Michael DeWaay
Former District Attorney. General Building Contractor, Real Estate Agent & At-Home-Dad
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Seasoned attorney with a strong foundation in ligation and case resolution, including early-career experience in insurance defense followed by successful service as an Assistant Solicitor. Decisions made according to whether the law and evidence support the charge. Always pursued justice for victims and citizens. Proven ability to manage complex case loads and evaluate evidence efficiently. Able to learn new software and computer systems easily. Known for excellent communication skills, professional integrity and a steady and reliable processing of cases and court room presence.
Former goal was to be a career district attorney until health and family reasons changed life trajectory. Time away from law spent being an at home parent to two children, followed by working in real estate and general contracting operations. These experiences resulted in sharpened organizational, project management, negotiation, customer service and practical problem-solving skills. Now able to have a less flexible work schedule, therefore, seeking to return to the prosecutor's office with mature judgement and commitment to public service.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
General Building Contractor
Self Employed
03.2023 - Current
- Lead skilled teams of subcontractors to complete complex projects within tight deadlines while maintaining high quality standards and satisfied clients.
- Improved project efficiency by streamlining communication between team members and clients.
Real Estate Associate
Self Employed
05.2022 - Current
- Developed and maintained list of available properties suited to different needs and budgets for residential clients.
At-Home Caregiver
Self
01.2010 - Current
- Managed day to day operations of a two child household, including scheduling, transportation, and educational support full time through 2016.
- Since 2016 have balanced being main caregiver along with real estate and general contracting responsibilities.
- Navigated multiple competing priorities with calm, timely decision making.
- Built strong relationships with schools, healthcare providers, and community programs to support child development.
- Coached kids in baseball and softball.
Assistant Solicitor
Charleston County
05.2006 - 11.2009
- Coordinated discovery process to ensure accurate collection and dissemination of evidence to opposing counsel.
- Managed a diverse caseload, prioritizing tasks for optimal efficiency and organization. Was one of the top movers of cases in the office, both by plea and trial.
- Organized witness preparation sessions with my investigator to enhance courtroom success.
- Excellent communication with victims and defense attorneys.
- Excellent team work skills with law enforcement officers and victim advocates.
- Mentored new assistant solicitors and interns.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Organization skills and time management skills.
- Problem solving and decision making skills.
Attorney
White & Johnson, P.C.
05.2003 - 05.2005
- Insurance defense and workers compensation attorney.
- Negotiated, settled and took to trial insurance defense cases.
- Negotiated and settled numerous workers compensation cases.
Judicial Law Clerk
5th Judicial District County Court
06.2001 - 05.2003
- Managed administrative duties such as filing documents, scheduling meetings and tracking case statuses.
- Reviewed complaints, petitions, motions and pleadings.
- Assisted judges with case organization and administrative tasks.
- Researched statutes, regulations, and case law in order to write orders for judges that would be upheld on appeal.
- Worked closely with judges. Observed daily courtroom activity along side judges.
- Role was extended an extra year secondary to excellent work.
Education
J.D. - Law
Drake University
Des Moines, IA05-2001
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA05-1998
Skills
Litigation
Court procedures
Court preparation
Legal writing
Legal research
Evaluating contracts
Criminal investigations
Collaborative skills
Proficient in engaging with officers and victims
Schedule management
Case management for both pleas and litigation
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Licenses
Current:
- General Building Contractor, Florida
- Real Estate Agent, Florida
Previous:
- Iowa Bar
- South Carolina Bar
Accomplishments:
Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow
Timeline
General Building Contractor
Self Employed
03.2023 - Current
Real Estate Associate
Self Employed
05.2022 - Current
At-Home Caregiver
Self
01.2010 - Current
Assistant Solicitor
Charleston County
05.2006 - 11.2009
Attorney
White & Johnson, P.C.
05.2003 - 05.2005
Judicial Law Clerk
5th Judicial District County Court
06.2001 - 05.2003
J.D. - Law
Drake University
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Grinnell College