Age: I’ll take the fifth on that one.
Family: Immediate: see “Pets” below. Mom, three sisters and lots of nieces, nephews and great-nieces.
Pets: Lindsey and Lulu, my 10-year old lab/chow/ “best of breed” dogs, adopted as puppies from the Jacksonville Humane Society and Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services, respectively.
Education: Stetson University College of Law, University of Miami (MBA), University of Rhode Island.
Admitted to the Bar: 1995
Employed by: Office of General Counsel, City of Jacksonville
Field of practice: General litigation, trial and appellate (civil, commercial, employment, Constitutional/First Amendment), in federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
Professional organizations: Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (vice president); The Florida Bar (Federal Court Practice Committee/Federal Judicial Roundtable Subcommittee co-chair and Fellow); The Jacksonville Bar Association; Chester Bedell Inn of Court (former Barrister); Catholic Lawyer’s Guild.
Community involvement: United Way Women In Local Leadership, St. John’s Catholic Church (president, Pastoral Council, Liturgical Minister and Ladies Guild); Jacksonville Humane Society volunteer dog handler/trainer/groomer.
How did you get involved?
When I joined the City in 2006 from in-house counsel for Revlon, I wanted to get involved again in local Bar activities. By the following year I was involved in the four professional organizations listed above as either a board member or committee chair. It was a great way to “re-introduce” myself to the Jacksonville legal community. My volunteer work at the Jacksonville Humane Society stems from my love for my two adopted pups and the increasing needs of the humane society and other similar organizations to find good homes for pets. Working with them to make them more “adoptable” has been one of my goals and passions.
How can someone else get involved?
As they say for a first-time author, “write about what you know and love.” I’d say the same applies for volunteer work. Find your passion and you’ll find the time to volunteer. You truly get back more than you give.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
That your time expands exponentially when you are doing something valuable and that you have a passion for. That and there are so many needs out there, and the rewards are great. As lawyers, we can be great role models in our community. I think we have a responsibility in that regard.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The Third Secret,” by Steve Berry. Oh, and some riveting CLE CDs on the Power of Attorney and labor and employment law.