Jessica L. Underwood is an associate in the firm’s appellate department. She has both litigation and appellate experience in state and federal court. Immediately prior to joining the firm, Jessica spent two years as an Assistant Attorney

General with Florida’s Office of the Attorney General. She represented the State of Florida in all aspects of criminal appeals, including direct appeals as both the appellant and appellee, habeas and post-conviction proceedings, and extraordinary writs. In this role, Jessica gained extensive experience in brief writing, legal research, and oral advocacy.

Jessica started her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, where she served as a prosecutor for four years gaining substantial trial and litigation experience. She handled hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases through all stages of litigation, from intake through jury trials. Jessica also served as the Assistant Chief and Chief of Litigation in the misdemeanor domestic violence unit, where she trained and supervised over twenty prosecutors. As a prosecutor, Jessica had the opportunity to handle county to circuit criminal appeals, which developed her interest in appellate work.

Jessica graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 2009. After working at a law firm, she then obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law in 2016, graduating cum laude. She was an active member of the Moot Court Board and Mock Trial Team.

Jessica is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and is a member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers.

In her spare time, she enjoys Pilates, running, and spending time with her family, friends, and her pug.