Rachel Wise is an associate attorney in Johnson Pope’s Tampa office, where she concentrates her practice on criminal defense at both the state and federal levels. She brings extensive courtroom experience, having handled more than twenty jury trials ranging from misdemeanor cases to serious felony charges carrying mandatory life sentences.
Before joining Johnson Pope, Rachel served for five years as an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s Sixth Circuit Court in Clearwater, where she built a reputation for her strong advocacy and commitment to protecting clients’ rights.
Rachel earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law, where she was President of the Student Bar Association and a member of the Stetson Law Trial Team, now returning as a volunteer coach. Her leadership, trial experience, and passion for criminal defense allow her to provide skilled and dedicated representation to clients facing complex legal challenges.
At Johnson Pope, Rachel is excited to contribute her experience and enthusiasm to the firm’s criminal defense team, helping clients navigate the criminal justice system with confidence and clarity.
Experience Highlights
- Assistant Public Defender at the Sixth Circuit Court Public Defender’s Office, 2020-2025
- Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at Stetson University College of Law, 2025 – Present
- Trial Team Coach at Stetson University College of Law, 2021- Present
Bar Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- Florida – 2020
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, J.D., 2020
- Trial Team – State Champion
- Extern at the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Middle District of Florida
- Comparative Trial Advocacy Program at Oxford University, England
- Certificate of Concentration in Advocacy
- University of Florida, B.A., Political Science, 2016
- University of Florida, B.S., Public Relations, 2016
- Lombardi Stamps Scholar
Outside the Office
Rachel enjoys spending her time outside enjoying the Florida sunshine. She and her fiancé are avid kayakers who go out on the water any chance they get.