Name: Allison White Forsyth
Age: 50
Family: children, Alex (15) and Abby (10).
Pets: Daisy (dog)
Education: BA, Political Science, University of Florida, 1982: JD, Walter F. George School of Law, Macon, Ga., 1989.
Admitted to the Bar: 1989
Employed by: Self-employed since 1994; solo private practice
Field of practice: Social Security disability law
Professional Organizations: Member, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives; member, Social Security Disability Law Committee, The Jacksonville Bar Association
Community Involvement: Beaches Habitat for Humanity - Vice President 2010-11; Family Selection Committee Member, Beaches Habitat
How did you get involved?
Kathy Para asked me to participate in this new program, Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership. I met with Kathy and she explained the need to have local attorneys with specific legal expertise handle cases and resolve conditions that jeopardize health and well-being. She has set up this partnership between attorneys and medical professionals with the agreement to work together toward a common goal. I agreed to handle Social Security disability cases pro bono.
How can someone else get involved?
Contact Kathy Para at 356-8371.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
JALA does a great job of meeting the needs of individuals who cannot afford an attorney but the legal community as a whole can always do more to help. My involvement with Beaches Habitat for Humanity is so rewarding. Through the family selection committee I am able to meet directly with families who have been identified as having the need and qualifications to become Habitat homeowners. I get to see the family all the way through from the initial interview to the wall-raising ceremony, and then at the dedication ceremony when they move into their new house. My family business, Aqua East Surf Shop, has been a long- time financial partner and supporter of Beaches Habitat. My son does his community service hours for high school by working for Beaches Habitat, so it truly is all in the family.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo,” by Stieg Larsson.