About Bryan Scott
Bryan Scott Gowdy is a board-certified appellate lawyer practicing at Creed & Gowdy, P.A. in Jacksonville, Florida. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since September 23, 1999, marking over two decades of dedicated service in the legal field. His practice focuses on appeals, post-conviction motions, and trial support across various legal areas, including personal injury, products liability, commercial cases, criminal law, and family law. This diverse expertise allows him to navigate complex legal issues effectively. Gowdy earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, Fredric G — Levin College of Law, in 1999, where he graduated first in his class. This academic achievement laid a strong foundation for his legal career.
Prior to attending law school, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. His commitment to service is evident from his time as an active-duty surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy, where he honed leadership and analytical skills that would later benefit his legal practice. In the early stages of his career, Gowdy gained inexperience by clerking for Judge Maurice M. Paul of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida and Judge Susan H. Black of the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. These clerkships provided him with a unique perspective on the judicial process and appellate procedures. Following his clerkships, he joined McGuireWoods LLP, where he focused on commercial litigation at both trial and appellate levels, further enhancing his litigation skills. In October 2006, Gowdy became a shareholder at Creed & Gowdy, P.A., where he continues to specialize in appellate law. His work has garnered significant recognition, particularly for his pro bono efforts. Notably, he represented Terrence Graham in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Graham v.
Florida, which declared life-without-parole sentences for juveniles in non-homicide cases unconstitutional — This case underscored his commitment to justice and reform in the legal system. Gowdy's contributions extend beyond individual cases. He has been honored with the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, reflecting his dedication to serving the community. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Justice Association, where he serves as Chair of the Amicus Curiae Committee, and the Federal Bar Association. Additionally, he is involved with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, serving on its Board of Directors and as Chair of the Pro Bono Development Committee. His accolades include recognition as a "Legal Elite" by Florida Trend magazine and selection as a Super Lawyer in the top 5% of Florida lawyers by Law and Politics magazine.
