SAMUEL HOLMES EDWARDS
Pensacola
Summary
Thorough professional with in-depth understanding of applicable laws. Works great with fellow attorneys, support staff, and other stakeholders to meet legal demands. Record of success with issues. Seasoned attorney with several years of litigation and legal drafting experience. Adept at establishing trust and rapport with clients through strategic communication techniques. Dedicated to delivering expert representation and counsel through comprehensive legal knowledge and research.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
1
1
Board Certified Criminal Law
1
1
Over 100 trials to verdict
Work History
Senior Management Trial Attorney
1st Circuit State Attorneys Office
Pensacola , Fl
08.2023 - Current
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
Assistant State Attorney
18th Circuit State Attorney’s Office
Viera
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Specialized in prosecuting cases involving child victims, ensuring justice and accountability.
- Successfully managed high case loads and lengthy trials to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support case preparation and strategic planning.
- Mentored junior attorneys on courtroom tactics and legal procedures for skill enhancement.
- Prepared persuasive legal memoranda, motions, and briefs that synthesized facts and evidence.
- Collaborated with colleagues to improve case management processes and resolution strategies.
- Assisted in training and development of new attorneys to foster professional growth.
- Provided legal advice on transactional and regulatory matters, identifying risks and solutions.
Assistant Public Defender
18th Circuit Public Defender’s Office
Viera
09.2014 - 02.2022
- Managed felony docket as Assistant Public Defender, overseeing all general felony cases.
- Conducted over 50 trials to verdict, including high-stakes death penalty cases.
- Advocated for clients in court by delivering compelling oral arguments before judges.
- Interviewed clients to collect pertinent case information and evidence.
- Represented district public defender's office at parole violation meetings and hearings.
- Provided legal counsel to clients, clarifying issues and available options.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Private Attorney
Melbourne
01.2005 - 09.2014
- Managed operations of private law firm, achieving consistent growth and client retention.
- Served in various roles including associate, partner, and owner to enhance practice capabilities.
- Focused practice on criminal defense and administrative law, ensuring comprehensive legal representation.
Associate Attorney
Brennan, Manna & Diamond
Jacksonville , Florida
10.2004 - 10.2008
Education
Juris Doctorate -
12-2000
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
12-1997
Skills
- Effective legal writing
- Administrative assistance in law
- Corporate legal transactions
- Intellectual property rights management
- Risk evaluation and compliance
- White collar crime expertise
- Trial advocacy
- Case analysis
- Managed the entire criminal division with a case load of over 400 for two years
- Responsible for filing decisions, discovery, negotiation, pre-trial litigation, and trial management of charges ranging from trafficking in fentanyl (over 500 grams) and other narcotics
- Successfully tried Trafficking Cases with Mandatory Minimum of 50 years
- Successfully tried two attempted homicide cases involving co-defendant and mandatory minimum enhancements
- Senior management-level attorney assisting with other junior attorney needs
Affiliations
Former Chairman and Board Member - Florida Bar Grievance Committee (Group C)
Certification
- Attented one week seminar in Huntsville "Prosecuting Cases involving Fire an Explosives"
Accomplishments
- Senior Manager for both 18th and 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office
- Visiting Professor - Florida Institute of Technology
- Over 100 trials to verdict before age 50
- Partially death penalty certified as Prosecutor and Defense
- Treasurer Brevard County Bar Association
- Project Leader - Moot Court (Escambia County 2024 - present)
- Deans List - Florida Coastal School of Law
- Licenced in Florida since 2022
Timeline
Senior Management Trial Attorney - 1st Circuit State Attorneys Office
08.2023 - Current
Assistant State Attorney - 18th Circuit State Attorney’s Office
02.2022 - 07.2023
Assistant Public Defender - 18th Circuit Public Defender’s Office
09.2014 - 02.2022
Criminal Defense Attorney - Private Attorney
01.2005 - 09.2014
Associate Attorney - Brennan, Manna & Diamond
10.2004 - 10.2008
Florida Coastal School of Law - Juris Doctorate,
Auburn University - Bachelor of Science, Information Technology
References
References available upon request.