I have been litigating cases in Pensacola, Escambia and Santa Rosa County and the Florida Panhandle for over 25 years. I enjoy the challenge of complex cases, designing strategies for success and then fighting through to a great result. I can help you with your HURRICANE claims, automobile accidents, family law, divorce, custody, child support and probate issues. I will fight DCF. If you have been turned down by others, don't give up until you give me a call. Be sure to check out my website at
History
INNOVATION
Parenting Coordination: Carmela Porter, and I recognized a need for parenting assistance in high conflict divorces above what the adversarial system provides. We worked with our local family law judges to institute a program to provide services in the most extreme cases. These cases often involve parties with mental health problems and extreme personality difficulties.
Attorney Guardian Ad Litem Program: I saw a need in the family law legal setting to provide the court with thorough and unbiased information regarding children, parents, and extended families to assist the judges in making difficult parenting determinations. The adversarial judicial method of conducting a dissolution of marriage can create hostile family situations in which the children are used as weapons against others. I initially raised the proposal in a conference with Circuit Judge Marci Goodman who supported the idea. Attorney, Gayle Ryba and I then framed the structure of the program. This program is different than the volunteer Guardian Ad Litem program. This program requires trained attorneys to work closely with the families to gather pertinent information for the Court. The attorneys agree take a reduced hourly rate to make this service available to families and the judicial system in our community.
Arkansas Law Talk: While living in Arkansas I saw a need for minorities in our community to have access to a quality legal information/education. I established the television program “Arkansas Law Talk” on a minority station. This pre-recorded show featured weekly guests including the Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Political Science Department:I developed a recording procedure for my performance as a student at Florida State University participating in an independent study/internship. The Political Science Department Dean found the procedure exceptional and adopted it for all future students.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS
1995 - Present The Florida Bar - All State Courts, Attorney in Good Standing
1992 - Present The Arkansas Bar - All State Courts, Attorney in Good Standing
1992 - Present United States District Court for the Eastern and Western District of Arkansas - Attorney in Good Standing
2012 - Present Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator
2013 - Present Qualified Parenting Coordinator
2008 - Present Approved Attorney Guardian Ad Litem
COMMUNITY SERVICE
1995 to Present Pensacola India Association - President - 2010 - Present
1995 to Present The Florida Bar - Member
1995 to Present The Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association - Member
1992 to Present The Arkansas Bar Association - Member
2007,2008 Co-Founder and Race Director for ESRBA Century Ride, Milton, Florida
1996 to Present ESRBA Family Law Committee
1999 to Present Woodbridge Home-owner’s Association, President, 1999 - 2001
1990’s St. Paul Lutheran Church, Church Council Member
1960's to Present Member, St. Paul Lutheran Church
1993 - 1994 Arkansas State Jaycees - Legal Counsel