Jo Ann Palchak

Jo Ann Palchak is the Practice Leader of our White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group Ms. Palchak has a unique and wide-ranging background that bridges the public and private sectors. Her legal career includes significant trial and appellate work, white collar litigation and criminal defense. She also is retained as an outside general counsel to perform internal investigations in the health care, publishing, pharmaceutical, financial, and other industries. Her early experience as a software engineer and corporate professional has given her real-world insight on the corporation as a client. Ms. Palchak is a seasoned state and federal litigator whose White Collar Defense practice includes matters involving breaches of fiduciary duty, financial fraud, Anti-Kickback Statute violations, RICO, Stark Law, the False Claims Act, embezzlement, misappropriation, and securities violations. (See Representative Matters). She has represented both institutional and individual clients before a range of state and federal agencies. Jo Ann often represents employees accused of wrongdoing in the workplace as well as those bringing actions as a whistleblower. Her state and federal criminal defense law practice is built on years of zealous advocacy in state and federal court defending those accused of unlawful activity. (See Representative Matters) Ms. Palchak believes strongly in the constitutional rights of the accused and fights tirelessly for her client’s liberty, professional standing, reputational and other interests. Jo Ann brings a wealth of experience representing individuals and organizations in both civil and criminal investigations, prosecutions, and complex litigation. She is a thoughtful and determined attorney and a confident courtroom advocate. Jo Ann also values the efficiency and strategy of alternative dispute resolution and works hard and in good faith with all parties to get a good outcome for her clients. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Jo Ann Palchak included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Rising Star, Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense, 2009-2010 and White Collar, 2013-Present The Florida Bar President’s Award for Pro Bono Service, 2018 The J. Ben Watkins Award – Stetson University College of Law, 2016 Leader in the Law, Florida Association for Women Lawyers, 2013 Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, 2013 Marcelino "Bubba" Huerta III Award, Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2013 Pro Bono Service Award, Florida's Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, 2011-2016 Florida Trend Legal Elite, Criminal Law Life Member, NACDL Board Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (two terms) Other Sources of Feedback About Jo Ann Palchak Included on the 2026Florida Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list 2024 Florida Super Lawyers list 2023 Florida Super Lawyers list 2022 Florida Super Lawyers list 2021 Florida Super Lawyers list 2020 Florida Super Lawyers list 2019 Florida Super Lawyers list 2018 Florida Super Lawyers list 2017 Florida Super Lawyers list 2016 Florida Super Lawyers list 2015 Florida Super Lawyers list 2014 Florida Super Lawyers list 2013 Florida Super Lawyers list 2010 Florida Super Lawyers list 2009 Florida Super Lawyers list

• Attorney

• Florida, 2006
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida

• American Bar Association (ABA), Criminal Justice Section (Member)
• Bruce Jacob Criminal Appellate Inn of Court (Member)
• Goldburg-Cacciatore Criminal Law Inn Of Court (Past President)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (Former Board of Directors Member (served two terms))
• Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers (Former Sustaining Member)
• Florida Bar Criminal and Appellate Law Sections (Member)
• Women's White Collar Criminal Defense Association (Member)