Holly Southworth grew up in St. Augustine, Florida. After attending St. Augustine High School, she attended Flagler College, where she was on the President’s List and Dean’s List and was named Outstanding Social Sciences Graduate. Her degree is in Social Sciences, with minors in business and philosophy.
Holly’s career as a public servant began with child advocacy, when she worked as a family services counselor with Florida’s Department of Children and Families. She also worked with individuals with disabilities as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. When Holly’s daughter, Kendall, began elementary school, Holly decided it was time to go back to school herself, and she enjoyed teaching elementary school in St. Johns County from 2007 through 2018.
During law school at Florida Coastal School of Law, Holly served as Research and Writing Editor on The Florida Coastal Law Review, Moot Court Honor Board, Student Director of the Pro Bono Program, and a student ambassador. Holly graduated magna cum laude and first in her class. She was also inducted as a member of Phi Delta Phi.
Prior to joining Douglas Law Firm, Holly dedicated the beginning of her legal career to serving the citizens of St. Johns County as an Assistant State Attorney. During her time as Assistant State Attorney, Holly prosecuted thousands of criminal cases and secured convictions in several jury trials. Holly also served as the Veteran Treatment Court prosecutor. Holly’s legal experience in the private sector includes civil litigation in the areas of business, agriculture, employment, and labor.
Holly serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Johns County Bar Association and is a member of the St. Augustine American Inn of Court. Previously, she served as a board member in the Junior Service League of St. Augustine.