Berny V. Jacques
Biography
Berny V. Jacques is Of Counsel in Hall Booth Smith’s Tampa office, where he concentrates his practice on defending hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers in medical malpractice claims.
Earlier in his legal career, Berny served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, where he conducted more than fifty jury trials and hundreds of bench trials, evidentiary hearings, and motions. He also worked in private practice as a civil litigator, representing clients in trial preparation, hearings, and legal research.
In addition to his legal work, Berny serves as an elected member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 59 and previously served as Senior Partnerships Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, where he built relationships with community organizations and led advocacy initiatives. His unique combination of legal acumen and relationship-building skills allows him to effectively advocate for his clients.
Fluent in Haitian Creole and proficient in conversational French, Berny is actively involved in civic leadership and professional organizations, and he has been recognized by Florida Trend and Super Lawyers for his professional achievements and community impact.
Berny earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, where he was a member of the trial team, and his B.A. in History and Political Studies, cum laude, from Washington Adventist University.
Credentials
Admitted
State Courts:
- Florida
Education
- J.D., Stetson University
- B.A., cum laude, Washington Adventist University
Memberships
- Member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 59, 2022- present
- Florida’s Sixth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, 2020 – present
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Civil Service Board, 2020 – 2021
- Florida Federation of Young Republicans Vice Chairman, 2020 – 2021
- Washington Adventist University Alumni Association Board of Directors, 2019 – 2020
- Florida Federation of Young Republicans General Counsel, 2019 – 2020
- City of Seminole Charter Review Committee Vice Chairman, 2019
- Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay Board of Directors, 2016 – 2017
- Senator Marco Rubio’s Service Academy Nomination Board, 2016 – 2025
- City of Seminole Developmental Review Board, 2016 – 2022
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Community Connection Executive Committee, 2016 – 2020
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Leadership Council, 2014 – 2017
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay “Big Brother” mentor, 2013 – 2024
- Pinellas County Young Republicans President, 2013-2015
Recognition
- Florida Federation of Young Republicans Robert M. Foster, Jr. Award, 2020
- Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, 2018
- Legal Elite in the area of Government and Non-Profit by Florida Trend’s Magazine, 2016
- “30 Under 30 Rising Star of Florida Politics” by Florida Politics, 2015
- Washington Adventist University’s Young Alumnus of the Year, 2015
- Legal Elite in the area of Government and Non-Profit by Florida Trend’s Magazine, 2016
- Maverick PAC Future 40 Honoree, 2014