Judge Katie L. Dearing: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Katie L. Dearing is a judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. She was elected to the bench in 2018, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of her father-in-law, the Hon. Peter Dearing.

The 4th Judicial Circuit encompasses Clay County, Duval County, and Nassau County. Dearing has held assignments in Duval County, presiding over cases in the Civil Division.

Prior to her election, Dearing owned her own private practice, a law firm she opened in 2012. In that capacity, she handled complex business and commercial disputes, representing clients in product liability, insurance coverage, creditor's rights, real estate, trade secrets, unfair competition, and wrongful death matters.

Dearing earned a B.A. in criminology from the University of Florida in 1996. She then completed a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, in 1999.

After graduating from law school, Dearing began her legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 4th Judicial Circuit. She served in that capacity for four years, eventually leaving to enter into private practice as a shareholder at Liles, Gavin, Costantino, George & Dearing. She specialized in civil litigation, handling business, commercial, professional malpractice, product liability, contract, insurance, personal injury, and wrongful death matters.

Her memberships have included the Jacksonville Bar Association. She has also been involved with the Jacksonville Ethics Commission and the Board of Directors of Girls, Inc.

Dearing was raised in Jacksonville, Florida.