The American judicial system features countless judges whose work often goes unnoticed outside the walls of the courtroom. One such figure is Judge Jordan Pratt, who has built a reputation as a skilled lawyer and judge with experience at both state and federal levels. His appointment to the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal in 2023 by Governor Ron DeSantis placed him at the center of Florida’s judicial landscape. With a career spanning prestigious clerkships, senior government legal roles, and advocacy positions, Pratt has steadily gained recognition in legal and political circles.
This article takes a detailed look into his life and career, while also exploring frequently searched questions, including “Judge Jordan Pratt age” and “Judge Jordan Pratt Democrat or Republican.”
Early Life and Education
Although Judge Jordan Pratt’s exact age has not been made publicly available, his academic and professional timeline suggests he is in his late 30s to early 40s. Pratt distinguished himself early in life through his academic achievements.
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University of Florida (Undergraduate): Pratt graduated co-valedictorian with a degree in political science. His undergraduate years built a strong foundation in law, politics, and constitutional principles.
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University of Florida Levin College of Law (Law Degree): He continued at the same institution, earning his Juris Doctor magna cum laude. While there, he was an active student leader—serving as an editor of the Law Review, president of the Federalist Society, and president of the Christian Legal Society. These roles highlight his longstanding engagement with constitutional law and conservative legal thought.
Legal Clerkships and Early Career
Clerkships are often the steppingstones to high-level legal roles, and Pratt’s resume is particularly distinguished:
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Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger (U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida): Pratt’s first clerkship immersed him in federal trial-level work.
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Judge Jennifer W. Elrod (U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit): His appellate clerkship gave him direct experience at one of the highest courts before the Supreme Court.
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Internship with Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton (Sixth Circuit): Another federal appellate experience that further exposed him to the complexities of constitutional law.
These experiences established Pratt as a lawyer with strong foundations in appellate work, particularly in conservative-leaning federal circuits.
Roles in Government and Public Service
Before becoming a judge, Pratt held influential legal positions in both Florida and Washington, D.C.:
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Deputy Solicitor General of Florida: Pratt represented the state in high-profile constitutional cases, gaining firsthand experience in legal battles over state and federal powers.
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Senior Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): He provided legal guidance to the federal government, engaging with regulatory and constitutional matters.
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Deputy General Counsel, U.S. Small Business Administration: Pratt worked in a key federal agency, focusing on policies affecting business owners and entrepreneurs.
These roles positioned him at the intersection of law, governance, and policy, allowing him to shape legal outcomes that affected both Florida and the wider United States.
Work with First Liberty Institute
In 2021, Judge Jordan Pratt joined the First Liberty Institute, a legal advocacy group known for defending religious liberty from a conservative perspective. As senior counsel, he represented clients in First Amendment disputes, often involving questions of religious expression and freedom.
This position, coupled with his Federalist Society membership, placed Pratt firmly within the broader conservative legal movement, often associated with Republican judicial philosophy.
Appointment to the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal
In April 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Pratt to the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal. This move elevated him to one of the state’s most significant appellate courts.
The Fifth DCA hears cases ranging from constitutional challenges to criminal appeals and civil disputes. Pratt’s role ensures that he helps shape legal precedent in Florida for years to come. His appointment was widely covered in legal and political circles, with supporters emphasizing his strong credentials and critics pointing to his ideological ties.
Federal Nomination Under President Donald Trump
In June 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Judge Pratt for a federal judgeship on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
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His confirmation hearing took place later that month.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee reported his nomination favorably in July 2025.
If confirmed, this position would represent an even more prominent role, giving Pratt authority over major constitutional and federal cases in Florida. The nomination reinforced the perception that Pratt is closely aligned with Republican judicial priorities.
Judge Jordan Pratt Age
Many people wonder, “What is Judge Jordan Pratt’s age?” Official biographical details about his birthdate or exact age are not publicly disclosed. However, based on his law school graduation and career timeline, analysts estimate that he is likely in his late 30s to early 40s.
This makes him a relatively young figure in appellate and federal judicial circles, with decades of potential service ahead if confirmed to lifetime federal office.
Judge Jordan Pratt: Democrat or Republican?
Another frequent question is whether Judge Jordan Pratt is a Democrat or Republican.
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Nonpartisan Role: In Florida, appellate judges, including those on the Fifth DCA, are officially nonpartisan. Their names appear in retention elections without party labels.
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Affiliations and Endorsements: Pratt has been deeply involved with the Federalist Society and First Liberty Institute, both organizations strongly associated with conservative legal philosophy.
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Political Signals: His appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis and nomination by President Donald Trump suggest alignment with Republican circles.
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Public Endorsements: Conservative groups such as Florida Family Action have publicly supported him, while progressive organizations have opposed his retention.
Conclusion: While he does not publicly identify as belonging to a political party in his judicial capacity, Pratt’s professional affiliations and appointments strongly align him with the Republican and conservative legal movement.
Contributions to Law and Constitutional Thought
Pratt’s work reflects recurring themes:
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Constitutional Law: He has consistently focused on federalism, separation of powers, and religious liberty.
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Appellate Advocacy: With experience in multiple appellate courts, Pratt has become known for careful legal analysis and persuasive arguments.
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Mentorship and Scholarship: His involvement in law school organizations and later professional roles highlight a commitment to developing the next generation of conservative legal thinkers.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like many judges aligned with conservative movements, Pratt has faced criticism from progressive circles:
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Ideological Concerns: Opponents argue that his Federalist Society membership and First Liberty advocacy may influence rulings toward conservative outcomes.
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Retention Election Campaigns: During his state judicial retention campaigns, groups opposed to DeSantis’ judicial appointees recommended “NO” votes against Pratt.
Despite this, his supporters argue that his record reflects strong legal credentials, intellectual rigor, and adherence to constitutional principles.
Legacy and Future Outlook
At a relatively young age, Pratt’s judicial career is still unfolding. With his federal nomination under consideration, he could soon play a pivotal role in shaping federal law within the Middle District of Florida. His trajectory suggests he may become one of the more influential legal voices from Florida in the decades to come.
Conclusion
Judge Jordan Pratt exemplifies the blend of academic excellence, government service, and judicial philosophy that defines many of today’s prominent judges. While questions like “Judge Jordan Pratt age” and “Judge Jordan Pratt Democrat or Republican” continue to attract public interest, what remains clear is his growing impact on the legal and political landscape. His career reflects a consistent commitment to constitutional principles, religious liberty, and conservative legal advocacy. Whether on the Florida appellate bench or potentially on the federal bench, Pratt’s influence is likely to shape American law for years to come.
In the end, Pratt is more than just a judge; he is a reflection of the ongoing debates about ideology, law, and the future of the American judiciary.
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