Position
County Judge
Office Address
100 East Ocean Blvd. Suite A249. Stuart, FL 34994
Phone
Judicial Assistant
Melanie Coons
JA Email
Judge Darren Steele
Assignment
One-third of Martin County Court Cases; Delinquency Cases as directed by Judge McNicholas (through June 30, 2023), including Detention Hearings; Assist with Felony Cases
Biography
Education
- Tulane University B.A
- University of Wyoming College of Law J.D.
- University of Madrid Spain - Junior year college
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Summer Certificate in Comparative Law
- University of Guanajuato Mexico, Summer Certificate in Comparative Law
Career
- Watson & Steele Law Office (2000-2009)
- Crary, Buchanan Law Office (1998-2000)
- Public Defenders Office, Circuit 19th (1994-1998)
Awards
- Adjunct Professor of the Year 2019, IRSC Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies
- Business Partner of the Year 2018, Martin County School District
- (AV) Rating, Highest rating for legal knowledge & ethics
- Pro Bono Award, Family Law Pro Bono activity
- Outstanding Service Award, St. Lucie Elementary School mock trial, Law Day
- Certificate of Appreciation, Martin County Schools, Job Tap Career Training
- Principal for a day, Challenger School for disabled/emotionally troubled children
- Certificate of Appreciation, Boy Scout Legal Explorer Post Advisor (1998)
Community Experience
- Martin County Bar Association - President (2004)
- Criminal Law Committee - Chair
- Family Law Committee
- Trial Lawyers Committee
- Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies
- Healthy Start Coalition for maternal and child health
- Board of Directors (2003-2009)
- President (2007-2008)
- Treasure Coast Heart Walk Executive Committee (2005)
- Boy Scouts of America, Gulfstream Council Distinguished Citizens Committee
- Palm City Chamber of Commerce
- LEADERSHIP and Chamber of Commerce - Martin County
- LEADERSHIP and Chamber of Commerce - St. Lucie County