About me
Vanessa King is a seasoned trial attorney with a strong track record in criminal defense. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 2005 and her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2011. Vanessa began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney, where she served for over three years, focusing on the prosecution of career criminals. Throughout her career—both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney—she has tried a wide range of serious felony cases, including vehicular homicide, attempted murder, armed robbery, and carjacking. Since leaving the State Attorney’s Office in 2014, Vanessa has built a diverse practice. Her areas of focus include criminal defense in both state and federal courts and personal injury law. In 2018, she opened The Law Firm of Vanessa L. King.
Vanessa received the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency and has been named one of the “10 Best Attorneys” for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. She also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, and named among the Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers.
She remains deeply engaged in the legal community through her involvement with several professional organizations. Vanessa is a member of the Federal Bar Association – Tampa Bay Chapter, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Clearwater Bar Association, Florida Association for Women Lawyers – Pinellas Chapter, and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). She is a past president and current chapter representative of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Additionally, she is the current President of the Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association and serves on the Board of Directors for Great Explorations Children’s Museum. She is also active in BNI and the Better Business Bureau.
Outside the courtroom, Vanessa enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting local dog parks with her Labrador/Husky mix, Ruthie Bader Ginsbark, and exploring the many events and festivals around the Tampa Bay area.
