Age: Old enough to know better.
Family: I have been married for 34 years to Lew Ritter (“no” we are not related to the former mayor). We have three boys, Levi, Jonah and Sam. A daughter-in-law, Kasey, a soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Jasmine, and three lively grandchildren, Meg, Charlotte and Levi IV.
Pets: Other than the owl in our back tree, none.
Education: The Ohio State University College of Law (J.D.) with honors, 1989; The Ohio State University (BSN), 1979.
Admitted to the Bar: 1989.
Employed by: Florida Coastal School of Law.
Field of practice: Assistant professor, in charge of the Trial Practice and Mock Trial programs.
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association; The Florida Bar; The Florida Bar Foundation, Fellow and Life Member; American Bar Association Foundation, Sustaining Member; Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Barrister (1999-2003); The College of Master Advocates & Barristers, Senior Counsel.
Community involvement: The past four years I have been one of the organizers of the Kids’ Kitchen project at Palms Presbyterian Church. Kids’ Kitchen provides meals for 100 children a week throughout the summer vacation. These children would qualify for subsidized meals during the school year, but not during the summer break. I was recently appointed to the board of directors for the Youth Crisis Center. I am excited to begin learning how best to serve YCC as a member of its board.
How did you get involved?
For both of these organizations I became involved by merely asking “what can I do?” After spending years sitting on bleachers at the boys’ sporting events, playing chauffeur and trying to be the perfect coach’s wife, I decided it was time to do something for me. And what I wanted most was to give back when I have been so richly blessed.
How can someone else get involved?
From my experience, there are dozens of opportunities out there. Typically if you show interest in an organization, they will be more than happy to put you to work.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I’ve learned that I am happiest when I am making someone else’s life a little easier.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. I loved the movie, too.