Every lawyer is a litigator, but a trial lawyer is one who specializes in courtroom advocacy, and trial lawyers make the best judges. Whether handling dockets, arguing motions, or going to trial, trial lawyers spend their careers in the courtroom. With years of real courtroom experience and having taken dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases to jury trial, Zachariah is a tried-and-tested lawyer, ready to ascend to the County Court bench.
Zachariah’s path began with a degree in Political Science (with a Minor in Pre-Law Studies) from Florida A & M University. He then returned to Tampa Bay to complete his Juris Doctor at the Stetson University College of Law. While at Stetson Zachariah was a member of the #1 Trial Team in the U.S. and after graduating was invited back to coach that same team. He was then hired by the College of Law as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy.
While at the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, Zachariah served the people of Pinellas County by representing the State in thousands of criminal cases from low-level misdemeanors to high-level, complex felonies. As a prosecutor Zachariah was specially trained to handle high-impact cases involving domestic violence, DUI/BUI manslaughter, drug trafficking, and homicides.
After years of public service, Zachariah brought that same work ethic and zeal into private practice. As a law firm owner, he now represents clients in criminal and civil matters. Where he used to represent the State of Florida as a whole, he now represents individuals and their businesses. That perspective matters because County Court is the Court that is “closest to the people” and is a place where a well-rounded Judge can make all the difference.
Zachariah’s background gives him a balanced, practical understanding of what it means to be a good judge, and he is a well-rounded attorney with years of courtroom experience handling cases that deal with real people, life-changing moments, and long-term consequences.
Zachariah doesn’t keep experience to himself. He taught and mentors the next generation of advocates as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at Stetson Law, and he serves as a Trial Team Coach. He’s also been a Visiting Professor at St. Petersburg College.
He’s trusted by his peers, too, serving in leadership and service roles across the legal community, including:
Zachariah’s work has been recognized by legal and community organizations, including:
