Jessica L. Young is an associate in the Orlando office and focuses her practice in civil litigation involving automobile negligence, construction law, premises liability retail, wrongful death and general negligence claims. Prior to joining Wicker Smith, she worked in the Office of the Public Defender for the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida, handling a myriad of cases involving theft, battery, drug possession and other felonies. As a Public Defender, she had various jury trials-all resulting in defense verdicts.
Jessica earned a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Florida in 2007. During her final year in law school, Jessica was accepted into the University of Florida's Child Welfare Clinic, where she worked in the Child Protective Team as a Certified Legal Intern tasked with investigating and making recommendations in complex and serious cases involving allegations of child abuse and neglect. As a result of her dedication to helping families in need throughout her law school career, Jessica was awarded the Pro Bono Certificate. She was also awarded the Community Service Certificate, for her volunteer efforts to feed the homeless in Gainesville. Jessica was a member of the honors society during all three years of law school and received Appellate Advocacy Honors, a distinction by her professor for demonstrating exceptional advocacy skills.
In 2003, Jessica graduated with honors from the University of Miami, earning a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism and English. She received the Broadcast Journalism Excellence Award for an exposé on the "Politics Behind University Bookstore Pricing," which aired locally in Miami, Florida.
Admitted to practice in the state of Florida in 2008, Jessica is an active member of The Florida Bar, American Bar Association and Orange County Bar Association.
Professional & Civic Affiliations:
· The Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division
· American Bar Association
· Orange County Bar Association
· Phi Alpha Delta
Honors:
· Dean's List, 2006-2007
· Member, Entertainment Law Review, 2006-2007
· Honors Society, 2005-2007
· Distinguished Pro Bono Certificate, 2007
· Distinguished Community Service Certificate, 2007
· Appellate Advocacy Honors, 2005
· Broadcast Journalism Excellence Award, 2003