Pets: Dog, Vada; cats, Guy-Guy and Tommy; and fish, Mr. Shaboom Shaboom.
Education: BA and MS, University of Florida; JD, Florida Coastal School of Law.
Admitted to the Bar: 2009
Employed by: Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
Field of practice: Commercial litigation, including personal injury, wrongful death, auto negligence, business law and premises liability.
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association, including volunteering for the YLD's Run for Cover and chairman of the 2013 JBA Holiday Project.
Community involvement: Board of directors, The Kona School; member, Florida Coastal alumni board of directors; Jacksonville chapter co-leader, Florida Coastal Alumni Association; coach, Westside soccer club (go Dynomites!); and volunteer at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
How did you get involved?
For the Florida Coastal alumni organization, I contacted Lindsay Tygart to discuss ways I could get involved with the local alumni to try and strengthen our relationships, both personal and professional. With Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, I had the time and desire to use my knowledge and abilities to give back to the community, and I had worked for Legal Aid during law school, so I naturally turned to them to find out what I could do. For Westside soccer, I had a son who wanted to play soccer.
How can someone else get involved?
For Florida Coastal alumni looking to become more involved in the local alumni community, contact me or Lauren Griffith to find out about meetings, activities and happy hours. For attorneys looking to do pro bono work, contact Kathy Para at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. She is wonderful to work with, is always appreciative of your time and always has cases you can take.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I learned a lot about areas of the law with which I was previously unfamiliar by working with JALA and it is an excellent way for attorneys to serve the Jacksonville community. The people you help are so appreciative of your efforts and so grateful for your assistance. It really is a great feeling to know you've helped someone achieve something important to their lives that they otherwise wouldn't be able to without your help.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
"Catch-22," by Joseph Heller.