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Heather Doyle has spent her entire legal career in the prosecutor’s office — a job many young attorneys consider a path to a more lucrative career.
Doyle has had several chances to go that way over the last 15 years and work for law firms in the private sector. She holds nothing against attorneys who have made the switch, but it’s just not for her. She says working for the State Attorney’s office, now in a leadership role, gives her “the ability to help people on a grand scale.”
Adds Doyle: “This is a direct line to making the biggest difference you can in your community.”
That difference covers a broad area for Doyle. One of her jobs, for example, is to run training programs for police officers and new prosecutors. No matter what class she’s in front of, a key point Doyle talks about is always to be mindful to use authority with integrity. “My client is the people of the state of Florida,” says Doyle. “That’s a very big responsibility.”
Doyle has also spent a good deal of time in the past few years working with Florida legislators to pass stronger anti-domestic violence laws.
Attorneys, especially prosecutors, are somewhat known for logging lots of hours on nights and weekends, a fact Doyle says comes with the job. Doyle’s husband, Jeff Doyle, works for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department, so the couple has a lot to talk about, both the good and the bad.
Yet even when a particular case or situation is difficult, Doyle says she has no holds no regrets about her career choice. “I’ve had some pretty enticing offers,” says Doyle. “What has kept me here is I feel like I’m doing the right thing.
— Mark Gordon
City of residence: Lakewood Ranch
Twitter handle: No twitter account for me!
Birthplace: Ridgewood, N.J.
Years on the Gulf Coast: 17
Marital status/children: Husband, Jeff; Daughter, Caroline
Alma mater: Stetson University College of Law
Best place to network: Kiwanis Club of Bradenton
Coolest business experience: It’s a tie between teaching new prosecutors and law enforcement and working on domestic violence legislation.
The most important business lesson I’ve learned: Stay true to your values and they will guide you to the right decision
One website that makes your job easier: Westlaw.com
One community group you’re most involved with: Kiwanis Club of Bradenton
Favorite off-hours activity: Spending time with my wonderful family, reading, exercise and socializing with friends
Two people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: Both my grandfathers, as I miss them terribly and they embodied intelligence, integrity, and good humor
Best award you ever received: Recently, my 6-year-old daughter named me “Best Mom in the World.” Nothing beats that. Period.
Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: Zip lining in St. Lucia. That’s about as adventurous as I get. I am such a chicken.
What’s at the top of your bucket list: Traveling around the world to experience different places and cultures.
What new skill would you like to learn: A second language
Who would play you in a movie about your life: Sandra Bullock — she’s a great actor who would hopefully make me appear funnier than I actually am!
If I had a magic wand I’d: Wish for more wands and pass them around to those who need them most.
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