Sean McQuaid, Criminal Defense Attorney in St Petersburg, Florida

Sean McQuaid is President of the firm practicing in the areas of personal injury, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, and criminal defense.

Sean is the President for the St. Petersburg Bar Association for 2020 through 2021.

Sean has made a name for himself in the legal community. Sean joined the firm as an associate in 2000, was made a shareholder as of Jan 1, 2006 and became a named partner in April, 2013, the fastest rise of any lawyer in the over 60 year firm history.

Sean’s personal injury, car accident, motorcycle accident, and wrongful death practice has become one of the most successful in the Tampa Bay area and across Florida. He represents individuals with serious injuries, working alongside top medical professionals. Sean has received dozens of 5 star reviews from satisfied clients who speak highly of his work.

In his criminal law practice, he only practices in Pinellas County. This gives his clients an advantage because he knows exactly what to expect at all times. Sean handles all felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic court cases at the Pinellas County Justice Center on 49th St. N. in Clearwater and in the North County Traffic court on US 19. He represents those charged with crimes such as DUI, drug possession and domestic battery. Sean has successfully and discreetly handled many high profile cases. He is well known and respected by judges and prosecutors.

Sean is a member of the Florida Bar, the Bar of the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the St.Petersburg Bar Association, the Clearwater Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and various other legal associations.

In June 2015, Sean was elected by his peers to the Executive Committee of the St. Petersburg Bar Association for a two-year term. He was re-elected for another two-year term in 2017 before being elected as President-Elect in 2019.

Sean is a Martindale Hubbel AV-rated attorney, receiving the highest ranking possible from his peers, the judges he practices in front of, and his clients. He has received a perfect ranking and client’s choice award from Avvo.com and from 2013-2015, was recognized in Florida’s top 40 under 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. He was named as Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2014 and 2015, an honor received by less than 2.5% of all practitioners. He was also named as a Florida Trend Legal Elite for 2020. From 2016 to the present, he has been named a Florida Super Lawyer in the area of Plaintiff’s Personal Injury law.

In addition to his impressive legal practice and accolades, Sean has also been recognized for his service to the community. In August 2010, Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Sixth Judicial Circuit covering Pinellas and Pasco counties. The Commission is responsible for nominating both county and circuit court judges to the Governor for appointment. The term of his appointment ran from August 20, 2010 through March 2015 and he was responsible for vetting and recommending several sitting judges in Pinellas County.

Sean also was appointed by St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and City Council in October 2011 to serve on the St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board. Sean was elected Chairman in 2014 and 2016 by his fellow Board members and served his community on the Board for five years. Sean has also been on the Board of the Harbor Isle Homeowners’ Association in St. Petersburg for the past thirteen years, all as President or Vice-President. Sean has previously served on the Executive Committee for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and on the St. Petersburg Sports Commission.

Sean has been a resident of the St. Petersburg area since August 1997 when he began his legal studies at Stetson University College of Law, eventually graduating with Juris Doctor and Masters in Business Administration degrees. During law school, he was a member of the Moot Court Board from 1998 through 2000, arguing in competitions across the country.

While at Princeton University from 1993-97, Sean was a 4-year varsity letterman and was the captain of the Princeton University Baseball Team his senior year. Sean played catcher and always prided himself as being the field manager from behind the plate.

Sean’s background as a scholar-athlete has contributed to his straight-forward and competitive approach toward the practice of law. His clients often remain lifelong friends and call on him for advice in many areas of their lives.

Honors & Awards

AV Rated by Martindale Hubbel

Florida Super Lawyer in Personal Injury

2016-Present

Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star

2014-2015

Florida Top 40 Under 40 by American Society of Legal Advocates

2013–2016

Client’s Choice Award by AVVO.com

2012 – Present

Florida Trend Legal Elite Up and Comer

2014 – 2015

Associations & Memberships

The Florida Bar, Member

St. Petersburg Bar Association, President & Member

National Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

Pinellas County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, Member

Leadership of St. Petersburg, Class of 2007, Member

Judicial Nominating Commission, Sixth Circuit, Member

Advisory Board & Executive Committee, Make-A-Wish Foundation

St. Petersburg Sports Alliance, Member

Harbor Isles Homeowners’ Association, President

Make-A-Wish Foundation, Suncoast Chapter Executive Committee, Board Development Chair of Advisory Board

City of St. Petersburg Nuisance Abatement Board, Oct 2011-2016

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

Princeton Club of Tampa Bay, Member