Age: 33
Family: I’m married to fellow attorney Rice Ferrelle and we have our hands full with son Connor (2 years) and daughter Kennedy (6 months).
Pets: Mack the Chocolate Lab (2 1/2 years)
Education: University of Georgia School of Law — and, yes, the Bedell Firm still hired me.
Admitted to the Bar: 2004
Employed by: The Bedell Firm
Field of practice: Commercial litigation.
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association, The JBA Young Lawyers Section, Jacksonville Women Lawyer’s Association, Federal Bar Association.
Community involvement: Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have been matched with my Little Sister, Diamond Williams (age 15), for the past seven years.
How did you get involved?
I simply called Big Brothers Big Sisters and they welcomed me as a volunteer.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I am continually inspired by Diamond and have witnessed many times over the past seven years how much someone with limited means can achieve through hard work, belief in themself and the support of family and friends. Diamond has made the honor roll with all As and Bs every year I have known her — even in her advanced placement classes at Paxon High School. She was recently selected as one of only 40 students in Northeast Florida to participate in the “People to People” student ambassador program. As part of this program, Diamond will travel to several countries in Europe for three weeks (she has never been on an airplane before!) and will meet with government officials, student groups and other community leaders. The student ambassadors will learn about the government, educational systems and cultures of these countries. Needless to say, it will be an amazing experience for Diamond and the other students.
How can someone else get involved?
The cost of participating in the People to People program will be quite difficult for Diamond’s parents, who also have four younger daughters, to afford. If you would like to help Diamond have this experience, Big Brothers Big Sisters will be accepting charitable donations made on Diamond’s behalf. You can pay by cash or check made payable to Big Brother Big Sisters of Northeast Florida and make sure to note that any payment is for Diamond Williams. Your charitable donations can be mailed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, 3100 University Blvd. S., Suite 120, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Thank you very much for supporting Diamond!
What was the last book you read or are reading?
The majority of the books I read now are children’s books. Our favorite right now is “Llama Llama Red Pajama.”