JOSEPH F. McDERMOTT, ESQUIRE † (1933-2009)

His dedication to the law and his clients is an inspiration that carries through in the representation of all current clients at the McDermott Law Firm.

  • Highest Attorney Rating (AV®)-Martindale Hubbell.

  • Member of Florida Bar since 1961.

  • Handled DUI, DWI, traffic, drug, felony and misdemeanor cases in Pinellas County, Florida, including the cities of St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater, Seminole, and Cedar Key.

  • Mr. McDermott had extensive experience handling injury cases as well as all types of criminal cases.

Education

  • 1961 — Degree of Law (J.D.) University of Florida School of Law. Executive Editor, Law Review.

  • 1958 — Business Degree (B.S.B.A.) University of Florida. With Honors.

Experience

  • Former Chief Assistant Public Defender, Pinellas County.

  • Former City Attorney, Indian Shores, Florida.

  • President and managing partner at McDermott Law Firm. Over 300 jury trials. Mr. McDermott devoted his life to representing individuals charged with DUI, DWI, traffic violations, felonies, and misdemeanors. Mr. McDermott had extensive experience handling all criminal cases. His career was devoted to representing clients in the area of Criminal Defense/Criminal Law in St. Petersburg, Largo, and Clearwater, Florida. Pinellas County.

  • Plea Negotiations and Plea Bargaining.

  • Former President and managing partner at McDermott Law Firm. He conducted over 300 jury trials as lead counsel and practiced law for over 48 years.  Mr. McDermott devoted his life to folks injured at the fault of another or arrested and facing criminal charges.  He had extensive experience handling all criminal cases including Federal State, White Collar, Drug, DUI, DUI Manslaughter and just about every type of criminal charge.  He also worked on a great number of injury and wrongful death cases.  Poppa Joe, as he was affectionately known by many, established this statewide firm with the Practicing Excellence Every Day philosophy.  Many of his principles and strategies are implemented on a daily basis.

Recognition and Organizations

  • Awarded an “AV®” rating by Martindale-Hubbell. An “AV®” rating by Martindale-Hubbell reflects an attorney who has reached the heights of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest level of skill, integrity, and ethical standards. McDermott Law Firm, P.A. enjoys an “AV®” rating as a result of Mr. McDermott’s “AV®” rating.

  • Winner, Robert Hindman Award for Criminal Justice. This award is given annually by the Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. The members vote for the winner who has demonstrated meritorious contributions to the field of criminal justice.

  • Winner, Barney Award for Professionalism in 2000 from the Barney Masterson Inns of Court.

  • Member St. Petersburg Bar Association.

  • Member Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

  • Member Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer.

  • Member Florida Bar since 1961.