Our Attorneys

John M. Leace

John M. Leace earned a bachelor of arts degree in International Affairs and Sociology from Florida State University in 1995. After completing his undergraduate studies John went on to achieve a Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law in 1998. John began his professional career as an Assistant State Attorney in the Second Judicial Circuit, working in both Leon and Gadsden counties. During his three years as a prosecutor, John handled hundreds of cases ranging in complexity from minor traffic violations to first degree murder. In 2001, having gained valuable courtroom and trial experience working for the State, John continued his legal career by accepting a position with a Tallahassee area criminal defense firm.

In 2002, John took his experience and expertise and founded the Law Offices of John M. Leace based upon the principles of providing people with aggressive and affordable criminal defense. Since opening his own firm, John has represented and counseled hundreds of people with legal troubles and guided them through the often intimidating and confusing court system. In the last several years, John has worked on cases of varying degrees of severity and notoriety, with dozens of cases proceeding all the way to a jury trial. These cases have again ranged from relatively minor misdemeanor violations to murder. In order to better serve his clients, John expanded his firm in 2005 by hiring Zachary Ward.

Zachary M. Ward

Zachary M. Ward obtained a bachelor's of sciences degree in economics and geography from Florida State University in 1995 and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the Cumberland School of Law in 2000. Mr. Ward was an Assistant State Attorney in the Second Judicial Circuit. As a prosecutor, Mr. Ward has handled all types of criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to first degree felonies. Mr. Ward also has experience as a civil attorney, practicing in the fields of medical malpractice defense and employment discrimination defense. Mr. Ward is a member in good standing with the Florida Bar and is able to practice before the Northern District of Florida's Federal Courts.