Trish Docherty Gibson launches campaign for public defender

Trish Docherty Gibson launches campaign for public defender - A close up of a woman - Lawyer

Local attorney and Chief Assistant Public Defender Patricia “Trish” Docherty Gibson is seeking to replace Public Defender Rosemary Enright who is retiring after 29 years of public service.

Docherty Gibson officially announced her candidacy for the 2016 election this week. “It has been long known in the legal community that I would run for the position,” said Docherty Gibson.

Current Monroe County Public Defender Rosemary Enright commented, “Trish is the obvious choice and most qualified person to lead this office and I whole heartedly endorse her candidacy.”

Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995, Docherty Gibson is in her 20th year with the Public Defender’s Office and is currently assigned a full felony case-load. She is capital case-certified by the Florida Supreme Court and has tried hundreds of cases.

“My extensive experience in the law and background in public administration gives me the unique advantage to hit the ground running,” Docherty Gibson said. “Rosemary’s exemplary service through three decades will not be forgotten and I only hope to garner the same respect she earned. The tremendous support I have already received has been truly humbling.”

In addition to her trial experience, Docherty Gibson is on the Death Penalty Steering Committee of Florida Public Defense Association, The Juvenile Advisory Board Committee, is president of the Monroe County Bar Association, a board member of Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is the first local appointed to the Legal Professional Board.

“I am the person most qualified to take the reigns at the Public Defender’s Office, but I have to earn this job,” Docherty Gibson said. She just completed a 15-year career as an adjunct law professor at St Leo’s University. Her community service includes Key West Sunrise Rotary, Leadership Monroe Class XXIII, BPW Marathon and Upper Keys chapters, Marathon Chamber of Commerce, Beta Omega and Sigsbee School PTO

Docherty Gibson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Administration of Justice. She received her Juris Doctorate from Widener University while attending her third year of law school at the University of Miami.

Trish, 48, is married to Barry Gibson, a former City Commissioner, and has a daughter, Taylor.