About Jonathan Jay

Jonathan Jay Kirschner practices personal injury law in Fort Pierce, Florida. He has been a prominent figure in the legal community since joining the Florida Bar in 1984. His firm handles a variety of cases, including personal injury claims, criminal law, DUI & DWI cases, family law matters, and insurance claims. The office is known for its commitment to client advocacy and thorough legal representation. He earned his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire in 1978, following a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Government, Theatre, and Sociology in 1973.

He is currently ABD in Government for his Ph.D. from Florida State University, which he began in 1982. This extensive educational background gave him a unique perspective on the legal issues his clients face. Most of his practice focuses on personal injury cases, where he represents clients who have suffered harm due to negligence. He also has a significant portion of his caseload dedicated to criminal law, including DUI & DWI cases. Cases typically progress through various legal stages, from initial consultations to negotiations and, if necessary, trial proceedings.

His experience as a Deputy Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender in Fort Pierce has provided him with invaluable courtroom experience. Before becoming a senior lawyer in 2008, he served as a partner in his firm since 1989. His earlier roles as an Assistant Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender allowed him to develop a strong foundation in criminal defense. He has been board certified in criminal trial law since 1994, demonstrating his expertise in this area. His commitment to the law is reflected in his active participation in various legal associations. He is a member of the Trial Bar for both the U.S.

District Court for the Northern District of Florida and the Southern District of Florida. Additionally, he is affiliated with the National College for DUI Defense and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His involvement in these organizations keeps him updated on the latest developments in the law and enhances his ability to serve his clients effectively. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys engaging with the local community and participating in legal education initiatives. His dedication to both his clients and the legal profession has made him a attorney in Fort Pierce. He continues to advocate for justice and provide quality legal representation to those in need.

Education

Florida State Univresity

ABD | Government/ Ph.D.

1982

University of New Hampshire

J.D. (1981) | Law

1978

Florida State Univresity

B.S. | Government; Theatre; Sociology

1973

Experience

Senior Lawyer

Jonathan Jay Kirschner, Esq., & Associates, LLC
2008

Partner

Kirschner & Garland, P.A.
1989

Deputy Public Defender

Office of the Public Defender, 19th Judicial Circuit
1987

Chief Assistant Public Defender, Fort Pierce Office

Office of the Public Defender, 19th Judicial Circuit
1986

Assistant Public Defender

Office of the Public Defender, 19th Judicial Circuit
1984

Accepted Jurisdictions

Federal District Court, Southern District of Florida Trial Bar
Florida
Federal District Court, Northern District of Florida Trial Bar

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida U.S. District Court
Florida Supreme Court State Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

Personal Injury Criminal Law DUI & DWI Family Law Insurance Claims

Legal Services Scope

Initial consultations Negotiations Trial proceedings

Certifications & Awards

Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law since 1994

The Florida Supreme Court

Professional Associations

Trial Bar, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

Lawyer 2009 - Current

National College for DUI Defense

has membership 2007 - Current

St. Lucie County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

member 2007 - Current

National College for DUI Defense

has membership 2007 - Current

St. Lucie County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

has membership 2007 - Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

has membership 1998 - Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

has membership 1988 - Current

Trial Bar, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Lawyer 1988 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 200 South Indian River Drive, Suite 200 Fort Pierce FL 34950