Judge Donna M. Goerner: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Donna M. Goerner is a judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. She was elected to the bench in August 2020.

The 18th Judicial Circuit includes Brevard and Seminole Counties. Goerner has held assignments in the Juvenile and Criminal Divisions in Seminole County.

Prior to her election, Goerner managed her own private solo practice, the Law Office of Donna M. Goerner, P.A. (2018 to 2020; 2007 to 2016). She also worked as assistant regional conflict counsel (2007 to 2016) and performed two stints as an assistant state attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit in Seminole County (1995 to 2007; 2016 to 2018).

She is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (2012).

Goerner received a B.S. in finance from the University of Florida in 1992. She went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, in 1995.

She was admitted to practice in Florida (1996), the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (1998), the Florida Middle District Bankruptcy Court, the District of Columbia (2008), and Pennsylvania (2007).

Her memberships have included the Seminole County Bar Association (Board of Directors), the Seminole Inn of Court, the Seminole County Association for Women Lawyers, and the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (past president).

Goerner also served as a member of the Board Certified Criminal Trial Committee and The Florida Bar Grievance Committee (chairperson). She was a volunteer for the Seminole and Orange County Teen Court.

She is the recipient of the Irving Awerman Outstanding Trial Attorney of the Year Award from the State Attorney’s Office (2001 & 2002).

Goerner was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended Stanton College Preparatory School.