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 quality and professional legal service to those who qualify for a public defender.  His office strictly follows Florida statutes which govern the Office of Public Defender.  He pledges to uphold the Constitution and aggressively seek justice in legal proceedings.

Prior to becoming Public Defender, Shirk spent time as a sole practitioner, as an associate with the Jacksonville law firm Tassone and Eler as well as five years as an Assistant Public Defender.  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, serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Salvation Army and is a member of the Southside Business Men's Club and First Baptist Church downtown.