Brad Willard graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2008. There, he was Chief Justice of the Moot Court Board and a member of Vanderbilt’s National Moot Court Competition Team. He brings substantial and varied experience to Avera & Smith.

For over three years, Brad served Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit as a prosecutor, quickly rising to the felony division’s Special Victims Unit, where he prosecuted sex crimes, crimes against children, and felony domestic violence. The bulk of his experience, however, is as a civil litigator—having capably represented a variety of clients for prominent Orlando and Gainesville law firms.

Brad is an experienced trial lawyer, having conducted over 30 trials and arbitrations—criminal and civil—the majority as first chair jury trials. He practices in state and federal court, primarily in commercial litigation, trust and estate litigation, fiduciary litigation, professional malpractice, and high-end personal injury. Brad brings special insight to Avera & Smith’s commercial clients in that, while practicing law, he earned his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Florida, where he graduated with the top of his class.

Before attending law school, Brad worked as a field organizer for the 2004 Kerry/Edwards campaign, managing voter outreach in Northwest Iowa. He is also a former high school Geometry teacher.

Brad enjoys living in Gainesville, where he and his fiancé Noelle are enjoying raising their daughters closer to family.