Journey from Sergeant to Top Attorney
When it comes to describing UCF alumnus Jason Odom, ’97, there is no shortage of words. He was very motivated and hardworking during his years at UCF; however, Odom wasn’t like your typical student. While studying to receive his degree from UCF he also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1993 to 1999. It was the commitment and drive he learned with the Marine Corps and time at UCF that would eventually lead him to becoming recognized as one of the Top Up and Coming attorneys in the state of Florida by Florida Trend Magazine.
Odom graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1997, with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and from Stetson University College of Law in December 2000. He was an active student while he attended UCF and held an officer position in Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society. He credits the relationships he formed with faculty from the UCF Political Science Department for his admission into law school because of how helpful they were when it came to the admission process. During law school, Odom was a member of the award winning Moot Court Board at Stetson University College of Law and interned with the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the United States Attorney’s Office in Tampa, Florida.
Upon graduation from law school, Odom accepted a position with the labor and employment management firm of Thompson, Sizemore & Gonzalez, P.A. in Tampa. While at TSG, he represented public and private sector clients in all types of labor and employment law cases at the trial court level and on appeal. He also gained valuable trial counsel experience in federal and state court, as well as before administrative tribunals such as school boards, the Division of Administrative Hearings, National Labor Relations Board, civil service boards, and arbitration panels.
Odom currently resides in his hometown of Vero Beach, Florida, and is a partner in the civil litigation department at Gould, Cooksey, Fennell, P.A. He represents clients in matters involving employment law and litigation, probate and trust litigation and personal injury. Odom recently received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating a lawyer can achieve. Odom is not only recognized for his talents in the court room, but he is also very active in local charitable causes and serves on the Advisory Board for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Indian River County.
His advice to current students is to “take it one day at a time and enjoy the college experience. It will be over before you know it. Study hard and get involved with fellow students and the University. Get to know your professors and the faculty. They have valuable experiences to share that you cannot get inside the classroom. Finally, have fun!”