Panel addresses careers of state attorney, public defender
A panel of six lawyers discussed their varied careers as state attorneys and public defenders during a noontime lecture for students at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla.
Panelists (L-R): Ashley Roura, Irene Maslanik, Howardene Garrett, Douglas Covington, Fred Schaub and Craig Schaeffer.
Douglas Covington ’83 of the Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit, Howardene Garrett of the Office of the Public Defender for the 10th Judicial Circuit, Irene Maslanik ’10 of the Office of the Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Ashley Roura ’08 of the Forensic Behavioral Health Intervention Unit of the Office of the Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit, Craig Schaeffer of the Office of the State Attorney for 12th Judicial Circuit, and Fred Schaub ’84 of the Office of the State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit presented on the panel about working in public service.
Panel participants explained that the rewards of the profession range from helping clients, homeless veterans and victims every day to the thrill of being in a courtroom.
Garrett said that knowing someone’s life has changed because of her work gives her a sense of accomplishment in a 40-year career as a public defender. She received the Craig Barnard Award from the Florida Public Defender’s Association for outstanding lifetime service to indigent defense.
Maslanik, who is Garrett’s daughter, followed in her footsteps working as a public defender in the juvenile crossover division, representing foster children in dependency and delinquency matters. In a job with few public accolades, Maslanik said that she celebrates the tiny victories, like clients who trust you enough to call you when they are in trouble.
Stetson’s Office of Career Development hosted the event, moderated by Joann Grages Burnett ’08.
Post date: Oct. 21, 2014
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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