Ten Questions to a Media Lawyer

Carol Jean LoCicero is the managing partner in Thomas & LoCicero’s Tampa office.

1. When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?

After I got a D in high school chemistry and realized medicine was out. 

2. What was your first legal job and did it spark your interest in media law?

I worked in the Polk County clerk’s office as an intern the summer before I started law school. They let me attend lots of proceedings, but most involved routine criminal cases. 

3. What is the best advice you’ve received as a lawyer?  

To care deeply about doing right. 

4. Florida has allowed cameras in court for decades.  How did you adjust to that as a lawyer?

I never noticed cameras beyond clocking their presence as I walked into a proceeding. I believe that is how most participants react. As you do your job, the camera fades because it is not the priority.

Any advice on how to extend that policy to other states?

I wish. The best option seems to be launching pilot programs that usually enable courts to realize nothing much changes in practice. But that hasn’t gotten the federal system over the hump. 

5. What are some of the memorable cases / matters that shaped you as a lawyer?

The tough records cases made the most impact—fighting for Dept of Children and Families records in horrific abuse and neglect cases, opposing motions to seal in multiple murder cases, helping reporters get records that enabled them to expose significant wrongdoing. Then working with smart colleagues and clients defending journalism helped broaden my perspective and honed my advocacy skills. Florida is at the epicenter of so much high-profile litigation that this state is an education unto itself. 

6. What is a fun, little known fact about you?  

I love to garden. I have a fig tree that is my favorite plant. 

7. What issues are keeping you up at night?

I am concerned most about the pervasive and concerted attacks on the credibility of journalists that have damaged the industry in the eyes of the public, legislators, and the courts.  

8. What do you like to do when you’re not working – any unusual hobbies?

I love reading—particularly the young adult fantasy and dystopian sci fi genres.  I enjoy watching Slow Horses, The Bear, and the Rings of Power. I like to bake, watch movies at the historic Tampa theatre, and take walks. I am addicted to NYT games, particularly the mini crossword and spelling bee.  

9. Favorite film or TV show dealing with the law?  

I think I stopped watching lawyer shows around Ally Mcbeal…

10. For first time visitors to Tampa / St Pete, what are some must sees?

The Gulf of Mexico beaches in the Pinellas County area, the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Theatre, a Bolts game.