Age: 27
Family: Husband, Hunter; son, Colton (2)
Pets: None
Education: Stetson University, BBA finance and marketing; University of Florida Levin College of Law, JD
Admitted to the Bar: 2010
Employed by: Mathis & Murphy
Field of practice: Business and civil litigation, medical malpractice defense and business transactions.
Professional organizations: The Florida Bar; The Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and Business Law Section; Jacksonville Area Defense Counsel.
Community Involvement: Board of directors for Girls Inc. of Jacksonville, a wonderful organization encouraging young women to be strong, smart and bold; Young Lawyers Section Noon in June committee member, Justice Teaching Program and booster member of the Green Cove Springs Wrestling Club.
How did you get involved?
I knew I wanted to volunteer with YLS when I was a law clerk attending Noon in June myself. Noon in June is an annual event hosted by YLS for law clerks and interns to introduce them to Jacksonville’s legal community. Once I started working in Jacksonville, I immediately reached out to one of the board members to learn more about volunteer opportunities. This is my second year as a committee member for Noon in June and I have really enjoyed getting to meet all the law clerks and interns. In addition to Noon in June, I also have volunteered with “Holidays in January,” another great event hosted by YLS that provides a Christmas or Hanukkah for children that were placed in foster care during the holidays. The event includes Santa, cookies, face-painting, and a bicycle for every child.
As for Girls Inc., I have Jill Bechtold to thank for introducing me to this organization. The organization hosts after-school programs and summer camps focusing on educating young women in the areas of literacy skills, healthy living/obesity prevention, pregnancy prevention and financial independence.
How can someone else get involved?
Ask. Whether it is YLS or Girls Inc., or any other philanthropic cause that sparks your interest, find someone who already is involved and ask how you can help. I don’t know of a single organization that would turn down volunteers.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I moved to Jacksonville for work (and love) two years ago and knew nothing about the city. I wanted to get involved to meet people, but I have gained so much more. Having the opportunity to volunteer with these organizations has given me a greater appreciation for the Jacksonville community and a better understanding of Jacksonville’s diverse population. I am extremely grateful for the work that these organizations do and thankful that I have been able to be a part of their missions.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“Llama Llama Red Pajama,” by Anna Dewdney. We read it nightly in my house.