About Rory G. Safir
My passion for diverse cultures, life perspectives, and philosophies drives my commitment to justice and helping others. My journey has taken me from an international war crimes tribunal in Den Haag, Netherlands, to completing a Master’s degree in Madrid, Spain. For an extended period of time, I also volunteered and lived in Medellín, Colombia. I had the good fortune of witnessing the resilience and positivity of the Colombian people despite a challenging recent history. All of this has driven my desire to create positive change in the world.
However, it was my experience in the Australian Outback, particularly in the small town of Alice Springs, that ignited my pursuit of defending the criminally accused and later seeking justice for those unjustly harmed through no fault of their own. While working in the courts there, I witnessed the struggles of the Aboriginal people as they grappled with a criminal justice system that they did not recognize or understand. This first-hand exposure to the injustices faced by marginalized individuals, especially in their encounters with powerful entities, solidified my resolve to level the playing field and advocate for those who need it most.
Ultimately, my diverse experiences have shaped my unique perspective and propelled me to dedicate my legal practice to championing the rights of the voiceless and ensuring fairness in the face of power imbalances. I strive to make a lasting impact and provide a voice for those who have been silenced.
Core Values
- I only represent real people and their families.
- I believe in second chances.
- I am brutally honest with my clients.
- I believe in continuous and lifelong learning.
Admissions
Mr. Safir is admitted to the Florida Bar and the Middle District of Florida.
Representing Real People & Their Families!
Employment:
Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law, PLLC
Rinaldo Law Group, Associate Attorney
Quintairos, Prieto, Wood, & Boyer, P.A., Associate Attorney
Barnett, Kirkwood, Koche, Long & Foster, P.A. (now Gunster), Associate Attorney
Public Defenders Office – 13th
Circuit, Assistant Public Defender
Ward Keller, Law Clerk
Northern Territory Government, Judicial Clerk
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, Law Clerk
Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Law Clerk
Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Law Clerk
Education:
Case Western Reserve University School of Law (J.D., 2016)
Comillas Pontifical University ICADE (L.L.M., 2016)
University of Michigan (B.A., 2013)
Professional Organizations:
American Association for Justice: https://www.justice.org/
Florida Justice Association: https://www.myfja.org/
Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association: https://www.tbtla.us/
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: https://www.nacdl.org/
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: https://www.facdl.org/
Pinellas County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: https://pacdlfl.org/
Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pinellas-County-Trial-Lawyers-Association-100054390495755/
St. Petersburg Bar Association: https://www.stpetebar.com/
DUI Defense Lawyers Association: https://duidla.org/
National College for DUI Defense: https://www.ncdd.com/
National Association of Premises Liability Attorneys: https://www.premisesliability.org/
Rory, The Professional:
A seasoned trial lawyer serving the Tampa Bay area with a focus on DUI defense, criminal defense, and serious personal injury litigation. Rory is known for his relentless dedication to his clients, his experience in courtroom advocacy, and his commitment to protecting his clients’ constitutional rights. Whether defending against criminal charges or pursuing justice for the injured, Rory brings a professional and strategic approach to every case.
Rory is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as both a practitioner and instructor of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. He has further trained at Axion Labs, the nation’s leading hands-on program for forensic chromatography, which is the accepted scientific method for blood testing in DUI cases. He has also completed advanced coursework in drug-related DUI science, pharmacology, and forensic drug testing. This rare scientific foundation allows him to challenge unreliable evidence and expose flaws in the government’s case with clarity and precision.
He is a member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense, where he serves on national task forces focused on trial advocacy and forensic testing. His DUI defense work is driven by empathy, deep knowledge of the law, and a commitment to ensuring that every client receives a fair and aggressive defense.
Before founding Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law, Rory worked at several boutique firms in the Tampa Bay Area, representing both injured plaintiffs and criminal defendants. He began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in Tampa with the 13th Judicial Circuit, where he tried numerous cases and represented hundreds of indigent defendants facing prosecution by the government. It was in that role that he developed the trial skills and courtroom instincts that continue to define his practice today.
Over the course of his career, Rory has successfully handled a wide range of complex cases, including DUI, violent crimes, drug offenses, sex crimes, homicide, RICO and racketeering, organized fraud, and insurance fraud. On the civil side, he has taken on Big Insurance companies on behalf of clients injured in car and truck crashes, premises liability, and other acts of negligence.
Rory has been recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 for Criminal Defense. He has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2024 and 2025, an Elite Lawyer in both 2024 and 2025, and was selected as a 2025 Top Lawyer by Tampa Magazine. He is also LeadCounsel Verified for Criminal Defense.
Through every challenge, Rory continues to fight for justice, sharpen his craft, and serve his clients with integrity and tenacity.
Get In
Are you in need of legal assistance for a case involving personal injury or needing criminal defense? Look no further than Safir Injury & Criminal Defense Law.