About Jason Michael
Jason Michael Reid built his career on courtroom work and steady progression through public and private practice. He earned a J.D. in 2006 from Washington and Lee University School of Law after undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Kansas. He also attended Baker University earlier in his academic path.
He began practice in public defense. In 2006 he joined the Office of the Public Defender for Florida’s 9th Circuit as an assistant public defender. That early experience put him in trial settings and into heavy caseloads. He moved into private practice in 2012 when he became an associate at Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett. There he handled criminal matters alongside other litigation work and continued to appear in county and circuit courts.
In 2019 Reid started his own practice, founding The Reid Firm. He lists The Reid Law Office as his current office. Running his own shop means he manages both case work and the business side of a small law office. Clients find him in courtrooms and at advisory meetings. The chronology of his career shows steady movement from public defender to associate to firm owner.
Reid is certified in criminal trial by The Florida Bar. He is admitted to practice in Florida and has worked on criminal cases at various levels of the state system. His professional affiliations underline that trajectory. He has been a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers since 2006. Since 2012 he has served as the Manatee Chapter representative for the chapter of criminal defense lawyers. Those roles have kept him connected to peers who practice criminal defense across the state.
Colleagues describe him as someone accustomed to the rhythm of trial preparation. Years as a public defender taught him to handle many files and to prepare cases on tight timelines. Time as an associate gave him exposure to firm processes and client counseling. Leading his own firm brought a shift toward management and direct client intake, while continuing courtroom work.
Outside of court, Reid’s background in political science and his law degree inform how he frames legal issues for juries and judges. His caseload has centered on criminal matters, and he maintains certification that allows him to try criminal cases under Florida Bar standards. He currently practices criminal defense and related litigation matters in Florida.
