Raymond G. Ferrero III, Esq. is an attorney and founding co-partner of Addiction Recovery Legal Services, LLC. He is also the Executive Director of Health Affairs for Nova Southeastern University's Health Professions Division, and an associate professor of Psychology and Behavioral Medicine for Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mr. Ferrero has practiced law in Broward County since 1994, beginning his career as an Assistant Public Defender for the 17th Judicial Circuit as a Felony Criminal Defense lawyer. It was in this capacity that he witness firsthand the disproportionate number of his clients who suffered (and, cases initially stemmed) from significant mental health and addiction related issues. Upon leaving the Public Defender’s office, Mr. Ferrero devoted his practice to representing families in Civil Court where he began to utilize a little know (or, understood) Florida Statute called the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol & Other Drug Services Act. Under this law, Mr. Ferrero began helping families deal with the unique issues and difficulties faced when living with a loved one's substance abuse and drug addiction. More so, understanding the unique legal issues associated with individuals who have a dual diagnosis for both substance abuse and mental illness. The Florida Marchman Act was his way of assisting families to obtain and enforce confidential, court ordered drug and alcohol intervention, assessment, stabilization, and treatment before their loved ones ultimately entered the criminal justice system.
Mr. Ferrero’s career in the field of substance abuse, dependence and addiction has been both as an advocate and educator. He developed and is the current director for Nova Southeastern University’s Student Assistance Program. He has helped to negotiate and draft legislation in Tallahassee in conjunction with PRN (Professional’s Resource Network) and the Florida Council of Deans to fund and assist impaired health professions’ students throughout Florida.Mr. Ferrero sits on the Board of Directors for the NSU / United Way Commission on Substance Abuse, the United Way Coalition Against Substance Abuse and the Broward County Bar Association.He has worked as a law enforcement crisis intervention educator; and, professionally, Raymond has represented thousands of adolescents and adults struggling with drug and alcohol abuse-related issues within the court system. In 2009, Mr. Ferrero was appointed by the Honorable Governor Charlie Christ to sit on the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council.
Raymond G. Ferrero III, Esq. is a native Floridian, a graduate of Florida State University and earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law.
