Age: 32
Family: My parents and sister moved to St. Augustine from Pittsburgh five years ago. My significant other and I followed suit, relocating from Washington, D.C., in 2010. We have not looked back and do not miss the snow or the traffic.
Pets: Jax, a 4-year-old Boston terrier/beagle mix. He is the light of my life and truly runs the household.
Education: American University Washington College of Law, Juris Doctor; American University, B.A., psychology/law and society.
Admitted to the Bar: January 2012
Employed by: Ansbacher Law
Field of practice: Community associations, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant and civil litigation.
Professional organizations: The Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section and the section's Condominium and Planned Development Committee; The Jacksonville Bar Association; Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association; Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association.
Community involvement: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid pro bono attorney; "Get Moving Jax" running group.
How did you become involved?
I got on the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid mailing list after finally returning one of its post cards. Kathy Para invited me to the JALA office for the grand tour, showed me where to find cases online and promised to provide all the resources I needed to get started.
How can someone else get involved?
JALA cases can always be found online at jaxlegalaid.org/probono/index.php. If you cannot take on an individual case, reach out to Kathy Para and ask to be added to the mailing lists. She can notify you of one-day events like the Advance Directives Pro Bono Project for Seniors.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
As a new lawyer, I had two big concerns about serving as a pro bono attorney. No. 1, how in the world am I going to find time to fit one more thing into my schedule and, No. 2, how can I competently represent someone in an area of law that is not part of my regular practice? I have learned that there are many opportunities to serve, even if your work requirements and family commitments do not permit you to take on individual cases. For example, try a one-day event or sign up to present at a JALA information session. As far as unfamiliar areas of the law go, JALA has an entire bank of CLE materials and mentors on hand to provide guidance. Take it from someone who successfully navigated Citizenship Day without an ounce of immigration experience.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
The long-anticipated final book in the George R.R. Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.