When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, you expect to hear the usual answer: a dancer, astronaut, firefighter or veterinarian. I remember my peers voicing similar dreams for their future while I was growing up; however, as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an attorney. I was often considered a bookworm when I was in grade school. While that sentiment may not have won me the popularity contest, it did help prepare me for a future practicing law. To this day, I put in extra time reviewing the facts of the case and current legal decisions to better serve my clients and attain the best possible outcome for them at a time when they need it most.

I’ve been practicing law for over 30 years. I provide counsel for compliance on workforce issues and guidance for employment handbooks, manuals, policies, procedures, contracts and training. I have extensive litigation experience including cases alleging age, sex, race and disability discrimination, as well as administrative matters heard before Federal and State agencies. In 1985, I joined a law firm in Fort Lauderdale and became the firm’s first female partner in 1992. In 2000, I established my own practice to further my career goals and afford myself the ability to spend more time with my family. Along with practicing law, I am a Florida Supreme Court-certified mediator for circuit and county courts, Mediator for the United States District Court in both the Southern District and Middle District of Florida and serve as a public arbitrator for FINRA and the Better Business Bureau – Auto Line.

I grew up in a small town in New York and left the cold winters for good to move to South Florida. In my spare time I enjoy listening to live music and reading. I’ve recently taken up kayaking and can happily proclaim I have not experienced any run-ins with unwanted 180-degree flips or alligators. My family and my community are the two most important things to me. I have served on the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies charity for over 20 years, receiving the Lefkow Legacy Award in 2017. This year, I became a board member for the Covenant House, an organization dedicated to serving homeless youth.