Profile

Valerie Erwin Prevatte grew up in Pensacola, Florida. The youngest child of school teachers, she learned early the importance of education and hard work. During the summer months, her mother would take her to the courthouse to watch jury trials; thus began her fascination with the inner workings of the court system.

While pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, she had the opportunity to watch many legislative hearings and court proceedings, including motion hearings in the case of serial killer Danny Rollings. It was then that she became determined to become a criminal trial attorney.

Upon graduation from FSU, Mrs. Prevatte pursued her law degree at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. A private law school, South Texas College of Law is notable for its winning record at national moot court and mock trial competitions, as well as its strong curricular emphasis on courtroom skills training.

After she earned her Doctorate of Juris Prudence from South College of Law, Mrs. Prevatte and her husband returned to their hometown of Pensacola. They enjoy boating, gardening, and spending time with their children.

As an active member of several legal organizations, Mrs. Prevatte stays up-to-date on current events within the legal community. She recently completed her tenure as President of the Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association and as treasurer of Pensacola's local chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). In 2010 she was recognized by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL) as one of the 2010 Women Leaders In the Law. She now proudly serves as the 2011-2012 president of the local chapter of FAWL. In early 2011, Mrs. Prevatte received the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Award for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida at a ceremony before the justices of the Supreme Court of Florida.

In addition to her admission to the state courts throughout Florida, Mrs. Prevatte is licensed to practice law in the Federal Court of the Northern District of Florida and in the Supreme Court of the United States of America.