Sarah L. Villa

Position Attorney Education Arizona State University (B.A., Human Communications, 2003); Florida Coastal School of Law (J.D., 2007). Bar Admissions Florida Member Okaloosa-Walton County Bar Association; Young Lawyers Division Okaloosa/Walton Bar Association (Vice President); Young Lawyers Division Florida Bar Association; Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals; Junior League of the Emerald Coast; Areas of Practice Family Law; Criminal Law

With family roots in Crestview, Florida, Sarah earned her B.A. in Human Communications with an emphasis in Business from Arizona State University in May 2003. Before deciding to study law, Sarah worked as a communications director for a multistate company, and also worked as a loan officer for a mortgage firm.

After earning her Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2007, Sarah worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida's First Judicial Circuit. She represented clients in over 2,000 cases, and chaired multiple jury trials. Sarah was also an ambassador for the Public Defenders Office in legal and community events.

Sarah has a long history of community involvement. She has volunteered as an elementary school tutor and a high school liaison for Arizona State University, and has served on community panels for school safety. In addition, Sarah was a public speaker for the DARE Drug Prevention Program, educating high school students about the risks associated with drug use, while serving as a role model to them.

In August 2010 she joined Matthews, Jones & Hawkins, LLP with a focus on family and criminal law.