ZACKERY A. SCHARLEPP

EDUCATION:
South Dakota State University, Bachelor of Arts – History and Political Science
Florida State University College of Law, Juris Doctor – magna cum laude
Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law
Order of Coif
Book Awards (Highest Class Grade) in Contracts I, Contracts II, Legal Research and Writing I, Legal Research and Writing II, Appellate Procedure, Criminal Procedure – Police

ABOUT:
Zack concentrates his practice representing public entities including municipalities, school boards and police departments in constitutional, employment law, and casualty defense matters. In his law enforcement practice Zack defends state and local government agencies and officers against allegations of federal civil rights violations including allegations of false arrest, illegal search, excessive force, and abuse of process. Zack also defends local government agencies and officers against state law tort violations including general negligence, negligent training, hiring or retention, vehicle liability, pursuits, false arrest, battery, malicious prosecution, in-custody and other wrongful deaths and is experienced in the litigation of qualified and sovereign immunities.

With his background in constitutional law, Zack also represents school districts against alleged violations of the First Amendment, including alleged free speech, free exercise and establishment clause violations. Zack has successfully guided multiple districts in the development of policies and procedures that comply with constitutional requirements and in the resolution of litigation regarding First Amendment violations.

Zack also represents public and private employers against claims of employment discrimination including claims of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sex, disability and retaliation. Zack provides legal assistance to employers in pre-suit matters through consultation on personnel and management issues and managing investigations of employee complaints or grievances. Zack assists employers in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Zack also represent both private and public employers before the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against claims of discrimination and retaliation, obtaining numerous “no cause” determinations.

Outside of the office Zack and his wife Rachel are avid runners, and can be found on any given weekend at an area road race. Zack is also a rabid Seminole football, basketball, and baseball fan, and enjoys attending as many games as possible. Saturdays in the fall are dominated by Seminole football, friends, and fun.

LEGAL INVOLVEMENT:
William H. Stafford American Inn of Courts, Education Law Committee
Tallahassee Bar Association
Tallahassee Young Lawyers Association

COMMUNITY SERVICE:
President – Gulf Winds Track Club
Board Member – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend
Board Member – Southern Scholarship Foundation
Big Brother – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend