Carter Hillstrom

About Carter Hillstrom

As a founding member of Shemtov Hillstrom, Carter Hillstrom combines decades of trial experience with a results-driven approach to advocacy. Known for his meticulous preparation and persuasive courtroom presence, Carter handles each case with the same dedication and focus, whether it’s guiding families through complex legal disputes or defending clients facing serious criminal charges.

Carter’s experience as a former prosecutor in Broward County gives him an unparalleled understanding of how to craft winning strategies and anticipate the moves of opposing counsel. His commitment to every client is simple: to fight for the best possible outcome with integrity and determination.

If you’re looking for a trial attorney with the experience and dedication to handle your case, schedule a free consultation with Carter Hillstrom today.

 

Biography

Carter Hillstrom, an AV-Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, leads the trial practice at Shemtov Hillstrom. With over 90 jury trials and more than 1,000 bench trials under his belt, Carter brings unparalleled courtroom experience to every case, serving as both a lawyer and quasi-judicial officer throughout his career.

Before entering private practice, Carter served as an Assistant State Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was the first attorney in his class to be promoted and quickly advanced through the ranks of the Office of the State Attorney (17th Circuit). During his tenure, he prosecuted serious crimes such as murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, attempted murder, and armed robbery. Carter successfully handled several high-profile cases and was honored as the felony prosecutor with the most “career criminal convictions.” His final assignment was with the elite Economic Crime Unit, where he specialized in complex white-collar crimes.

In addition to his legal practice, Carter serves as a traffic hearing officer for Broward County Court. In this role, he presides over traffic cases and shares his expertise by teaching continuing legal education courses for judges and hearing officers. He has also chaired the statewide Rules of Traffic Court Committee for the Florida Bar (2021–2022) and contributed to the Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Committee and the Special Joint Subcommittee on “Marsy’s Law.”

Carter earned his law degree from St. Thomas University on a full academic scholarship, graduating a semester early. During law school, he edited the St. Thomas Law Review, completed a judicial clerkship, and gained practical experience as a certified legal intern with the Office of the State Attorney.

He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, earning a degree in journalism. While at U.F., Carter was actively involved in Student Government, the Interfraternity Council, and Gator Growl. He also served as president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Between his undergraduate and legal studies, Carter worked as a journalist, producing interactive news for a major New York cable conglomerate and later for a local television station in Tampa. He also worked as a freelance sportswriter and independent public relations consultant during law school, further honing his communication and analytical skills.

Carter’s broad experience, from high-stakes prosecutions to private advocacy, combined with his commitment to integrity and excellence, makes him a trusted and effective advocate for his clients.