Name: Carrington "Rusty" Mead
Age: 47
Family: Kelly Mead, wife, Sarah Smith, daughter, and Matthew Smith, son-in-law.
Pets: Skipper – Green-cheeked Conure. Flash Applesauce, and Olde Victorian Bulldogge. Lucky Lucy, Pit Bull mix. Remi "lil' dog," Miniature Schnoodle. Toby Man, Terrier/springer spaniel mix. Oreo "O-Man," cat. One fish, one crawfish and whatever my wife thinks is in need of a home at the moment. Although, any more and I will have to sleep in the garage in the backyard so don't call me about fostering.
Education: Pensacola Junior College, University of North Florida (Go Ospreys!) and Florida Coastal School of Law.
Admitted to the Bar: Florida Bar April, 2004, Federal Middle District Court of Florida, 2005.
Employed by: Me, myself and I.
Field of practice: Family law, estate planning and probate, VA-accredited veterans benefits and compensation programs. Emphasis in serving military and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients.
Professional organizations: Barrister in Florida Family Law Inn of Court, vetted member of the Family Law Institute of the National LGBT Bar Association (of the American Bar Association), The Jacksonville Bar Association, American Bar Association.
Community involvement: I have constantly worked with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid since law school when I began there as a certified legal intern. I continue to conduct pro se classes and serve individual clients, in the advanced directive workshop and individual cases. I also work with members of the community in advocating for the rights of LGBT people and humane advocacy on the behalf of animals.
How did you become involved?
I have been saying "yes" to people in need of help before I really knew what was going on for years. This is probably how I wound up in the Navy at 19 years old. I can't really say when it started. I have been helping neighbors carry their groceries, etc., since I can remember and I am still mowing lawns for little old ladies.
How can someone else become involved?
Just ask me or anyone else. Ask Kathy Para if you want to help a well-deserving person in need of legal assistance at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. I can't always attend all of the clinics and workshops so someone needs to fill in for me!
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have met some really great people and have experienced wonderful opportunities in the service of others. I have learned that you are limited only by yourself.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Just finished "Rena's Promise: A Story of Sisters in Auschwitz" by Rena Kornreich Gelissen and am now reading "Under the Dome: A Novel" by Stephen King.