Gerald Hemness

Gerald L. Hemness, Jr., Esq.

At a Glance

Gerald is the managing attorney for the Law Firm of Emma Hemness, P.A. He was admitted to practice in the State of Florida in 1995.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Gerald spent time in Minnesota, Kentucky and Ohio. He resigned his position as a Deputy Sheriff in 1992 to attend law school at the Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. After graduating from Stetson Gerald returned to law enforcement, serving for more than five years prosecuting criminal trials as an Assistant State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit before entering private practice. Gerald joined the Law Firm of Emma Hemness, P.A. in 2003 and now handles all of the firm’s litigation, as well as uncontested matters in the following areas:  Estate Planning, Guardianship, Exploitation, and Probate.

Gerald received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky in 1990, and his Doctor of Juris Prudence (JD) from Stetson University College of Law, cum laude, in 1995.

Gerald has served the elder law community as chair of both the Litigation Committee and the Abuse and Exploitation Committee of the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section.

Gerald has also served on the Board of Directors of the Florida State Guardianship Association at both the organization’s statewide level and for the local Hillsborough County.

Gerald is a frequent lecturer on issues related to guardianships, guardianship advocacy and exploitation.  He has presented at numerous Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education seminars and frequently speaks to local civic organizations and educational groups, including Hillsborough County Schools.  Some of his recent presentations include:  _____________, __________, ____________.

Gerald and Emma are husband and wife. They met as students during law school and were married in an outdoor ceremony in Stetson’s courtyard in 1995, just a few months after graduating. They have one son, Nathan.