Marcio W. Valladares,Esq.
Assistant Director
Marcio W. Valladares is an attorney with more than three decades of experience in public service, federal litigation, trial and appellate advocacy, healthcare law, privacy law, and complex commercial disputes. Marcio clerked for the Hon. Susan H. Black, U.S. Circuit Judge (11th Cir.); clerked two terms for the Hon. Steven D. Merryday, U.S. District Judge (M.D. Fla.); served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in both Florida (M.D. Fla.) and Georgia (S.D. Ga.) in trial and appellate litigation; served as Legal Counsel for Mayo Clinic; and represented clients in high-profile class action litigation primarily in the context of privacy law. Marcio has served on the The
Florida Bar’s Grievance Committee in Orlando and was Judicial Relations Chair of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida. His experience spans the federal judiciary, the U.S. Department of Justice, private practice, big law, and in-house corporate counsel roles, providing him with a unique and expansive perspective on the legal profession and the challenges faced by lawyers in their careers.
A graduate of Florida State University College of Law, magna cum laude, and holder of a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Florida, Marcio has long been committed to professional excellence, service, and helping others navigate difficult challenges. A U.S. citizen born in Managua, Nicaragua, and fluent in Spanish, he has dedicated his career to advocacy, problem-solving, and supporting individuals and organizations through complex legal matters.
In 2021, Florida Lawyers Assistance became a transformative part of Marcio's life. After years of struggling with substance abuse, Marcio voluntarily sought the help of FLA, which intervened on his behalf, mediating with his employer to coordinate treatment, recovery support, and professional monitoring that enabled him to regain his health, rebuild important relationships, and continue his professional journey. Through rehabilitation, ongoing participation in recovery programs, and continued engagement with mental health professionals, he achieved lasting sobriety and discovered a renewed sense of purpose, responsibility, and fulfillment. Today, he remains actively involved—and is a well-respected leader—in the recovery community and is deeply committed to helping other legal professionals access the same support, hope, and resources that changed his life.
Having experienced both the demands of a distinguished legal career and the life-changing impact of lawyer assistance programs, Marcio brings authenticity, credibility, and compassion to his work as Assistant Director of Florida Lawyers Assistance. His professional background, personal recovery journey, and understanding of behavioral health uniquely position him to connect with lawyers, judges, law students, and legal employers throughout Florida.
LAUREN MORRIS, LMHC
Case Manager
Lauren Morris has been working in the field of substance abuse treatment since 1990, after being personally, and gratefully, engaged in recovery in 1984. She is particularly skilled in psychosocial rehabilitation, substance abuse counseling, transitional living, and societal re-entry following incarceration. Lauren has been a group facilitator for FLA for 20 years and a full-time case manager since January 2020. In her free time, she enjoys her feline friends, photography, and travel.
ARIANA
Testing/Monitoring/Billing Coordinator
Ariana serves as a key point of contact for participants, monitors, and program stakeholders at Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. She oversees the Monitoring Program, ensuring its effective administration and day-to-day operations. In this role, she assigns volunteer monitors, provides guidance and support to both monitors and participants, and follows up to ensure timely submission of required monthly monitoring reports. She works diligently to maintain consistency, accountability, and clear communication throughout the monitoring process.
In addition to overseeing the Monitoring Program, Ariana coordinates all aspects of drug testing and assists with billing-related questions and concerns.
Known for her approachable and supportive style, Ariana works closely with participants and monitors to ensure clarity, consistency, and smooth program operations. She is always happy to help and is deeply committed to supporting clients as they navigate the recovery process with structure, encouragement, and professionalism.