Matt Shirk, Public Defender 4th Judicial Circuit - Serving Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties

About Us

Matt Shirk, Public Defender
(904) 630-1440
pd4@pd4.coj.net

Biography of Mr. Shirk

Matt Shirk is the fourth Public Defender elected to serve the 4th Judicial Circuit.  Winning an unprecedented election for the office in 2008, he began a four-year term in January of 2009.  

Mr. Shirk is committed to providing the Fourth Judicial Circuit with an efficient administration, effective legal representation and engagement in the communities he serves.

Prior to becoming Public Defender, Shirk spent time as a sole practitioner, as an associate with a Jacksonville law firm  and five years as an Assistant Public Defender under the late Lou Frost.  He worked in the State Attorney’s office as a law student.

Matt Shirk earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in 1999.  As a law student, he received various awards and accolades for his academic accomplishments as well as his extra-curricular involvement.  Matt holds two Bachelor’s Degrees from Western Illinois University; Law Enforcement Administration and Political Science.

Presently, Shirk resides in Jacksonville with his wife Michelle and their son Pierce.  He is on the Board of Directors for the Clara White Mission and the Northeast Florida Safety Council.  He serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Salvation Army and an Alumni Board member at Florida Coastal School of Law.  He is a member of the Southside Business Men's Club and First Baptist Church downtown.