$ 180-270 per hour
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.
5
Practice Areas
$ 180-270 per hour
10 %
Sometimes
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Chat withState: Florida
Acquired: 2010
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
7065 Westpointe Blvd Ste 317, Orlando, FL, 32835-8759
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 3, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Sharing my thoughts here anonymously due to the sensitive nature of my case with Kendra Parris, but I believe it's essential to highlight the exceptional legal support she provided. My experience with Kendra was truly remarkable, and I'm eager to share it with the world. Kendra Parris isn't your a...
Posted by Chandler Scott Johnson | December 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney
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 | Hired Attorney
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 | Hired Attorney
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 El...
Posted by anonymous | September 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney
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 ...
"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. Ms. Parris is an asset to the legal community. I would recommend her to anyone."
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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.
Suspension with Conditions issued in FL, 2016
updated on 02/21/2018This 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.
“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.”
2007
Book Award - Contracts, The Florida State University College of Law
2012 - 2018
Attorney, Oglethorpe, Inc.
2008 - 2011
Attorney, Florida Department of Corrections
2017 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Citizens Commission on Human RightsFellow
2016 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid SocietyMember
2014 - Present
American Civil Liberties Union of FloridaMember
Undetermined
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2019
2019
2018
Teen Court
2018
Involuntary Commitment and the Constitution
2017
Legal Issues Surrounding the Baker Act
2018
2018
2018
2017
French
English
Legal Answers
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