Biography: Paul A. Meissner was born in New York and moved to Florida with his family as a child.  He is a graduate of Clearwater High School.  He co-founded the Carlson & Meissner law firm with Edward Carlson in 1971.  Paul and his wife Jayne have five children & thirteen grandchildren.  They enjoy boating and traveling, especially on Paul's Harley motorcycle.

Paul Meissner has written The Florida Law Enforcement Manual.

Position: Paul A. Meissner is a co-founder of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A.  He co-founded the firm in 1971.

Areas of Practice:

• Personal injury
• Criminal law defense
• Workers’ compensation law

Certification / Specialties:

• AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• Florida Bar Board Certified, Criminal Law (1990 to present)
• Admitted to practice in Colorado, 1996
• Admitted to practice in Florida, 1968
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 1972
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida, 1978
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1974
• U.S. Supreme Court, 1977
• Clearwater Bar Association
• Florida Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• American Association for Justice
• Former Member, Barney Masterson Inns of Court
• Past member Judicial Nominating Commission, Pinellas-Pasco Counties
• Past member/chairman State Circuit Bar Grievance Committee

Education:

• J.D., Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1966
• B.A., University of South Florida, 1963

Classes / Seminars Taught:

• Adjunct Professor of Law, Stetson College of Law, St. Petersburg, Florida, 1972–2002
• Instructor, Criminal Justice Institute, St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, Florida, 1988–2003
• Instructor, Southeastern Public Safety Institute, St. Petersburg College, 1990–2000

Past Employment:

• Former Special Agent, FBI
• Former Assistant State Attorney, 6th Circuit Florida
• Former Adjunct Professor, Stetson College of Law
• Former Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, SE Public Safety Institute, St. Petersburg, FL