Age: Over 40
Family: Husband, Christopher G. Canady, and stepson, Christian L. Canady.
Pets: Coco Canady, a 2-year-old beagle/dachshund mix.
Education: B.A., University of North Florida, psychology major, 1993, and J.D., University of Florida, Levin College of Law, 1996.
Admitted to the Bar: September 1996
Employed by: Managing attorney at Three Rivers Legal Services Inc., a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services to low-income and financially needy people in Northeast Florida.
Field of practice: Poverty, probate, guardianship, housing and family law.
Professional organizations: President-elect of the D.W. Perkins Bar Association for 2014-15. I am also a member of The Jacksonville Bar Association.
Community involvement: Board member of Emergency Services Homeless Coalition since 2009. I also volunteer with and provide legal education presentations to community groups such as the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency and Edward Waters College, Schell-Sweet Community Resource Center. I attend church at First Baptist Church of Oakland.
How did you get involved?
Since graduating law school, I worked on behalf of underserved communities by volunteering with local Bar associations, community organizations and my church.
It is in my current position with Three Rivers Legal Services where I have been given the best opportunity to be a legal advocate for vulnerable people struggling with a wide swath of legal issues, such as affordable housing, family law, probate and public benefits. I work daily with people who are faced with the most challenges, but with the least access to resources.
I also believe by volunteering with organizations such as the Emergency Services Homeless Coalition, the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency or Edward Waters College, Schell-Sweet Community Resource Center, I am empowering poor and disenfranchised people by increasing their access to justice through legal education and advocacy.
How can someone else get involved?
Attorneys make a major contribution to improving the lives of the underserved by being leaders in the effort in protect vulnerable people in our community. Volunteer with a legal aid organization, take a pro bono case or work with a nonprofit organization. However you choose to use your legal skills, be a leader and be passionate about the work for those most in need of your service.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
The privilege of being a lawyer comes with the duty of service to the community.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
The last book I read was “The Treasury of Foolishly Forgotten Americans: Colorful Characters Stuck in the Footnotes of History” by Michael Farquhar. I am a history buff so this book was a fun and fascinating read.