Chloe Ann Wain – an FSU alumna (B.S. Political Science & Economics ’24; B.A. English ’24) – has made significant contributions to the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, where she has held multiple roles. She is currently serving as a legal assistant in the Felony Division.
She began her work at Broward County Public Defender’s Office in November 2024 as a legal assistant in the Early Representation Unit. The Early Representation Unit provides legal representation for newly arrested defendants in First Appearance Court 365 days a year. Wain transferred to the Felony Division of the Broward County Public Defender’s Office in February, which handles more serious charges where a defendant is facing punishment greater than 364 days of incarceration.
As a legal assistant, Wain opens and closes cases from the morning docket, organizes and uploads court paperwork to their case management system, completes attorney requests, and oversees attorneys’ calendar. She also serves across other divisions in the Broward County Public Defender’s Office as needed.
“My most rewarding experience at the Broward County Public Defender’s Office has been the countless opportunities building relationships with clients, alongside attorneys, support staff, and supervisors,” Wain said. “It has been my passion to explore a career in public interest, and I hope to continue serving my local indigent community as an aspiring public defender.”
This is Wain’s third position at a public defender’s office, as she’s completed internships with both the Public Defender Services for the District of Columbia and the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida Public Defender’s Office in Tallahassee.
Wain was extremely involved during her time at FSU. She was a part of multiple FSU Honors programs, including the Honors Legal Scholars Program, Honors in the Major, and the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society.
As a research assistant with the DeVoe L. Moore Center, Wain continued her work with Director Samuel Staley, Ph.D., and Crystal Taylor, Ph.D., focusing on eminent domain and displacement in Tallahassee. She presented her findings at multiple conferences, including the Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Johns Hopkins Richard Macksey Humanities Symposium, where she shared her 2024 manuscript, “A Legal Analysis of Eminent Domain in Tallahassee, Florida.”
Wain’s involvement across campus has been recognized heavily. She was a nominee for FSU’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year for her tremendous commitment to service in the Tallahassee community, as well as her pro bono public work in the legal field.
She also received the 2023 Charles S. Billings Public Service Award for completing 2,000 service hours. The Charles E. Billings Award is named after the late FSU professor and Tallahassee City Commissioner, and it is given to a political science student who goes above and beyond in their community.
She also received the 2024 Phi Beta Kappa Marion Jewel Hay Award, which recognizes the top student graduating from Florida State University each semester. She was also recognized as an Outstanding Senior Scholar, FSU Student Star, and a part of the 2024 cohort of FSU’s Torchbearer 100.
“Through Florida State University’s resources, along with students and faculty, I improved my understanding of how to legally advocate on behalf of others by protecting the rights of the accused,” Wain said. “As an alumna, I am more equipped to succeed in my legal trajectory, remaining in touch with supportive faculty and staff as I navigate applying to law school.”
Wain is currently applying to law school for Fall 2026 in preparation to serve as a public defender. After gaining substantial experience in legal advocacy, she hopes to explore interests in protecting the Florida Everglades.
To learn more about each of Wain’s programs, click the following links: Political Science; Economics; and Editing, Writing, and Media.