Judge Jordan Pratt: Rising Star in Federal Judiciary

Judge Jordan Pratt: Rising Legal Mind Shaping Florida and Federal Courts

Judge Jordan Pratt has become one of the most talked-about emerging figures in Florida’s legal landscape. His fast rise, from a standout law student to a federal litigator, appellate judge, and now a nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida has attracted both praise and scrutiny. For anyone researching his background, legal philosophy, or professional journey, Judge Pratt represents a blend of academic excellence, public-sector experience, and a growing judicial footprint.

Early Life and Background

Jordan Emery Pratt was born in 1987 in Tampa, Florida – a city that would remain central to both his academic and professional journey. While details about his family and early childhood are largely private, available information suggests he developed a strong intellectual foundation and demonstrated early academic discipline.

Pratt attended Jesuit High School in Tampa, a prestigious private Catholic college-prep school known for shaping high-achieving students. He graduated in 2006, already distinguishing himself as a dedicated and accomplished student long before embarking on his legal career.

Facts	Details
Full Name	Jordan Emery Pratt
Date of Birth	1987
Age	38 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Tampa, Florida, USA
Current Role	U.S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida (confirmed October 28, 2025)
Previous Judicial Role	Judge, Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal (2023–2025)
Education	B.A., University of Florida (2009, co-valedictorian); J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law (2012, magna cum laude)
Honors	Order of the Coif, Florida Law Review editor, leadership in Federalist Society and Christian Legal Society
Early Career	Clerked for Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger (Middle District of Florida) and Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod (Fifth Circuit)
Federal Service	Senior Counsel, DOJ Civil Division; Senior Counsel, First Liberty Institute
Judicial Philosophy	Textualist and Originalist approach to constitutional and statutory interpretation
Family	Married to Christine Pratt; three children
Nomination	Nominated by former President Donald J. Trump, May 28, 2025; delivered to Senate June 16, 2025
Confirmation	Senate confirmed October 28, 2025 (52–47 vote)
Notable Skills	Federal litigation, appellate experience, constitutional law expertise, judicial writing

Education – A Record of Academic Excellence

Jordan Pratt’s academic path reflects consistent achievement and a clearly defined interest in law and public affairs.

University of Florida (Undergraduate Studies)

Pratt continued his studies at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009. Public records and academic profiles indicate that he excelled in his coursework, graduating as co-valedictorian of his class – an impressive achievement that hinted at the remarkable trajectory his career would follow.

University of Florida Levin College of Law (J.D.)

Pratt remained at the University of Florida to pursue his Juris Doctor, graduating magna cum laude in 2012 – a distinction reserved for the most accomplished and dedicated scholars. During law school, he earned a reputation for both intellectual rigor and leadership. He was inducted into the prestigious Order of the Coif, served as an editor of the Florida Law Review, and actively participated in the Federalist Society and the Christian Legal Society.

In 2011, Pratt completed a formative appellate internship with Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. This experience not only sharpened his interest in constitutional law but also laid a strong foundation for his emerging judicial philosophy.

Early Legal Career – Clerkships and Foundational Experience

After graduating from law school, Pratt pursued judicial clerkships, widely regarded as some of the most formative experiences for aspiring judges and legal scholars.

From 2012 to 2014, he served as a law clerk for Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, gaining hands-on experience in federal trial procedures, civil litigation, and criminal law.

He then clerked from 2014 to 2015 for Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, a highly respected conservative jurist on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This role provided him with valuable exposure to appellate-level decision-making and complex constitutional issues, helping to shape the legal perspectives that would guide his future career.

Federal Service and Public Work

Before entering the judiciary, Jordan Pratt worked extensively in federal government roles, particularly in areas involving constitutional issues, public-interest litigation, and civil rights.

U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Division

Pratt served as Senior Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he played a key role in federal litigation and legal strategy for high-stakes cases. His work spanned regulatory issues, federal statutes, and complex constitutional challenges, providing him with extensive experience in navigating the federal legal system.

First Liberty Institute

He later joined First Liberty Institute as Senior Counsel, a leading legal organization dedicated to First Amendment and religious liberty litigation. In this role, Pratt worked on cases defending constitutional freedoms and protecting the rights of public-sector individuals.

State Judicial Role – Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal

In April 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Jordan Pratt to the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal, one of the state’s most influential appellate courts.

At the Fifth DCA, Pratt presided over a wide range of appellate cases and contributed to written opinions that helped shape state-level jurisprudence. His judicial writings reflected a focus on textual analysis and statutory interpretation, consistent with the conservative legal tradition.

Jordan Pratt’s Federal Nomination Raises Support and Concerns

On May 28, 2025, former President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to nominate Jordan Pratt to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, bringing his judicial journey full circle to the district where he once served as a clerk. The nomination was formally submitted to the Senate on June 16, 2025, sparking widespread commentary across legal and political circles.

Supporters highlight Pratt’s distinguished academic record, extensive federal litigation experience, and steady service on Florida’s appellate bench as evidence of his readiness for a federal judgeship. Critics, including The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the Alliance for Justice, have expressed concerns about some of his affiliations and past legal positions, particularly regarding civil rights, election-related matters, and constitutional interpretation.

Professional Strengths and Legal Philosophy

His legal work, clerkships, and affiliations indicate a judicial approach grounded in textualism and originalism, focusing on the meaning of statutes and constitutional provisions as understood at the time they were enacted. His academic achievements, from undergraduate studies through law school, reflect not only exceptional intellectual ability but also a commitment to rigorous legal reasoning.

Pratt’s experience in both government service and appellate courts has further shaped his professional profile. His time at the Department of Justice and First Liberty Institute provided extensive exposure to complex federal legal issues, while his appellate service strengthened his judicial judgment and decision-making skills. Throughout his career, he has faced both praise and criticism, yet his record demonstrates a composed, disciplined, and methodical approach to the law rather than personal or political rhetoric.

Personal Life

Jordan Pratt’s personal life reflects the same steadiness and purpose that shape his legal career. He is married to Christine Pratt, a fellow legal professional whose work spans the First Liberty Institute and previous roles with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. 

Together, the couple is raising three children, something Pratt has spoken of with visible pride, calling them “our three amazing kids” in a 2023 interview. Behind the titles and courtroom responsibilities, Pratt’s world is grounded in family, partnership, and a shared commitment to public service.

Public Perception and Impact

Judge Jordan Pratt holds a distinctive place in Florida’s legal landscape—respected by supporters, scrutinized by advocacy groups, and closely followed by legal analysts. His rapid rise highlights his growing influence within conservative legal circles and the broader federal judiciary pipeline.

If confirmed to the U.S. District Court, Pratt would be among the youngest federal judges in the country, taking a key role in shaping cases involving civil rights, criminal law, federal regulations, and constitutional questions.

Jordan Emery Pratt Today

As of late 2025, Jordan Pratt serves as a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, filling the seat vacated by Steven Merryday. His swift ascent, from appellate judge on Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal to a federal judicial nomination by former President Trump has attracted national attention. 

Confirmed by the Senate in October 2025, Pratt has begun actively presiding over federal cases and mentoring law clerks. With his extensive appellate experience and conservative judicial philosophy, he is positioned to have a significant impact on constitutional and federal law in one of the nation’s busiest districts.

Conclusion

Judge Jordan Pratt represents a new generation of American jurists, academically accomplished, legally influential, and deeply involved in constitutional interpretation at both state and federal levels. From Tampa classrooms to the appellate bench, his path reflects dedication, intellectual rigor, and rapid professional ascent.

While some aspects of his early life remain private, his public record paints the portrait of a driven legal figure whose work continues to shape Florida’s judicial landscape and beyond.

As his federal nomination advances, Judge Pratt will remain a significant figure in contemporary legal discourse, his impact extending far beyond the courtroom.

FAQs About Judge Jordan Pratt