Veronica Rivera Mueller is an Assistant Professor of Legal Writing, where she applies her practical experience to teach legal analysis and written advocacy. She has over a decade of experience in criminal prosecution and has established a distinguished career in the courtroom. She has litigated a wide range of complex criminal cases, including homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and large-scale organized fraud. Her work as a prosecutor is characterized by meticulous legal writing and a strong commitment to ethical practices.

Before joining the faculty at St. Thomas University College of Law, Professor Rivera Mueller was a Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor. In that role, she led multi-jurisdictional investigations and prosecutions related to organized crime, focusing on crimes targeting vulnerable populations. Central to this position was the ability to navigate legal issues involving jurisdiction, double jeopardy, and constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure. She has authored and successfully argued various motions and responses that have influenced the outcomes of significant cases throughout Florida. In addition to her courtroom work, Professor Rivera Mueller has collaborated with community groups on fraud prevention initiatives concerning senior citizens.

Professor Rivera Mueller began her prosecutorial career at the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, where she quickly distinguished herself and advanced through the most elite trial divisions. In the Homicide Unit, she prosecuted capital offenses and developed expertise in evidentiary challenges, self-defense law, and trial advocacy. Her earlier work in the Traffic Homicide and Felony Trial Units provided her with a nuanced understanding of criminal procedure, litigation, and trial strategy. Having managed thousands of cases, she has served both as a lead trial attorney and as a mentor to junior prosecutors, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making, transparency with victims, and rigorous pretrial litigation.

Professor Rivera Mueller earned her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida. She is a member of the Florida Bar.