Age: 36
Family: Husband, Troy; daughter, Eva (9), and son, Tyron (7).
Pets: Two dogs, Titan and Tuck; one cat, Lola.
Education: Northeastern University School of Law, 2007; Purdue University, B.S., 1997.
Admitted to the Bar: 2008 — Florida and Massachusetts
Employed by: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Inc.
Field of practice: A mixed bag of fair housing, foreclosure defense/consumer law, and prisoner re-entry (sealing and expunging of records, drivers licenses and some family law).
Professional organizations: The Florida Bar; The Jacksonville Bar Association.
Community involvement: I currently participate as a parent-volunteer on Mondays with the Run/Walk Club at my son’s school. If you have kids, this type of involvement is a no-brainer. You get to spend time with your kids while getting some much-needed exercise.
Most of my community involvement, however, spills over from my practice as a relatively newer lawyer. I’ve been involved with the C.A.R.E Program (which teaches Credit Abuse Resistance Education to disadvantaged high school students), Ask-A-Lawyer events, and other similar outreach projects that provide legal information and education to underprivileged members of our community. I’ve also been involved with the Public Defender’s Office as a pro bono attorney.
How did you get involved?
I’ve always been motivated by public interest initiatives that address the needs of impoverished and underrepresented populations. As a staff attorney at JALA, I witness on a daily basis the dire needs of many individuals and families in our community. Their stories are often so heart-breaking that I’m compelled to contribute, outside of my job, to their causes. As a full-time mother and lawyer I’ve found that taking on a pro bono case and getting involved in other types of outreach events like Ask-A-Lawyer has been a simple way for me to extend my time and service to the community.
How can someone else get involved?
Please visit www.onepromiseflorida.org.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
First and foremost, I’ve learned how extremely fortunate I am. Second, I’ve learned that individuals who are facing a crisis often care more about the ear you lend them and the voice you give them than the result you can achieve for them. And finally, I’ve gained confidence in my abilities as an advocate for marginalized populations and deepened my desire to pursue agendas for social justice and equality.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Kindred” by Octavia Butler