Mark M. O’Mara is a well-known figure in the legal community in Central Florida. He often appears on CNN as a respected legal analyst. Mr. O’Mara is arguably among the most talented attorneys in Orlando, Central Florida, and the nation.
Mark O'Mara Founder & Lead Attorney
Background and Education
Mark earned his law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1982 and his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 1979. His career began as a prosecutor for the State Attorney’s office in Seminole County. He then chose to cross to the other side of the courtroom and use his talents as a criminal defense attorney.
- Juris Doctorate: Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, Florida
- Bachelor of Arts: University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, Pre-Law Political Science, Honors, Dean’s List
Qualifications and Certifications
Mark is one of the most highly educated attorneys in Central Florida and is often called upon to serve as co-counsel by other law firms representing clients in very challenging criminal cases or divorce matters. He is one of only a few lawyers in Florida who has achieved the following certifications:
- Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law
- Board Certified in Marital and Family Law
- Certified in Collaborative Law
- Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator
- Circuit Civil Mediator
Mr. O’Mara has practiced in state and federal courts throughout the eastern seaboard and has served as co-counsel on challenging legal matters nationwide. As a trial consultant, Mr. O’Mara helps other lawyers perform at their peak in trials that involve complicated legal issues and are subject to intense media scrutiny.
Educator
Mr. O’Mara has served as an educator for young lawyers entering the legal field. He has taught classes and seminars at the following:
- University of Central Florida, Florida State University School of Law
- Duquesne School of Law
- Harvard Law School
- Criminal Law Section of the Florida Bar
- National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court
- Family Law Section of the Florida Bar
- Florida Homicide Investigators Association
- University of Buffalo Mock Court Competition
- Florida Family Law Practice for Paralegals program
Honors and Accolades
- Rated AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell
- Former President of the Seminole County Bar Association
- President of the Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court
- National Trial Lawyers Round Table
- Top 100 Most Influential Trial Lawyers in America
- National Trial Lawyers Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year
- Selected to Super Lawyers 2012-2024
Professional Memberships
Mr. O’Mara is honored to be a member of the National Trial Lawyers organization, an invitation-only selection of the top 100 civil or criminal lawyers from each state. One of his proudest moments was being chosen to lead the organization as its President for the 2019-2020 year.
- Seminole County Bar Association, Past President
- American Bar Association, Member
- The Florida Bar, Criminal Law & Family Law Sections, Member
- Law Office Management, Member
- Grievance Committee, Chair, 1997 - 1999
- Criminal Law Certification Committee, Member
- Florida Association of Trial Lawyers, Member
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
- C.F. Family Law Inn of Court, Member
- State Attorney’s Office, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Seminole County, Member, 1982 - 1984
- Federal Court Grievance Committee, Chair
- Orange County Bar Association
Notable Achievements
Notable Achievements
While leading the high-profile defense of George Zimmerman, Mr. O’Mara received acclaim for his even-handed management of the controversial case. His on-camera experience during the trial earned him a spot as a CNN legal analyst, a position he has held since 2013. Since the verdict, Mr. O’Mara has decided to use his voice to contribute to the national conversation about race, guns, self-defense, the media, and the criminal justice system, speaking frequently on these topics.
Giving Back
Justice Outreach
Mr. O’Mara started a non-profit organization called Justice Outreach, designed to identify and correct problems with the justice system, particularly in juvenile justice, and he is an advocate for change in state and national laws that lead to the over-prosecution of American citizens, whether by unbridled prosecutors or inappropriately applied minimum mandatory sentencing requirements.
Mark O’Mara has been involved in a variety of local, statewide, and national charitable, educational, and professional organizations over his 35-year career, believing in the adage he learned from his father that to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48)
As part of his dedication to the group, he is focusing on helping present a Summit Continuing Legal Education program focused on training lawyers on how to stay healthy, in both body and spirit, as they take on the stress and troubles of their clients.
Testimonials
Words From Our Clients
Compassionate Assistance
The Mark O’Mara Law Firm was a wonderful place and outstanding. Mark was very helpful and always made time for me, answering all my questions. But my hero was Susan Staggs, who prepared all of my paperwork. She is a real magician who takes it seriously.
