Jerome L. Meisner has lived in Sarasota, Florida since 1971 and is a graduate of Sarasota High School, The University of South Florida and The University of Florida Law School where he served as Articles Editor of the Law Review.  He worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties for over 30 years serving as Misdemeanor Chief, Felony Division Chief in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and Capital Crimes/Homicide Division Chief.  He completed training early in his career at the National Criminal Defense College and over the course of his career served as an instructor at beginning and advanced trial training seminars held by the Office of the Public Defender throughout Florida. He is a member of the Florida Bar, The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Sarasota County Bar Association.