Amber Donley is president of the D.W. Perkins Bar Association, the voluntary Bar association named in honor of Daniel Webster Perkins, one of the first African-American lawyers who practiced in Duval County.
The organization is hosting, in partnership with other local voluntary Bar associations, a “Unity Day” luncheon Jan. 4 in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Miami attorney Michael Higer, president of The Florida Bar, will be the keynote speaker.
In addition, a panel discussion on community unity and partnership will be moderated by Tammy Hodo, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Florida Coastal School of Law.
Visit dwperkinsbar.com for registration details.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
I am really unable to pinpoint a single person who inspired me to pursue a career as an attorney. It was simply a knowing that I had in elementary school. However, I was an avid watcher of the television show “A Different World” so that was probably a contributing factor.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice of law?
I have a bachelor’s in elementary education. The transferable skills I developed as an educator include communication, patience and problem-solving.
How did you decide your practice area? And why have you chosen that?
While attending law school, I interned in a firm that provided exposure to the areas of law I currently practice. In addition, I was a certified legal intern in a family law and disability and public benefits clinic. The areas of law in which I practice are family law, probate, guardianship and estate planning.
If I could change anything in the legal system, I would …
Ensure just outcomes. I am not sure how to achieve this lofty goal, but it is worth pursuing.
What community service have you pursued and why that?
MaliVai Washington Holiday Angel program.
What’s your advice for new lawyers?
Rome was not built in a day and neither is your legal career.