Judge J. Brad Stetson: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. J. Brad Stetson (Ret.) served as a judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Stetson was elected to the bench in 1990. He retired at the conclusion of his term in January 2015.

The 4th Judicial Circuit encompasses Clay County, Duval County, and Nassau County. Stetson held assignments in Duval County, presiding over cases in the Criminal Division, the Family Division, and the Civil Division.

Prior to his election, Stetson was an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 4th Judicial Circuit, a position he held for eleven years.

Stetson earned a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University. He financed his education by working a variety of odd-jobs, including stints as a tree surgeon, a gas station attendant, a construction worker, and a laundry attendant. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1979.

As the son of a member of the United States Navy, Stetson was raised all over the country, including Puerto Rico. He and his wife, Kathy, have four children.