$ 180-270 per hour
About Kendra
Biography
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
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Pro bono
10 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 16 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2010
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
Location
Parris Law, Pa
7065 Westpointe Blvd Ste 317, Orlando, FL, 32835-8759
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Kendra Eleanor Parris's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
9 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (9)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Wills & Living Wills
Posted by Andrea | January 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills
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.
Kendra Eleanor Parris's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is thoughtful and hard working."
"I endorse this lawyer and highly recommend her!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kendra Parris is an excellent attorney."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Parris is an asset to the legal community. I would recommend her to anyone."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Very professional and knowledgeable!"
"Kendra Parris is a bright and talented attorney. I highly recommend her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is an excellent attorney and an asset to the legal community."
Justin Drach
Personal injury lawyer
Shana Bridgeman
Government lawyer
Jessica Saiontz
Contracts and agreements lawyer
Shannon McLin
Appeals lawyer
Jami Worley
Estate planning lawyer
Nicole Vette
Family lawyer
Maria Santi
Health care lawyer
Alina Nunez
Real estate lawyer
Alexander Karden
Government lawyer
Clarissa Jimenez
Probate lawyer
Gail Hamaty-Bird
Probate lawyer
Yanique Otto
Family lawyer
Raisa Romaelle
Family lawyer
Rahul Aggarwal
Real estate lawyer
Faith Mitton
Contracts and agreements lawyer
Belinda Arevalo
Family lawyer
Parveen Tumber
Employment and labor lawyer
Johanna Cipau
General practice lawyer
Heather O'Connor
Family lawyer
Jaclyn Roberson
Adoption lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
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.
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.”
Honors
2007
Book Award - Contracts, The Florida State University College of Law
Work Experience
2012 - 2018
Attorney, Oglethorpe, Inc.
2008 - 2011
Attorney, Florida Department of Corrections
Associations
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
Sample of Legal Cases
Osterback v. State
Undetermined
Education
2010
Florida State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2019
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
2018
Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society
Teen Court
2018
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee
Involuntary Commitment and the Constitution
2017
Corporate Compliance Conference
Legal Issues Surrounding the Baker Act
Publications
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
Florida Bar, Health Law Section
Don’t Baker Act Me, Bro: Involuntary Examination of Minors on the Rise
2017
The Mental Health Industry Watchdog
Dept. of Children and Family Services Task Force to Release Report on Involuntary Commitments of Children in FL
Languages
French
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides