Name: Deborah L. Greene
Age: 51
Family: Steve Combs, husband and law partner; two children, ages 23 and 14; and father, Ralph N. Greene, III, former chief assistant state attorney and now of counsel with our firm.
Pets: Shih Tzu, Chrissie
Education: Undergraduate, Florida State University, bachelor’s degree in studio art, 1985, and J.D., FSU, 1991 (with high honors, top 10 percent of class).
Admitted to the Bar: 1992
Employed by: Combs Greene, shareholder
Field of practice: Family and matrimonial law
Professional organizations: The Florida Bar
Community involvement: Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, president 2005-06; The Florida Bar Grievance Committee “C,” chair 2008 and vice chair 2007; The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee, 2009-11; The Florida Bar Family Law Rules Committee; Florida Family Law Inn of Court (Master of the Inn); previously on The Jacksonville Bar Association Professionalism Committee; and The Women’s Law Symposium, FSU, president 1990-91.
How did you become involved?
My involvement in the legal community began in law school, with my service to The Women’s Law Symposium, where I served as the president in 1990 and 1991. Since then I’ve volunteered my time to one of The Florida Bar’s local grievance committees, on which I eventually served as the chair in 2008, as well as being on the board, and ultimately serving as president of the Jacksonville Women’s Lawyers Association 2005-06. I have also served in many leadership capacities with First Christian Church, Central Christian (now known as Springfield Christian Church) and Riverside Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including serving on the board, being a member of the diaconate and serving as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher and camp counselor. I have also helped innumerable people with various legal issues/litigation on a pro bono basis over the years.
How can someone else become involved?
Getting involved in the community, with a spiritual organization, professional organizations and non-lawyer community organizations helps us lawyers have more balanced lives. Find a way to volunteer, whether it be in a legal organization or some other organization that interests you. It’s a great way to network and make friends, as well as provide service to others and putting the stresses of being a lawyer aside, even if only for a short time, isn’t bad either.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
It’s always great to give back in some way. Not only is it rewarding, but lasting friendships and relationships are forged that enhance life, both professionally and personally.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Well I’m always reading something. I spent many months reading the “Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon. I just finished reading the “Into the Wilderness” series by Sara Donati and I’m currently reading the “Welsh Prince” series by Sharon Kay Penman. But my all-time favorite books are “The Little Prince,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” “Little Women” and “The Secret Garden.”