Yolanda was born and raised in Newberry and Gainesville, Florida. She began her criminal law experience very early as a member of the Criminal Justice Academy at Newberry High School, where she participated in countless Teen Court proceedings where she was able to prosecute, defend, and judge cases. She went on to graduate from Buchholz High School, while being dual-enrolled at Santa Fe College. Yolanda continued her education at the University of Central Florida, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies. Soon after, she obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
While in law school, she studied abroad at the Université d’Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France, where she studied International Business Law, and Human Rights Protection in Regional and Global Context. She also participated in the Disability & Public Interest Clinic, Veteran Law Clinic, and Criminal Law Clinic. She was also a member of the Criminal Law Club, Corporate Law Club and the Women's Law Student Association.
Yolanda first became licensed in the state of Georgia. While in Georgia, she worked as a Third Year Practicing Attorney for the Office of the Child Attorney, where she defended children's legal rights and protections of child clients alleged to be abused and/or neglected throughout the dependency process, as mandated by the Georgia Constitution.
After her tenure with the Office of the Child Attorney, she joined the Dekalb County District Attorney's Office, where she was a Third Year Practicing Attorney in the Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Women and Children Division. More particularly, she practiced in the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, assisting in the prosecution of cases in which children have been victims of physical and/or sexual abuse, neglect or death, in addition to human trafficking and child sexual exploitation crimes.
Yolanda’s family has been in Alachua County since the 1800s. Needless to say, she is very passionate about her clients and representation, as most of her clients are citizens from her native community. Since the beginning of her legal career, she has been fervently devoted to public service and advocacy. As a criminal trial lawyer, Yolanda has independently represented approximately 1200 clients in misdemeanor and felony cases.
Prior to becoming Managing Partner for Bullock & Means, Yolanda was the Head of the Criminal Department at the Meldon Law Firm, who is partnered with the Florida Gators. As Head of the Criminal Department, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm's criminal defense practice. This role involved leadership, case management, business development, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Ms. Means remains affiliated with Meldon Law as "Of Counsel," maintaining a close, regular, and personal relationship.
Beyond her legal expertise, she has a unique blend of experience, community engagement, and both local and state affiliations.
Yolanda's Community and Involvement:
Florida Justice Association
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International
Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association
Gainesville Area Trial Lawyer Association
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL)
Take Stock & Children Mentorship Program
Yolanda’s hobbies and interests include reading, fishing, traveling, attending church, and spending time with family. Her bubbly personality separates her from the fray. She is a zealous attorney and a force to be reckoned with and is known to fight for every client until the end.
As a Managing Partner for Bullock & Means, she fights to ensure that justice is done right!
