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Kendra Eleanor Parris

Health care Attorney at Orlando, FL

5.0   8 reviews
  • Licensed for 13 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2010
    Status
    Member in Good Standing Lawyer disciplined in 2016

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016. See details

About Kendra

Learn Kendra’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Health care
    40%
    I work on the unique area of mental health law, and in particular Baker Act defense when a loved one is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility. We try to get your family member released as quickly as possible.

    11 years

  2. Probate
    30%
    Probate is a complicated process after the death of a loved one to ensure that his or her property is distributed correctly. I work with families to assist with a probate process that is as speedy and painless as possible.

  3. Estate planning
    10%

  4. Guardianship
    10%
    I assist families through the Florida adult guardianship process, with considerable involvement in ensuring appropriate care for the individual and making sure the process goes smoothly.

  5. Wills and living wills
    10%
    Creating a succession plan for your property is necessary no matter how large or small your estate is. I try to come up with unique and creative solutions to help you make a plan that fits with your individual needs and desires.

After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in philosophy, I attended Florida State University to receive my juris doctorate. I worked as assistant general counsel for three years at the Florida Department of Corrections, where my focus was administrative rulemaking. Afterward, I joined Oglethorpe, Inc. - one of Florida's largest mental health and substance abuse treatment providers. Specifically, my work focused on Baker Act issues, compliance, Medicaid, Medicare, and legal trends regarding mental health and substance abuse care in Florida and the nation.

I commenced my own practice in 2016. My experience working for a Baker Act receiving facility poised me to understand the intricacies of Florida's Mental Health Act, involuntary civil commitments, and the legal aspects of psychiatric care in particular (such as rights to refuse medication, the hearing process and objections to magistrates' reports, and habeas proceedings to request release from civil commitment status). My firm brings civil suits against providers that violate patients' express statutory rights and constitutional rights.

My practice also focuses on probate and adult guardianship, both of which are often linked to civil commitment issues. Both the probate process and guardianship process are complex and lengthy; my experience working with the state's largest agency on administrative rulemaking has come in handy when dealing with the many agencies that might be involved in probate and guardianship matters. Additionally, I prepare estate plans on the front end to ensure that when probate and trust administration become necessary, my clients have all of their ducks in a row.

Finally, I take postconviction cases on a pro bono basis in order to assist inmates who have exhausted all of their appeals and need help through the labyrinth of rules and case law governing corrections of sentences and vacating convictions.

As a member of the Orange County Bar Association, I am a jury advisor and judge for the county's Teen Court Program. I am also a devoted mental health advocate for professional and personal reasons. Several years ago, I was sexually assaulted; this experience had a domino effect on my life and led to consequences far beyond the immediate trauma (in fact, leading to the 30-day  Bar suspension noted on this page). I understand the importance of the issue from the provider, patient, and attorney perspective, and I try to assist families through what I personally know to be a very difficult time in their lives.

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Contact Kendra

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Parris Law, Pa
7065 Westpointe Blvd Ste 317
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  8 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Chandler Scott Johnson | December 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Goddess Athena
I wrote an awe inspired review for this attorney once before. Just wanted to add: she risked her life for me. Moreover, she was selected by CCHR for a reputation of such bravery.
Posted by Andrea | January 24, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Probate
Kendra handled my probate claim after my dad’s will went missing. While the state of Florida tends to rule with the spouse, Kendra negotiated a settlement that protected the rights of my siblings and I and fulfilled my father’s true wishes.
Posted by Oliver | June 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredibly kind, tenacious and ethical.
I had to go outside Broward to fight a ridiculous RPO from the Broward Sheriff that was not about an RPO -- as I have no prior arrests -- no a single allegation ever that I was or had a history of violence ever. Moreover, it was based on false claims by neighbors whom i had reported to the OIG for Election fraud, managed to get the BSO to send in a 40 man SWAT team to serve me civil papers. Not an arrest warrant, and not a search warrant. Simply civil process service. After trying to go pro se - as every other lawyer in Broward was unwilling to take the case, I found Kendra Parris. In a short time, she put together a fantastic brief that while academic -- was so well reasoned, and laid out the case law and constitutional issues in a way I could never have dreamed of. Solid in its logic, scholarly yet accessible -- let alone she could write for both legal and lay audiences - that was astounding in its clarity, and a firmer grasp on the issues that the legislature in their haste to pass a bill -- that while noble in principle was not through at all -- trampled rights in an inexcusable way. No matter what happens, I will always be grateful for her time and passion and dedication to righting wrongs done under a hastily written and unconstitutional reaction to the MSD tragedy. She has renewed my faith that there are in fact, lawyers who are passionate about justice. I cannot speak more enthusiastically about the passion and dedication she shows to her work and clients. I will be forever grateful for her keen interest and laser sharp focus. She is an advocate the like of which I have not encountered before.
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Posted by anonymous | September 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing lawyer
The city of Apopka decided to file, a very complicated situation, a risk protection order against me I contacted Kendra Parris because after I did research on her I felt she was the person that should represent me I had contacted a lot of other attorneys who wanted to charge me over 6,000 dollars to handle it And the other attorneys didn't have a lot of experience with the risk protection order Today I went to court with Kendra Parris who represented me in the risk protection order I had been charged with. Kendra parris argued the case with the city of Apopka attorney to the judge After arguing case law and statutes back and forth Which I should say Kendra knew the law like the back of her hand I was amazed Kendra Paris had dealt with a lot of things and put an extensive amount of research and time into my case Not to mention the amount of stress I was under After about 2 hours in court with Kendra against apopka, a amazing battle of law I must say, WE WON THE CASE AGAINST APOPKA!! I am so relieved. Kendra was amazing in Court, I wish you could have been there to see it She is a wonderful attorney, and she knows the law Definitely worth hiring
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Posted by Brian | May 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney I’ve worked with
Kendra helped my family when my 10 year old autistic son was Baker Acted. I cannot begin to describe what it has meant to me to have her fight for my son. I have never seen an attorney in Florida that posses the expertise and the empathy needed when assisting families in there time of need. Which in my mind makes her not a good attorney but a great attorney!
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Posted by Chris V | April 9, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing professional
It is not often that you find the right person for the job at the first phone call, but the first time I spoke to Kendra I knew she was the right attorney to represent my family. I was 100% right about Mrs. Parris. Mrs. Parris handled our case successfully in court. She is extremely competent, efficient, and knowledgeable, but her greatest attribute is her kindness and ability to make my family and I feel that she has our best interest at heart. She communicated with me at all times (even at midnight if necessary) and worked in our case during a holiday Sunday. I was impressed and humbled by her commitment and professionalism. I truly believe she is passionate about her profession, and when you combined passion for your work along with knowledge and competence, you get an outstanding professional. My family and I are honored and grateful to have her represent us. Will recommend her anytime to anyone.
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Posted by Trevino | April 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Straight to Business
From the very beginning she was on point and very resourceful with all my questions. Unlike some attorneys she remained in contact with me through all the steps of what was taking forth in my case...Mrs. Jowers professionalization is incomparable
Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pro Bono work
Kendra has helped me for the past year and a half (almost two years) completely pro bono. I did not think anyone would help with my case - it has been many, many years that this has been going on - but she saw all of the injustices that had been committed and took my case. It's an uphill battle, but she was up for the challenge. She is a determined, brilliant attorney.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 180-270 per hour
  • Pro bono 10 %
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 6.1 (Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.

Suspension with Conditions issued in FL, 2016
updated on 02/21/2018

This means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Kendra's comment: “This was a minor disciplinary infraction of 30 days with automatic reinstatement and had nothing to do with my practice or clients. Feel free to email me if you'd like more details.”

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Oglethorpe, Inc.
  • 2012 - 2018
  • Attorney
  • Florida Department of Corrections
  • 2008 - 2011

Education

  • Florida State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2010

Legal Cases

  • Osterback v. State
  • Undetermined

Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Citizens Commission on Human Rights
  • Fellow
  • 2017 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • American Civil Liberties Union of Florida
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • French
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Book Award - Contracts
  • The Florida State University College of Law
  • 2007

Speaking Engagements

  • Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society
  • Teen Court
  • 2018
  • Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee
  • Involuntary Commitment and the Constitution
  • 2018
  • Corporate Compliance Conference
  • Legal Issues Surrounding the Baker Act
  • 2017
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (25)
Given (42)
Endorse Kendra
Wills and living wills Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Health care Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is thoughtful and hard working."
Probate Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer and highly recommend her!"
Probate Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Health care Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Kendra Parris is an excellent attorney."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this attorney. She is excellent and a great choice for anyone who hires her."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Health care Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Probate Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Parris is an asset to the legal community. I would recommend her to anyone."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Very professional and knowledgeable!"
Guardianship Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kendra Parris is a bright and talented attorney. I highly recommend her."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Probate Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is an excellent attorney and an asset to the legal community."
View more endorsements
Orlando Health care Lawyer Kendra Eleanor Parris
Kendra Eleanor Parris
Health care Attorney
Orlando, FL
Licensed for 13 years
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016. See details