Family: Michael Freed, Sydney Hayley (9), Samantha Rose (4) and step-kids Nicholas (18), Anthony (15) and Brianna (11)
Pets: I had five kids instead. Seriously though, I am not a pet person.
Education: Georgetown University Law Center, JD 2003; Florida Atlantic University, BS 1999
Admitted to the Bar: 2003
Employed by: The Freed Firm, P.A.
Field of practice: In 2004, I relocated to Jacksonville to work with Akerman's Tim McDermott, who is in my opinion (my husband aside), one of the best litigators in our city. Since having my second child, I decided to "lean in" exclusively to work about which I am passionate – combatting human trafficking.
Professional organizations: Member of the bars of Florida, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the United States Supreme Court. Member of The Jacksonville Bar Association and co-chair of the Human Rights Committee of The JBA's Community Outreach Section.
Community involvement: Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, commissioner; Women's Giving Alliance, member; self-appointed community organizer/advocate working on projects focused on awareness of child exploitation and human trafficking; University of North Florida Child Development Research Center, board member; Jacksonville Beach Elementary School, board member; Northeast Florida Great Banquet Community, leader; and Southpoint Community Church, leader.
How did you become involved?
Being young and naïve, I jumped in with two feet first to a handful of great organizations focused on various issues, including education, arts and culture, and human rights. After the realization that I was diluting my impact, I had to … well, like all attorneys ought to, "specialize." That led me to what I devote my time to today.
How can someone else become involved?
Many people have approached me to ask about getting involved with anti-human trafficking initiatives. While I am never shy about answering that question, I think that's the wrong one. The question ought to be, "What do I care about?" The answer to that question can lead to a lifetime of service that can add joy and meaning to your life.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Say no to the good ideas and wait for the great ones! "Life is too short," so strip the veneer and spend your time on the things that matter. I have helped multimillion-dollar corporations and while good, it is the small businessman that could not afford to pay me and the thousands to whom I have brought awareness that may one day save one life, that brings value to mine.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I suffer from reading ADD so I usually have a few at a time. "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg, "God's Not Dead" by Rice Broocks, and for my upcoming family trip, "The Christian Travelers Guide to Italy" by Irving Hexham, David Bershad and Caroline Mangone and "Art for Travellers Italy" by Ann and John Power Morrow.