Us Guide Your Journey

With Richard Maney’s unparalleled experience and a firm trusted by thousands, Maney | Gordon | Zeller turns complex challenges into opportunities. Your future starts here.

Speaking Engagements

• Visa Options for International Students, Schiller International University - 2016
• Student to Green Card - University of South Florida - 2015
• Student to Green Card - University of Tampa - 2014
• Effective Immigration Compliance for Business - Sterling Education Systems - 2013
• Strategic Immigration Planning -Florida HR Conference 2011 - 2011
• The Civil Right of Immigrants - USF Civil Rights Conference - 2010
• Immigration Alternatives - HR Florida 2010 - 2010
• Immigration Strategies - HR Tampa Annual Conference - 2009
• Strategic Immigration Planning - HR Florida Annual Conference - 2009
• Immigration Alternatives & Strategies - Hillsborough County Bar Association - 2008
• Competitive Advantages for Businesses - Sterling Immigration Law Seminar - 2005
• Immigration Solutions - Olive Garden Restaurants Private Presentation - 2003
• Increasing International Diversity - Darden Restaurants Private Presentation - 2002
• Immigration Horizons - Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education - 2002
• Immigration Planning for HR - SHRM International Conference - 2000

In the News

• Presidential Politics and Immigration Misinformation - March 28, 2016
• Mayors File Brief in Support of Obama Deferred Action Plan - April 07, 2015
• Republicans Take Aim at Hispanics - February 18, 2015
• Priority Dates for Employment Based Third Preference Jump Ahead - January 14, 2015
• Temporary Protected Status for Many Immigrants - January 08, 2015
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered Deserve Equality Under Law - March 29, 2013
• Twenty Outstanding Years for Partner Jack Gordon - September 07, 2012
• Arizona Governor Jan Brewer Reveals True Racist Motivations - August 24, 2012