Name: Carolyn S. Zisser
Age: Another baby boomer
Family: Husband, Elliot Zisser; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Lindsey Zisser, and their daughter, Lily; and daughter, Alison Zisser.
Pets: Our last dog died when our daughter went off to college.
Education: B.A. New York University, cum laude, philosophy, major/ political theory, 1969, and J.D., George Washington University Law School, 1972
Admitted to the Bar: October 1972
Employed by: Carolyn S. Zisser, P.A.
Field of practice: Marital and family law
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association (first chair of Family Law Section of the JBA after formation of the Family Law Division); Jacksonville Family Law Inn of Court (master); The Florida Bar (previously served on first Family Law Rules Committee); American Bar Association (Family Law Section); Military Family Law Committee; Law Practice Management Section; Jacksonville Women’s Network; and Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
Community involvement: Jacksonville Beaches Chamber of Commerce, board member and former trustee; Jacksonville Chamber Music Project; formed Friends of the Jacksonville Symphony; patron of the Jacksonville Symphony; and writing and lecturing on family law issues.
How did you become involved? As soon as I arrived in Jacksonville, newly married and had completed law school in Washington, D.C., I became involved in social issues, including women’s rights, and spoke at community organizations about emerging social issues.
I was formerly a staff attorney in the Duval County Legal Aid from 1972-75 and handled the case that established the right of city employees to a hearing before being terminated.
Also, I have always actively supported the Jacksonville Symphony, inspired by my love of orchestral music while growing up in Philadelphia.
How can someone else become involved? Follow your passions and strive for excellence in all that you do.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience? You will be very successful if you are great in what you do. The hardest thing for me to learn is that perfection, although often desired, is not attainable nor desirable. Life is not always fair. Live every day to the fullest!
What was the last book you read or are reading? Currently I am reading “The Creative Jewish Wedding Book” (for our daughter’s wedding). The last book I read was “Girl Left Behind” by JoJo Moyes.