About Heather
Heather Bryan built a career that moves from classrooms to courtrooms. She started as an educator, shifted to public defense, and now runs her own practice in Florida. The path shows steady transitions and a steady interest in advocacy.
Her academic record is varied. She earned a B.S. in History and Secondary Education from Columbus State University (1998). She later completed an M.A. in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut (2005) before turning to law. Bryan received her J.D. from Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law (2013).
Bryan’s first legal role after law school was in public defense. In 2014 she worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the 10th Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender. That job put her in front of juries and judges early in her career and gave her practical exposure to court procedure, client interviews and trial preparation.
In 2015 she joined Howell & Thornhill as an associate. At the firm she expanded her trial experience and handled a range of matters that required courtroom advocacy. Her time at Howell & Thornhill added private practice perspective to the skills she began developing in the public sector.
She later opened Heather Bryan Law, P.A., where she is the principal lawyer. She is admitted to practice in Florida and is authorized to appear before the Federal Circuit. Her background in classroom teaching and in public defense informs how she approaches cases and client communication. Colleagues note that she draws on that variety of experience when preparing for hearings and trials.
Outside of casework Bryan is involved in local bar life. She holds membership in the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Lakeland Bar Association, the Willson American Inn of Court, and the Polk County Trial Lawyers Association. She currently serves as President of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers, a role that places her in regular contact with other lawyers in the county on professional development and local bar issues.
Clients and fellow attorneys describe Bryan as methodical in court and straightforward in meetings. She keeps a practical approach to case strategy and to client counseling. Bryan maintains her practice through Heather Bryan Law, P.A., where she continues to accept matters and represent clients in state and federal matters in Florida.
She is currently practicing at Heather Bryan Law, P.A., where her work centers on trial representation and courtroom advocacy.
