Whether dealing with bruised knees, basketball practice, gymnastics, school lunches or serving the community as an assistant state attorney Melissa Gould always brings her A+ game!
A wife, mother of two young children and someone who is exceptionally passionate about the well-being of our extraordinary community. Melissa is also a hard-working and skilled attorney with a great deal of significant and successful trial experience.
Melissa’s husband, Ryan Jawitz grew up in Manatee County and their children were born in the area. Ryan is a local board certified dermatologist and his father has been practicing dermatology in Bradenton for more than thirty-years. Melissa and Ryan have made Manatee County their forever home. During ‘normal times’ they participated in sporting activities with their kids.
Melissa has been working as a felony and specialty assistant state attorney in the 12th Judicial Circuit, which includes Manatee County for several years. Among many other issues, she’s successfully prosecuted cases involving the following: Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Driving Under the Influence, Selling Narcotics, Animal Cruelty and Exploitation of the Elderly. She’s even been recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers in Florida (MADD) for her excellence in prosecuting DUI cases.
The list of criminal matters Melissa has dealt with goes on, but no matter what she’s working on, she always demonstrates the enduing values of honesty and integrity. She’s also known for consistently treating victims of crime with warmth, empathy and respect.
Prior to becoming an assistant state attorney, Melissa worked in civil litigation and had a broad array of experiences in the areas of contract law and consumer protection cases. In addition, she was a highly regarded university lecturer and taught courses in Evidence, Family Law, Constitutional Law and Judicial Process.
Melissa is a proven leader and takes proactive approaches to enhancing the legal system in our community. In this context, she regularly hosts, presents, or participates in community outreach events that are geared to help law enforcement better investigate and prosecute crime.
Serving and giving back to the community as a volunteer is also in Melissa’s DNA and has been a major priority for her for a very long time. As a teenager she won awards for her volunteer work and community leadership and that ethos continues to be a driving force in both her personal and professional lives. This is also something she enjoys doing with her children.
During this COVID-19 pandemic Melissa has been delivering groceries and calling senior citizens and other immunocompromised individuals to check on how they’re doing. Additionally, she recently volunteered to deliver meals with Meals on Wheels Plus in Manatee County. She does this because of her innate care and concern for all people, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Melissa has the sharp intelligence, diverse legal experience, trusted service and an unwavering commitment to the law to effectively manage the myriad challenges of serving on the bench and – with your support – she’s incredibly eager to hit the ground running as the next Manatee County Court Judge.
VOTE AUGUST 18 for Melissa Gould for Judge!
