Age: 31
Family: My husband and I live in Jacksonville Beach with a son due Dec. 1.
Pets: We have two cats and one dog - Mittens, Spaz and Pete respectively. Pete is a Sheltie.
Education: I graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia in 2001 and earned my J.D. from the University of Alabama in 2005.
Admitted to the Bar: I was admitted to the Virginia Bar in 2005 and the Florida Bar in 2008.
Employed by: Dosio & Lawrence
Field of practice: Family Law and criminal defense
Professional Organizations: The Florida Bar
Community Involvement: Before moving to Jacksonville this summer, I regularly volunteered with a program called Youth, Education, and Support which mentored at risk middle school-aged children. Annually, I taught fifth graders how to conduct a criminal trial which culminated in them performing the trial in court in front of a judge. Since moving to Jacksonville, I have started getting involved in Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s (JALA) CLE Pro Bono program. After I give birth and my physical endurance is back up, I plan on becoming more involved in community outreach programs through my church.
How did you get involved?
Regarding JALA, I contacted Kathy Para and asked for information.
How can someone else get involved?
They can contact Kathy Para or Sarah Fowler about volunteering with JALA. Information can be found at www.jaxlegalaid.org. One does not have to be involved in legal matters only. Most needs in the community can be filled by simply offering assistance. Many community organizations and churches have programs to fill these needs and are happy to have new volunteers.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
JALA’s CLE program allows an attorney to pick up new skills by teaching the attorney the basics of a particular topic and then allowing that attorney to put what he or she has learned into practice. Of course, helping a person who has no resources to get legal assistance in traditional ways is beyond rewarding.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I am currently reading “Peyton Place.” I read it for a “20th Century Best Sellers” class at UVA and decided to give it a second look.