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.
Practice areas
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.
9 years
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.
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.
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.
Languages spoken
French, English
Parris Law, Pa
7065 Westpointe Blvd Ste 317
Orlando, FL, 32835-8759
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2010 | 12/20/2020 |
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.
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.”
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Book Award - Contracts | The Florida State University College of Law | 2007 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Oglethorpe, Inc. | 2012 - 2018 |
Attorney | Florida Department of Corrections | 2008 - 2011 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
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 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Florida Bar, Health Law Section | Don’t Baker Act Me, Bro: Involuntary Examination of Minors on the Rise | 2018 |
Baker Act Abuse | The Problem with (Refusing) Psychiatric Medications | 2018 |
Parris Law Articles | What Does the Florida Legislature Have in Store for the Baker Act? | 2018 |
The Mental Health Industry Watchdog | Dept. of Children and Family Services Task Force to Release Report on Involuntary Commitments of Children in FL | 2017 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Florida State University College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2010 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Baker Act Defense Attorney Symposium & Summit | Mental Health and Baker Act Law | 2019 |
American Moot Court Association Competition Finals | National Finals Judge (Appellate Law) -- American Moot Court Association Tournament | 2019 |
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee | Involuntary Commitment and the Constitution | 2018 |
Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society | Teen Court | 2018 |
Corporate Compliance Conference | Legal Issues Surrounding the Baker Act | 2017 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Osterback v. State | Undetermined |
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Nicole Vette, Wills and living wills Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jami Worley, Health care Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is thoughtful and hard working.
Clarissa Jimenez, Probate Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer and highly recommend her!
Maria Santi, Probate Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Alina Nunez, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Gail Hamaty-Bird, Health care Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Kendra Parris is an excellent attorney.
Raisa Romaelle, Wills and living wills Attorney on Apr 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this attorney. She is excellent and a great choice for anyone who hires her.
An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.
I endorse this lawyer.
Parveen Tumber, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 14, 2018
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Constance Coleman, Health care Attorney on Feb 12, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Obreziah Bullard, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 12, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jaclyn Roberson, Probate Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Graciela Livingston, Wills and living wills Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Parris is an asset to the legal community. I would recommend her to anyone.
Grisel Morales, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Anila Rasul, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Magda Janicki, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Very professional and knowledgeable!
Melissa Youngman, Guardianship Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kendra Parris is a bright and talented attorney. I highly recommend her.
Jennifer Tompkins, Wills and living wills Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Sabrina Kuruvilla, Probate Attorney on Feb 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is an excellent attorney and an asset to the legal community.
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