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An ideal candidate for Circuit Judge should be self-sufficient, and have the right combination of legal experiences.
J. Layne Smith has demonstrated his self-sufficiency by starting his own law firm and establishing a statewide trial
practice. He is a well established business owner and employer.
Layne is an experienced civil, criminal defense and administrative trial lawyer and has over 22 years of experience
as a private practice attorney. He is also a certified circuit civil mediator.
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- Graduate of Leon County public schools—Gilchrist Elementary; Augusta Raa Middle School; and Leon High School
- Team captain and All State defensive end for Leon High School football team, member of Leon High Football Hall of Fame
- Received appointment to United States Air Force Academy
- 1983 Graduate of FSU College of Business, Cum Laude
- 1987 Graduate of FSU College of Law, High Honors, ranked 10th out of 176 students, Order of Coif, Order of Barristers
- Long time AV rated trial lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell
- Over 22 years experience as a private practice attorney
- Experienced civil, criminal and administrative trial lawyer
- Founder/Partner Smith, Brooks & Masterson, PL
- Statewide practice representing employers in premium and coverage disputes against their insurance carriers
- Statewide practice defending white collar crimes, including insurance fraud, and many other felonies and misdemeanors
- Service as Special Public Defender, providing free legal services defending the poor
- Experience litigating complex civil fraud, commercial tort, and professional malpractice cases
- Business Owner and Employer
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- Successfully run own law practice since 1995
- Member of all three Federal District Courts in Florida
- Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
- Married over 23 years with 2 children
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