Hailey Waldo
Reporter@greenepublishing.com
Sheena Rickerson was officially sworn in as the Third Judicial Circuit’s representative during The Florida Bar Annual Convention, becoming the first female governor in the circuit’s history. Interestingly, she said she didn’t even realize she would be the first woman to hold the position until after she had already applied.
“I honestly didn’t even realize I was the first female Board of Governor until I had already applied for the position,” Rickerson said. “I’m the type of person who is always looking to challenge myself professionally, and this was an opportunity to give back because public service has always been a huge part of who I am.”
Her election to the Board of Governors places her among just 52 attorneys from across Florida responsible for helping shape policies, professionalism and the future direction of the legal profession statewide. Although many larger judicial circuits have multiple representatives, the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties, has only one seat.
“It is truly a privilege,” Rickerson said. “I have the opportunity to serve as a liaison between our local attorneys and The Florida Bar while helping ensure North Florida has a strong voice in decisions affecting our profession.” Rickerson’s journey to this milestone has been made by determination, resilience and a strong commitment to service.
After narrowly losing her campaign for Hamilton County Court Judge, she stepped away briefly before deciding to redirect her energy into another avenue of public service. “I realized that serving my community, whether it’s the general public or my fellow attorneys, is what I’m most passionate about,” Rickerson said. “This position allows me to continue giving back while helping strengthen the professionalism and integrity of Florida’s legal community.”
The past several years have also brought unimaginable personal challenges. During her judicial campaign, Rickerson was grieving the loss of her husband, who was killed in the line of duty in a tragic automobile accident in June 2023. Now, nearly three years later, she continues raising their three children, ages 10, seven and five, while balancing the demands of a thriving legal career.
“I’ve overcome a lot of hurdles over the past few years,” Rickerson said. “Navigating life as a widow while raising three young children hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support from my family, especially my mom and my late husband, whose encouragement continues to inspire me every day.”
Professionally, Rickerson has built an impressive résumé spanning nearly every facet of the legal system. She owns her own law practice, serves as the Town Attorney for Jennings, and was appointed last December as the Code Enforcement Magistrate for both Madison County and the City of Madison. She is also Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, one of the highest distinctions an attorney can earn in her field.
Before entering private practice, Rickerson spent six years as a prosecutor, handling cases throughout North Florida, including felony divisions in Suwannee County and misdemeanor divisions in Madison and Hamilton Counties. Her final assignment as a prosecutor was in Hamilton County.
Rickerson’s legal career began long before law school. She started as a file clerk before becoming a paralegal, an experience that solidified her desire to pursue law. She credits much of her inspiration to her late mentor, Judy Groover, a respected prosecutor who later entered private practice before passing away unexpectedly from a heart attack at just 42 years old.
“She inspired me to become the attorney I wanted to be,” Rickerson said. “Once I decided to go to law school, I knew prosecution was the path I wanted to take.” Rickerson graduated from the University of North Florida with a minor in history before earning her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2012 with Pro Bono Honors. During law school, she clerked for circuit judges, interned with the State Attorney’s Office and was hired as a prosecutor in Live Oak after graduation. She also passed the Florida Bar Exam on her first attempt.
Rickerson describes education as one of her greatest personal victories. Growing up on Jacksonville’s west side and attending Ed White High School, she became the first person in four generations on either side of her family to graduate from high school. A Bright Futures Scholarship recipient, she funded her own education while serving as Student Government Association president, yearbook editor and participating in numerous other student organizations.
“I overcame circumstances that many people never escape,” Rickerson said. “Breaking that generational cycle became one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.” Her commitment to service extends well beyond the courtroom.
Rickerson has long been active in professional and civic organizations, including serving as past president of the Third Judicial Circuit Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She currently serves as the chapter’s Director of Membership and is also a member-at-large of the Third Judicial Circuit Bar Association. She has volunteered with organizations including Altrusa, the Lions Club, area chambers of commerce, and numerous community events throughout North Florida, including organizing downtown Jasper’s annual Trunk-or-Treat festivities.
Although she once sought judicial office, Rickerson says her future plans are focused on service rather than another campaign for the bench. “I don’t have aspirations to become a judge again,” she said. “Going through that experience helped me realize that serving my community and my colleagues is where my heart truly is.”
As she begins her two-year term representing the Third Judicial Circuit, Rickerson hopes to ensure North Florida attorneys have a strong voice at the state level while helping guide the future of Florida’s legal profession.
Reflecting on her journey, she hopes her story encourages others, especially young women, to pursue ambitious goals without losing sight of kindness and perseverance. “My advice to my daughter and to every young woman is this: You can achieve great things while still being kind. Always outwork the competition. Never give up, and never doubt yourself,” she said. “You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. The worst someone can tell you is ‘no,’ and if you keep trying, many times that ‘no’ eventually becomes ‘yes.’”