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Paola Parra

Divorce and separation Attorney at Jacksonville, FL

4.9   27 reviews

also known as Paola Parra Harris

  • State Years
    Florida - FL 25 years
    Georgia - GA 27 years
  • Licensed for 25 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1996
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Paola

Learn Paola’s areas of practice.

Ms. Parra Harris is proud to be Cuban born and Florida raised. After arriving in the United States from Havana, Cuba at the tender age of 45 days old with her mother, grandmother, and 2 aunts, she grew up in a matriarchy in Miami, Florida.  Her father, a physician, was not permitted to leave Cuba and later died there. She attended public schools in Dade County and received her Associate of Arts in English Literature from Miami Dade Community College, then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida in 1992 in English Literature with a minor in Secondary Education.  She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia in 1996. She is licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia.

Ms. Parra Harris is fully bilingual and a large percentage of her clientele are Spanish speaking only.  She has been practicing family trial law since 1998 after practicing insurance defense litigation in Atlanta, Georgia since 1996 and later in Jacksonville.

Once in Jacksonville, Ms. Parra Harris helped to form the Hispanic Bar Association of Northeast Florida and served as Founding President. Her demonstrated leadership, energy and enthusiasm to motivate others has gained her election as President of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers’ Association (JWLA), President of the Rotary Club of San Jose, Treasurer of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL) and is currently the Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Jacksonville. She also serves on a Grievance Committee for The Florida Bar.

She was recognized as an Up & Comer by The Business Journal and was invited to join the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2003. In June 2012, she was awarded the “Woman Lawyer of the Year” from her peers by the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA). She is active in many professional and civic organizations in Jacksonville. Jacksonville Mayors Delaney, Peyton, and Brown each have appointed her to various city advisory boards, transition team and, most recently, the Port Task Force.  She has a family of her own and takes seriously the concerns of her clients and is a zealous advocate for each and every client. She takes tremendous pride in that her law practice concentrates in all areas affecting family disputes and of her success in achieving positive results for her Family Law clients.

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Parra Harris Law
6810 St. Augustine Road
Jacksonville, FL, 32217

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  27 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very helpful
I consulted a lot of lawyers before selecting Mercedes. She paid very close attention to what I wanted and explained how we could make sure my case was water tight. Divorce is never a desired outcome when you first marry. Mercedes respected my wishes which were to make sure our children's' needs were met with a fair and equitable outcome.
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Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
I had a great experience with Para-Harris. They were always professional, fairly priced, and worked quickly. Great & timely communication and response time. And everyone was so nice! Highly recommend.
Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough, smart, and caring - PJ rocks
We worked with PJ - she was AMAZING. She took a lot of time going through a mountain of evidence we provided, took thorough notes, and found a strategy that won our case. I've worked with other lawyers in the past, and the commitment to victory that PJ showed was second-to-none. In the courtroom she was prepared and professional, and she was able to secure an outcome that we didn't think was possible. If you need a fighter and someone that does their homework, PJ won't let you down!
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Posted by Andrea | September 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Pj and her team was incredible. Pj was very realistic with the goals within my divorce. She gave updates as needed, and explained any and everything I needed to know. I was very pleased with her professionalism. I am thankful for PJ and her team. Thanks, PJ
Posted by Melissa Cruz | September 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child Support Modification, etc.
Attorney Mercedes Blason Aguilar went above and beyond on my case to ensure my children's safety and wellbeing throughout my case as well as making sure we got the fair amount of child support. I have first hand experienced how passionate she is about her cases and how much time and dedication she puts into getting the best outcome for her clients. The firm was always efficient in keeping me updated and in communication with staff and/or attorneys.
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Posted by Renee | July 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dr. Renee Gallo
Excellent group of attorneys that are committed to protecting children and families. I have been a client of Paola's for years now and I can't speak highly enough of her efforts and her great group of attornys.
Posted by S. N. | June 28, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent and Caring Law Practice
Paola is a very competent and knowledgeable attorney. She showed genuine care and understanding for my family and my case while being aggressive and fighting for what we needed. Her office staff is very friendly and I was able to effectively communicate with Paola and her staff throughout the process. I am very appreciative to have Paola guide me through a difficult and sad process.
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Posted by Desdie | July 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Family Attorney
Paola is a passionate attorney who cares about her clients and works for the best results for children who she represents. We highly recommend her firm. Her legal assistants and receptionist are equally professional !
Posted by Terry | April 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pricilla "PJ" Justiniano
Parra Harris Law is THE place to go for family law! I have tried other places over the years, but NO ONE got me as far as PJ and the rest of the staff! They helped me out SO much in getting equal custody of my daughters! She was realistic and very knowledgeable in the field. She was definitely as described in other reviews. She was a bulldog when it came to deposition and didn't waste time getting to the points. She watched out for me and my finances as we proceeded, and kept me well informed along the way during my push for more custody. I will be forever grateful to her and the staff at Parra Harris.
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Posted by Alejandro | March 25, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Service
I am pleased to relate my experience with Parra Harris Law Firm. I have worked in the past with Paola and had a favorable outcome on a Social Security Benefits case. Most recently, Paola along with the support from others within the firm represented me in my divorce case. Once more the outcome was positive and throughout the whole process I was kept well informed and guided in the right direction. I highly recommend them and most certainly will come back if I ever required law services again.
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Posted by leo | December 8, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Calidad
Paola ha logrado resolver mi caso en un tiempo récord y con los resultados esperados, ella y su equipo son realmente eficientes y conocen perfectamente los caminos para resolver los casos.
Posted by Billy | February 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Controls both sides.
The best thing about Paola is she keep ME in check. Getting divorced is an extremely emotional process and when you act on emotions who knows what can happen. I trust her so I do what I am told. Paola says "do nothing" then I do nothing. If she says "time to act" then I act. I can see how genius her strategy really is now without even going over it. I recommend you hire her and then DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD.
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Posted by Jimmy | August 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Forever Grateful
Paola and her staff helped me attain 50/50 custody of my children and set the school designation based on my residency. I still have her on retainer and will never use anyone else. I would reccommend the same to anyone. Thanks for your continued help Paola!
Posted by Tanya | August 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
worth every brown penny
Paola got me through my divorce in 2012, and then I was pleased. 5 years later her and her counter part Lester impressed me even more by helping my new husband obtain 50/50 custody in a custody modification battle. It was an up hill battle that was executed with such care, professionalism, charisma, and class, that I will forever be indebted, and would recommend anyone to her and her staff. She will never really truly know how much she is appreciated, and what a huge difference she has made in our lives. Lester was absolutely amazing too!!
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Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Safety First
When in a situation that was confusing and quite scary Paola and her staff made me feel a sense of comfort and guidance. They put the best interest of my family and our safety first and foremost. Paola fought hard for making sure myself and my kids were able to go to a environment of safety and peace and she will forever be appreciated.
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Posted by Greta | February 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated, Fair , Honest, and Caring.
I can write all day long and it still won’t be enough to praise how dedicated and fair this attorney is. Paola is selfless, she fights to fair and just, she fights for what is right. Specially when innocent children are caught in the ugly mess of divorce/custody battles. Her caring about others, speaks out for what she believe to be the truth, fair and honesty, Paola battle for me has not been easy, it has been an emotional, financial and physical challange for me, but Paola and her team made sure to be there for me and make the journey smoother. Everytime I walk out of her office after meeting with her I feel confident, I feel secure and I feel trusted. G.E. Boyrie
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Posted by Joyce | January 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A God Send and Outstanding Attorney- Positive, Effective, Responsive
Paola Parra is an amazing attorney, and a true professional. I hired Paola to get me through my difficult divorce and child custody battle. I was up against an abusive man with a record of violence and unlimited resources. I was scared, mentally weak, and confused. She instilled great courage and strength in me during one the most difficult times of my life. She had a strategy for every situation and never backed down. She never let me give up, and I tried many times. She knew what to do and did it perfectly. I am so grateful for her personal touch and for genuinely caring about my son and I. Who knows where I would be if I wasn’t brought to her office by my family that day. But I know I wouldn’t be the strong, confident, independent woman and mother I am today. If you need someone in your corner to help you fight, I recommend Paola!
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Response from Paola Parra February 16, 2016
People ask me how and why I practice family law which can be such an emotionally charged area of law. When I represent clients like you where we successfully navigate the messy litigation of a divorce and custody battle and achieve positive results at trial, it makes it easy for me to know why I do what I do. Thank you and I am glad to have served as your attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Solid second opinion
I went to Ms. Harris to discuss an ongoing legal issue. She offered insight and experience. After meeting with her I felt more confident about how things were going in my case, and I felt more educated about the options I had in front of me.
Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Strong and insightful
Paola is caring and compassionate. She is prepared to take her time with each client and make lists of priorities and concerns. She prepared an intelligent and insightful presentation in my case and delivered results I have not seen with other attorneys.
Posted by Karen | January 2, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Divorce Attorney
Ms. Parra did an excellent job during my divorce process. She made a very unpleasant situation bearable. She was up front with the pros and cons of the case. She was concerned about me as a person, not just another case. Considering the overall situation, I was very pleased with the outcome of the case.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founding Partner / Attorney
  • Parra Harris Law
  • 2016 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Harris Guidi Rosner Dunlap Rudolph, P.A.
  • 1998 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Florida Costal School of Law
  • 2011 - 2012

Education

  • Mercer University - Walter F. George School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1996
  • University of Florida
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1992

Legal Cases

  • Kaprelian v. Kaprelian
  • FH found in contempt of court and request to reduce child support denied.

Associations

  • I. M. Sulzbacher
  • Board Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Member, Family Law and Naturalization Committee Co-Chair
  • 1998 - Present
  • Catholic Lawyers Guild
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Member, Section on: Family Law
  • N/A
  • Catholic Charities of Jacksonville
  • Chair Elect, Board of Directors
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • TruJax
  • 2014 - 2015
  • The Florida Bar
  • Member, Grievance Committee
  • 2014 - 2018
  • Rotary Club of San Jose
  • President
  • 2013 - 2014
  • Jacksonville Mayor's Office
  • Hispanic American Advisory Board - Chair
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Rotary Club
  • Treasurer
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Rotary Club
  • Secretary
  • 2010 - 2011
  • Junior League of Jacksonville
  • Board Member
  • 2007 - 2008
  • Hispanic Bar Association of Northeast Florida
  • Founding President
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Florida Association of Women Lawyers
  • Treasurer
  • 2004 - 2007
  • The Florida Bar
  • Member, Judicial Nominating Procedure Committee
  • 2004 - 2004
  • The Florida Bar
  • Member, Legislative Committee
  • 2004 - 2004
  • Leadership of Jacksonville Class of 2003
  • Member, Selection Committee
  • 2003 - 2016
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • President
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Junior League of Jacksonville
  • Provisional Advisor
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • President-Elect
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Vice President
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Rotaract of Florida's First Coast
  • President
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • Vice President
  • 2001 - 2002
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Women of Distinction
  • Girl Scouts Inc.
  • 2019
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
  • 2012
  • Top 10 Most Influential Hispanics in North Florida
  • EcoLatino
  • 2011
  • Class of 2003
  • Leadership Jacksonville
  • 2003
  • Up and Comer
  • Jacksonville Business Journal
  • 2002
  • Graduation with Honors
  • Mercer University
  • 1996
  • Fellowship
  • Council on Legal Education Opportunity
  • 1993
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Law Day
  • Family Law for the Public
  • N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (3)
Endorse Paola
Family Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Attorney Parra is a caring zealous advocate and professional effective Family Law attorney."
Family Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Parra is an excellent lawyer who understands the needs of clients and is extremely knowledgeable on the law. I would highly recommend her. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"Paola is a tremendous advocate for her family law clients. She lead our family law litigation practice for 18 years at Harris Guidi and her clients were always extremely happy with their results. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paola is an intelligent, hard-working determined attorney who represents clients with tenacity and compassion. She works tirelessly to advocate for her clients and obtain stellar results. She is also an amazing woman who gives back to our community with her time and energy through her participation with many charitable organizations."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Estate planning
Criminal defense

Avvo Contributions

1 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides
Jacksonville Divorce and separation Lawyer Paola Parra
Paola Parra
Divorce and separation Attorney
Jacksonville, FL
Licensed for 27 years