Jacob Zach Winsett didn’t always see himself as a judge or an attorney. He started life far from a courthouse—on a farm in Chrisney, Indiana. His days were spent helping his dad, who worked as both a farmer and a welder. It was honest work that taught him discipline early on.
“I learned about responsibility at a young age,” Winsett says. “You can’t skip chores on a farm. It doesn’t work that way.”
Growing up with a brother who became a police officer and a sister who became a nurse, service was always part of the family culture. Sports were too. Winsett played basketball, baseball, and football as a kid. “Being part of a team helped me understand discipline and leadership,” he adds.
These early lessons shaped a career that would lead him to the front lines of justice in southern Indiana.
Where Did Zach Winsett Go to School?
After graduating from Heritage Hills High School, Winsett stayed close to home and attended the University of Southern Indiana. Later, he earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
“Law school taught me how to think in a completely new way,” he says. “But growing up on a farm taught me how to work hard.”
His path wasn’t linear. Winsett didn’t jump into a flashy law firm. Instead, he focused on public service and the local legal community.
What Law Firms and Courts Has Zach Winsett Worked With?
Starting his legal journey at Burley Scales Law Office is where Jacob Zach Winsett built his skills and reputation. Before long, he became a partner at Scales and Winsett Law Office.
But his career didn’t stop with private practice. Winsett stepped into public service, taking on roles that many attorneys avoid due to the pressure and low visibility. He worked as the Warrick County Public Defender, a job that placed him directly in the courtroom, representing those who often had no one else.
“Being a public defender is one of the hardest jobs in law,” he says. “But it matters. It’s where you learn what justice really looks like.”
Winsett went on to serve as the Warrick County Drug Court Public Defender, a position that tied legal work with community recovery. He later joined the Warrick County Courts as a Magistrate and eventually became a Judge in Warrick County Superior Court.
What Committees and Associations Is He Involved In?
Beyond the bench, Winsett is deeply involved in shaping the justice system. He sits on the Warrick County Merit Board and participates in multiple committees, including:
Warrick Jail Committee
Community Corrections Committee
Court Alcohol and Drug Program Committee
He also teaches legal education classes for attorneys and judges. “The law is always changing,” he explains. “If we’re not learning, we’re falling behind.”
What Are His Passions Outside of Law?
Outside of work, Winsett stays grounded. He’s a regular at live music concerts and enjoys running. He still finds time for youth sports, both as a supporter and volunteer.
“Youth sports helped shape who I am. I want to pass that forward,” he says. His connection to the community isn’t just professional. It’s personal.
Why Is Zach Winsett Considered a Leader in Law?
Winsett doesn’t chase headlines. He works behind the scenes, where policies and practices take shape. His focus on both defense and reform—especially through drug court programs—marks him as a balanced and thoughtful figure in Indiana’s legal system.
“Leadership isn’t about making noise,” he says. “It’s about showing up, doing the work, and staying honest with people.”
His career proves that you don’t need to come from a big city or a high-profile background to lead. With a firm sense of right and wrong, and a willingness to listen, Winsett has earned respect in the courtroom and beyond.
What Can Others Learn from Zach Winsett’s Journey?
Winsett’s story shows how dedication and local roots can grow into wide-reaching impact. He didn’t set out to impress anyone—he set out to serve. And along the way, he became someone others look to for guidance.
“Start with what’s in front of you,” he advises. “The big stuff comes later. First, do the small things well.”
In a legal world that often rewards flash over function, Winsett offers something different: consistency, care, and a quiet kind of strength.
Read more:
Jacob Zach Winsett: From Farm Roots to the Courtroom Bench