Age: 32
Family: Mother, Arleen Poitier; father, Dr. Joseph Poitier; sister, Alexandria Poitier, student at George Washington University.
Pets: One dog, a Maltese named Pepito.
Education: Law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law, 2005; undergraduate degree from Spelman College, 2002.
Admitted to the Bar: State Bar of Georgia, 2005 and The Florida Bar, 2006.
Employed by: Moseley Prichard Parrish Knight and Jones.
Field of practice: My primary practice is in the area of civil litigation, with a focus on products liability and negligence defense. Formerly, I served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Professional organizations: I am a member of The Jacksonville Bar Association, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and D.W. Perkins Bar Association.
Community involvement: Currently, I am a member of The Jacksonville Bar Association's Law Day Committee. I also am a member of the St. Bernadette Council at St. Pius V Catholic Church; the Civil Service Board for the City of Jacksonville; and a member of the Discovery Circle through Ronald McDonald House Charities.
How did you become involved?
Marian Wright Edelman, a Spelman College graduate, once said "Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time." Edelman's words always resonated with me. Additionally, throughout my life, my parents always encouraged me to be active and stay involved within the community. I always try to seize an opportunity to volunteer when it presents itself. This year, I became a member of the JBA Law Day Committee and am currently in charge of the Art Supplies and Toiletries Drive to benefit underprivileged communities. The art supplies will be donated to S.P. Livingston Elementary and the toiletries will be donated to Ecumenical Services.
How can someone else become involved?
The Jacksonville Bar Association is observing Law Day through several events scheduled throughout April and May including "Rendezvous on the River" April 25 at Fionn MacCool's at the Landing to benefit Dreams Come True; a poster contest with the students of S.P. Livingston Elementary and Windy Hill Elementary; and an art supplies and toiletries drive. A good way for people to become involved would be the donation of art supplies and toiletries and attendance at "Rendezvous on the River." The collection bins for the art supplies and toiletries are located in many firms throughout town and at The Jacksonville Bar Association office. Additionally, there are numerous other opportunities to volunteer through association.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Through each volunteer experience I am reminded of the need for volunteers and that every person has something unique to offer the community.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I recently started a book club with Christen Luikart, "Book Worms are Awesome," and our club is reading "Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail," by Malika Oufkir and Michele Fitoussi.