Lawrence Shearer

Lawrence "Larry" Shearer is a partner in the law firm of McDonald & Shearer, P.A. He has practiced law in Polk County, Florida and neighboring counties since admission to the Florida Bar on Nov. 18, 1977.

Mr. Shearer received his bachelor of arts from the University of Central Florida in 1974 and his juris doctor from the University of Florida College of Law in 1977.

Before joining McDonald & Shearer in 1990, Mr. Shearer was the Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Tenth Judicial Circuit. He also was Chairman of the Florida Public Defender Association's Death Penalty Steering Committee from 1986 to 1990.

Mr. Shearer was President of the Polk County Association of Criminal Defense Attorney's from 1997- 1999. He is presently a Chapter Representative to the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

CRIMINAL LAW EXPERIENCE
Lawrence Shearer has specialized in criminal defense for over 24 years. He has defended clients' rights in over 4000 felony and misdemeanor cases. He has handled the defense of many serious, sensitive, and high profile cases, including over 90 homicide cases.

Mr. Shearer has defended clients in excess of 180 jury trials. Over 60 of these jury trials were murder cases. Mr. Shearer has also handled over 75 criminal case appeals, to the Second District Court of Appeal, Florida Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court.

BOARD CERTIFIED
In August 1992, the Florida Bar awarded Lawrence Shearer Board Certification as a specialist in the field of criminal trial law. The certification process includes a written examination as well as an investigation by the Bar of the lawyers qualifications, experience, and reputation in the legal community.