William Mallory Kent

At Kent & McFarland, Attorneys at Law, nestled in Jacksonville, Florida, William Mallory Kent dedicates his legal journey to navigating the intricate pathways of federal and state criminal appeals alongside habeas corpus. The remainder of his practice delves into federal criminal sentencing and trials.With a remarkable history of handling over 300 criminal appeals, predominantly federal, Mr. Kent stands as a steadfast advocate for clients embroiled in federal direct criminal appeals and habeas proceedings nationwide. His courtroom ventures stretch from the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Washington, D.C., and frequently the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, Georgia, his home base.Mr. Kent's academic voyage began at a distinguished private boarding school, where he graduated at the top of his class. His intellectual pursuits then led him to Harvard College, where he graduated with honors in German literature. Continuing his educational quest, he returned to Florida to attend the University of Florida Levin College of Law, graduating with honors and contributing as a research assistant to Professor Winston Nagan.After earning his law degree and joining The Florida Bar in 1978, Mr. Kent initially ventured into tax law within "Big Law." His career path led him to Los Angeles and a New York law firm, where he remained until the 1986 Tax Reform Act, which changed the landscape of his practice area just as he was on the brink of partnership. Embracing change, he pursued a fellowship with the Robert Bosch Foundation, which led him to Germany in 1987. Before this adventure, a brief volunteer stint at a public defender's office sparked his passion for the courtroom, a passion that would reshape his career.In Germany, Mr. Kent contemplated a career in investment banking with Deutsche Bank, but his heart led him back to criminal defense. Returning as a public defender, he swiftly made his mark, winning his first trial and appeal, eventually becoming a federal public defender. His career soared when he successfully argued a case, Terry Lynn Stinson v. United States, before the Supreme Court of the United States, achieving a unanimous victory.After a decade as a federal defender, Mr. Kent realized his dream of establishing his solo practice in 1999. Today, his practice thrives, with a focus on criminal appeals and post-conviction relief, complemented by criminal trial work and sentencing. Recognized as "Very Good" on Avvo, he also shines as the Best Lawyer according to U.S. News & World Report and boasts an AV Preeminent peer-review rating* through Martindale Hubbell.*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.