Client Centered Representation

Defending you, protecting your family, preserving your rights.

Our office was created by the legislature in 2007 (SB 1088) primarily to represent indigent people accused of crimes that the Public Defenders were unable to represent due to a conflict of interest and to be the first line of defense for parents entitled to attorneys in dependency cases. The highly skilled and experienced attorneys within RC1 are committed to providing excellent legal representation. We believe all people, regardless of income, are entitled to not just effective, but skilled and compassionate representation.

RC1 is proud to be the recipient of the 2019 Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification from the Florida Bar.

This annual award recognizes excellence and creativity by a Florida Bar Board Certified lawyer or a law firm in advancing the public’s knowledge of and appreciation for legal board certification.

Candice K. Brower

Regional Counsel
1st Region

First Region Offices Locations

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 14th Circuits

Our impact

Over the last few years, the Regional Counsel offices have saved Florida taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while providing quality representation to its clients.

Our Success

HB 197

HB 197, also known as the Servicemember Civil Relief Act, went into effect on July 1, 2020. RC1 proposed the bill to protect parents’ rights during their service in the military. The bill passed with unanimous support. Our agency has the honor of representing many servicemembers in North Florida and we are proud to have been a part of this very important legislation for our clients and all Patriot Parents.

Parent Support Specialist Program

For the first time in Florida’s history, federal funding has been made available for parent representation through what is known as Title IV-E funding. This has allowed RC1 to create the Parent Support Specialist (PSS) program to serve families we represent within the First Region. The PSS program utilizes forensic social workers and other professional support staff to work alongside the attorney assigned to represent the parent, resulting in a high-quality and effective legal representation team. Parents assisted by the PSS program may reduce safety risks to children, achieve permanency sooner, and reduce the time children spend in out-of-home care. The PSS program is in the early stages of development and will eventually be available to parents who qualify in all 32 counties of the First Region. 

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