Q&A with Exemplary Public Service Award Winner Howard ‘Rex’ Dimmig
FSU Law honored alumni Rex Dimmig (’78) with the Exemplary Lifetime Public Service Award in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes a Florida State University College of Law graduate who has dedicated their career to public service, demonstrating exceptional character, integrity, humility, professionalism, and the highest ethical standards.
After serving over 27 years as an assistant public defender, Dimmig was elected public defender of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida in 2012, covering Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties. He plans to retire at the end of this year and spend his time traveling in his motorhome, reading things outside of law cases, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Why did you choose FSU College of Law?
Even in high school, I have always had a strong interest in social issues. I was born and raised in the panhandle in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. While I attended Tulane University for my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted to practice law in Florida. I wasn’t a big Gator fan, so FSU was my clear choice.
Walk us through your career after graduation.
I was fortunate to do an externship with the Public Defender's Office in the 10th Circuit between my 2L and 3L years, and I fell in love with the place. After graduating, I agreed to write a brief for the office, and the elected head came in and asked, "Did I want a job?" I was elated.
After two years, I left the Public Defender's Office to work at the State Attorney's Office, where I prosecuted for about four and a half years. I also tried private practice but quickly realized it wasn't for me. If I thought I could help someone, I couldn't push them to pay me. Quite frankly, I went broke in private practice, so I returned to the Public Defender’s Office, and I’ve been here ever since.
How would you describe your job to a law student or someone considering law school?
The role of the elected public defender differs significantly from that of an assistant public defender. I spent years in the courtroom trying cases, from minor misdemeanors to death penalty cases. When my mentor retired after serving 28 years as the elected Public Defender, he asked me to take over, and I agreed.
Now, my job involves lobbying the legislature for fair funding for our employees and managing day-to-day operations. I ensure there are lawyers in the courtrooms and advocate for our clients and attorneys with judges when necessary. It’s become less about practicing law and more about bureaucratic management, but I ensure our lawyers have the resources and respect they need.
Why would you recommend public service as a career path?
Public defenders' offices and other public service law firms are excellent training grounds. You’ll be in a courtroom a few weeks after you start, trying a case. You learn how to practice law here, building on the foundation of legal knowledge provided by law school.
Why is it important to be involved in your community?
It's essential for our students to engage in community activities. As a trial lawyer, being visible in the community was crucial. I’ve met incredible people and gained perspectives I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. Community involvement provides opportunities and compels us to listen, revealing that we have much more in common than our differences.
Who were your biggest influences?
I am incredibly fortunate to have had Toby Simon as a visiting professor during my 1L year. He taught my first and second semesters of criminal law and was an ACLU lawyer, embodying the spirit of public service. The highest pro bono award in the state is named after him. I learned so much from him; in hindsight, he's a significant reason I practice criminal law on defense and believe in public service.
Chuck Ehrhardt also made a profound impression on me. After my 1L year, I participated in the Oxford Summer Program, the same summer he participated as a professor. Learning evidence in such a small class setting taught me a great deal.