SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Mark D. Davis, shareholder and AV Rated attorney at Clark Partington, to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. Mark’s appointment is effective immediately and extends through July 1, 2026. The First Judicial Circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in Florida, serving the people of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties.
The judicial nomination process is a cornerstone of Florida’s commitment to a robust and impartial judiciary. Governor DeSantis’s selection of Mark Davis reflects a strong confidence in Mark’s dedication, integrity, and ability to serve faithfully in this important role.
Clark Partington congratulates Mark on this prestigious appointment and applauds his ongoing commitment to justice, professionalism, and community service.
Mark D. Davis has been practicing law in Walton County for over 35 years, both in private practice and as In-House Counsel for the county. Based in Clark Partington’s Santa Rosa Beach office, his practice areas include governmental affairs, real estate, probate, family law, criminal defense, and general litigation.
In addition to his legal expertise, Mark has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and community involvement. In 2022, Mark was honored as a Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Legal Services of North Florida, Inc., acts as General Counsel to the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member of the Walton County Bar Association. Previously, Mark contributed to the First Circuit Bench Bar Professionalism Committee and chaired The Florida Bar Grievance Committee 1-B, First Circuit.
Mark’s contributions extend beyond the legal field. He served the Walton County School Board for over 20 years, is a past president of the Kiwanis Club, and has volunteered as a basketball coach and as chair of the Cope Center. In 2023, he was an Honorary Commander with the 96th Test Wing Staff Judge Advocate at Eglin Air Force Base. Currently, Mark serves as a choir member at First Presbyterian Church of DeFuniak Springs.
A proud alumnus of Florida State University, Mark earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate from FSU.
Clark Partington’s History of Service on Judicial Commissions and Committees:
Donald H. Partington: In the early 1980s, Firm Founder, Don Partington, was appointed by Senator Paula Hawkins to serve on the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for Florida. Don served on the Commission just after Judge Roger Vinson was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to a seat in the Northern District of Florida.
Dennis K. Larry: Retired Clark Partington attorney Dennis Larry also contributed to the judiciary’s development, serving in the 1980’s on a committee to nominate a Federal Magistrate, an appointment made by Judge Winston Arnow.
These contributions emphasize the firm’s legacy of leadership in shaping the judiciary and its deep commitment to the legal profession.