About William J. "West" Ritchie

William J. "West" Ritchie

Please allow me to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself. I am the 12th child from a family of 14 children. I had a normal childhood getting involved mostly in sports and music. After high school I attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a music scholarship. However, I yearned for further pursuits influenced greatly by a constitutional law class that I attended while at Southern Miss.

I decided to go to law school as did many of my extended family members. After graduating from The University of Alabama Birmingham’s Graduate School of public health two months shy of graduating from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, I passed the Florida Bar exam and moved from my birth state of Alabama to Florida, the Sunshine State. As a lawyer, former business owner, and father of two wonderful daughters, I believe that it is important to give back to the communities where I practice law. In doing so I have been on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, Northwest Florida Legal services, the Freeport Rotary Club, and the Walton County Area Chamber of Commerce.

The areas of law that I practice are no doubt areas that from time to time come with high drama and affect all social-economic classes. I believe that my experience in giving back to the community has provided me with insight and empathy for those in search of redress within the legal system. I enjoy teaching! As a 2nd degree black belt holder, I have had the opportunity to teach young students Tae Kwan Do. Teaching them to grow strong in body and mind, and how to be courteous, have integrity, to persevere, and strive to obtain an indomitable spirit.

One of the most enjoyable and rewarding teaching experiences that I have been blessed to have was heading up the Mock Trial teams at South Walton Highschool. The students were passionate about learning and very creative. I have also had the opportunity to give back to my profession by mentoring young lawyers fresh out of law school. Law school and practicing law are very different. Law school provides the lawyer with the basics of the law. Becoming a lawyer means learning how to put all that knowledge to good use in representing your client.

Thank you for your consideration.