George Cranton

I attended Stetson University where I obtained a double major BA in Russian Studies and Political Science in 1992.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend a school that provided not just a degree but rewarding experiences as well.  For example, I participated in a mission to Guatemala where I engaged in humanitarian and political activities/studies.  I was honored to receive the Keys to the city of Quetzaltenango and to be in a position to organize a medical supplies relief package(s) to a local hospital there.  Another accomplishment that I am proud of was being published in the Modern Encyclopedia of Religion in Russia and the Soviet Union which came about when my professor submitted my term-paper about religious architecture (architecture being a weird side-interest of mine) which ultimately got published.

University was a very interesting time in world affairs because the first Cold War was ending and, as such, my plans to become an analyst or field operative with the Central Intelligence Agency or other related federal agency were derailed leading me to consider other fields like law.  So, it can fairly be said that peace breaking out between us and the Soviets in the early 1990s led me to a legal career.

During law school I participated in the Public Defender law clinic for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.  It was in this clinic that I got a taste of how practicing law actually happens in the real world.  I was attracted to the idea of fighting for the underdog and acting as a check on State power.  This led me to my first law job as a Public Defender.  Although the pay was very modest the job was a wonderful experience in many ways.  For example, I had fantastic mentors and trial partners who taught me how to manage and litigate cases in an effective and professional manner.  I would urge any law student that wants to spend time in court to start their career with the Public Defender or State Attorney’s Office because their attorneys are in court just about every day.

In 1995 I graduated from Stetson University College of Law and began practicing in the fall of that year with the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.  I subsequently worked for an insurance defense firm handling workers’ compensation cases.  After that, I opened my own law firm that focused on handling family and criminal law cases.

I have worked in different fields during my life starting in high school when I worked as a cook; it’s an activity I still enjoy today (Daddy is the preferred chef in my household).  I believe having a job in high school is a good thing for young people because it teaches the value of a dollar and how to deal with others in society.  As a young man I learned about the business world while working for an anesthesia and respiratory therapy supplies company.  This was a great experience because it taught me many aspects of a business, e.g., sales, manufacturing, purchasing, customer service, supply and transportation.  I have also taught United States History to 11^th graders which gave me a unique perspective on young people.

Strengths:

My strengths are experience, focus and creativity.  As man in my fifties, I have had many experiences as a lawyer and simply as person walking around planet Earth this long.  My varied vocational history has also given me insight into how best to deal with various people in a variety of situations.  In law this is a crucial skill because one needs to know how to deal effectively with judges, juries, witnesses, litigants, other attorneys, etc.  Through my experiences I have learned the importance of focus and creativity.  Being able to focus on one task with your full attention is not only efficient but it fosters creativity as well.  Being able to “think outside the box” when analyzing legal issues is something I’ve developed over the years.

What I Find Most Exciting In The Legal Practice:

I get really excited when a client not only gets the result he/she is hoping for but getting a result that makes a positive and substantive difference in a person’s life.  One example comes to mind:  I remember representing a man in a lengthy divorce which featured as its main point of contention a custody battle over the parties’ three daughters.  The wife/mother was very unstable and posed a danger to the children.  After a lengthy trial with numerous witnesses and pieces of evidence the Judge awarded my client sole custody of his daughters.  When he and I exited the courtroom into the hallway, this big, burly, tough man (he could’ve played for the NFL), turned to me with tears streaming down his face and gave me a big bear hug saying “thanks to you my girls will be safe now”.  This is a memory I will always cherish; it is what being an attorney is all about.

Personal Life:

I am a Native Floridian born in St. Petersburg where I lived until moving to Massachusetts where I grew up.  After high school, I returned to Florida to pursue educational and business opportunities.  As mentioned above, I entered the legal profession in 1995 which is how I met my wife who is also an attorney.  We met in Court early in our careers.  She was working as an Assistant State Attorney trying to lock people up and I was working as a Public Defender trying to keep people out of trouble.  After a stint of being cold to me, she finally relented and agreed to go on a date.  We’ve been together ever since and currently reside in Orlando with our wonderful daughter.  Some non-law things I like doing are cooking, biking, kayaking, hiking, playing bocce ball and building/improving my model train layout.

Qualifications:

• -Member of the Florida Bar since 1995.
• -Law Degree from Stetson University College of Law 1995.
• -Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies and Political Science (double major) from Stetson University College of Arts and Sciences 1992.