Jodi Miles is an independent attorney who practices criminal defense and family law.
WHY SELECT THESE SPECIALTIES?
“It’s the best way to really help individuals versus anything corporate. With criminal, I just believe in the system. I want my resources to go to help those charged with a crime. Family law is fun because you get to help people with their most emotional issues.”
HOW LONG HAS SHE HAD HER OWN PRACTICE?
Since 1997.
WHERE ELSE HAS SHE PRACTICED?
In Jacksonville, Miles worked with attorney Tom Fallis for a year and a half as an associate. Acting as a student attorney while in school, Miles honed her lawyering skills at several public defender’s offices.
WHY SPEND SO MUCH TIME AS A PUBLIC DEFENDER?
“Because the power of the state is behind the prosecution. My clients were facing tough battles.”
HOMETOWN
Green Bay.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO JACKSONVILLE?
“My husband was stationed here before we were married.”
FAMILY
She and husband Chris, a naval officer, reside in Baymeadows. Their only “child” is a golden retriever named Fergie.
EDUCATION
William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minn. “Because of the liberal student practice rule at my law school, I was able to go to court and represent clients at age 23.”
WHY GO INTO LAW?
“When I was young I knew I had good writing and speaking skills. I felt being an attorney was the best way to help people and impact their lives directly. Ever since I was 13, I knew I wanted to be an attorney. I have an affinity for the underdog.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT IT?
“In either type of case I handle, it’s having the client be truly appreciative of what you’ve achieved — succeeding and having the client recognize that is the best.”
WHAT’S DIFFICULT
ABOUT IT?
“In family law it’s challenging not to get emotionally wrapped up in cases because we’re all human. That’s really hard. We want the client to know we feel passionate about their case but the best attorneys don’t let it affect how they are. It’s the same with criminal law. I feel responsible when they get a sentence. The death penalty issue is tough. You think, ‘This strategy could affect whether my client is alive in 10 years.’ It’s a heavy burden.”
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Miles is a member of Rotaract, the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, the American and Jacksonville Bar Association and the National and Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Camping, short hikes, walking her dog and jogging a 5K with her husband are her interests outside of the courtroom. Guilty pleasures include foreign films, Thai food and catching an episode of “ER.” She also enjoys traveling and reading motivational books.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“Martin Luther King is one of my biggest heroes because he embodies an awful lot of things that I think are important. Civil rights is not just a race issue. I lean towards pacifism; I believe in what he stood for and advocated.”
— by Monica Chamness