Barbara Kibbey, daughter of well-known Stuart criminal defense attorney Richard Kibbey, graduated this spring from the University of Miami's School of Law.

The 24-year-old carved out a distinctive law school career. She received the honors award for her litigation skills. She clerked for U.S. District Judge Shelby Highsmith and legendary attorney Roy Black. Upon invitation, she became a member of the distinguished Charles C. Papy Jr. Moot Court Board-ranked sixth in the nation. The board selected her, along with only one other student, to compete in the heated University of San Diego National Criminal Procedure Competition.

While at law school, Ms. Kibbey's primary focus was in the area of litigation, specifically tort and criminal law. She is now preparing to take the Florida Bar exam this July.

Focusing on trial law, specifically tort and criminal, personal injury and medical malpractice, Barbara Kibbey will take the Florida Bar this July.

Eager to ensure that the indigent receive fair and just representation in judicial proceedings, she accepted a position with the Public Defender's Office for the 19th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Martin and St. Lucie counties. She begins work Aug. 24.

Following in her father's legal and philanthropic footsteps, Ms. Kibbey also plans to support the community's arts and educational programs and environmental efforts through pro bono work.