Joryn Jenkins

Joryn Jenkins

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 45 years

Family Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Litigation ... +5 more

3839 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL

About Joryn

Biography

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Family 25%

OpenPalm is a law firm for families. We don't simply divorce folks, or get them child support or timesharing with their kids, but we focus on restructuring relationships and family rebuilding. There are all kinds of families these days, and a courtroom divorce destroys relationships. However, if handled effectively and collaboratively, divorce and the consequent restructuring of the family can create new relationships that are far healthier than those arising from traditional courtroom divorce.

37 years | 700 cases

25%
Litigation 20%

Although I started out as a prosecutor, when I entered the public workforce, I found myself attracted, not to criminal defense, but to the civil side of litigation. I've handled all types of disputes, from breach of contract to legal malpractice, from the break-up of a partnership to the break-down of a factory construction agreement.

46 years | 700 cases

20%
Appeals 5%

Appellate law is challenging for most attorneys, but I love it. I have had the opportunity to make new law on numerous occasions, including the time I went all the way to the Florida Supreme Court, where the Court struck down the law I had challenged as unconstitutional.

43 years | 44 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 275-500 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 42 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1983

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 45 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1980

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Open Palm Law

3839 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33609-2719

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Joryn Jenkins's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

56 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Aaron | April 11, 2017 | Divorce & Separation

Awesome Laywer

Both Joryn and her staff have been awesome. To give a little background, I met with one of her staff back in November 2016. I wanted to sit down with an attorney and go over the evidence that I had collected and get their thoughts on my arguments, just to make sure I had a decent argument and was n...ot way off base. The meeting with her staff went very well. Fast forward a couple of months and the Final Hearing was going to happen in January 2017. I wanted to meet with a lawyer again, so I scheduled a sit down and this time it was with Joryn herself. I met with Joryn the day before trial. Joryn prepared me very well; we went over the sequence of events, what I should expect after I get in court, how I can use certain evidence to my advantage, the rules of evidence, and general courtroom information. I have a hard time believing there is another lawyer out there that can do what she did prepping me in such a short amount of time. I will say that trial almost could not have gone any better for me. You hear all of these horror stories about how people get taken to the cleaners. This most definitely did not happen in my case and I am very appreciative of Joryn for her help. Joryn is not your typical lawyer, she genuinely cares for her clients and can identify with what you are going through. Divorce is a very emotional and challenging time in your life; it’s not something anyone ever wants to go through. But if it comes down to it, I would prefer to have the best in my corner looking out for me, and that is what I found in her.

Posted by shannon | July 12, 2016 | Family

Smart, caring, professional, collaborative attorney

I am a collaborative forensic accountant and have worked with Joryn Jenkins professionally on multiple matters. She is an outstanding attorney and human being. I would certainly hire her if I was ever in need of a family law or litigation attorney. Not only is she brilliant from a legal knowledge ...perspective, she has the utmost integrity and works hard to help her clients receive the best results while trying to minimize the collateral damage that often comes with turbulent divorces and family law issues. She is tough when she needs to be while always considering the bigger picture. She has worked on numerous collaborative divorce cases and has creatively and compassionately helped to settle these cases without the parties needing to go to trial. She has the ability to articulate complex legal issues in a way that someone with no legal knowledge can understand. She has a great team supporting her as well. As a client, you will be treated respectfully and with great care in her office. I highly recommend her and her staff.

Posted by Eileen | September 01, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

What a great attorney!

Joryn takes the time to sit and listen to everything you have to say. I like the fact that she is VERY knowledgeable. What she doesn't know, she comes right out and tells you. Her demeanor is very professional. In court, you can tell she is very confident. I feel confident I am in the best hands ...I can be in, in the situation at hand. I used to be a paralegal, so knew a little about her. When my husband and I were looking for an attorney to represent us and were looking on the internet. As soon as I saw her name, I felt she was the one I needed. My case is still ongoing, but I feel hopeful that the outcome with be in my favor with Joryn on my side.

Posted by Rosie | March 10, 2015 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Attorney Joryn Jenkins is the only attorney we would ever recommend. Joryn is modestly brilliant and kind.

Several years ago our hearts were just broken. After years of caring for my sweet loving in-laws the three of them, passed away within 18 months of one another, unfortunately, leaving us in a serious financial crisis. As extremely difficult as it was on us financially, there was NO way we ...were going to stand by and NOT assist my husband’s parents and his sweet brother with Autism. For this is what family is for. Afterwards, our family attorney highly recommended we speak with Attorney Joryn Jenkins. What a blessing this really was. Other than us getting married, the best decision we ever made was to hire Attorney Joryn Jenkins, to handle our affairs. She immediately “took the bull by the horns” in handling all of our finances. Joryn and her staff have just been wonderful. To this day with much sincerity, Joryn was always available to answer our questions. This was and still is such a comfort during our grief. In closing, Joryn Jenkins is the only attorney we would ever recommend. Joryn is modestly brilliant and kind. She’ll personally return both phone and email messages and her staff is the best. You will never play phone tag with this law firm. They will assist you with courtesy and respect.

Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2014 | Appeals

An unbias Review and the Truth about Ms. Jenkins

Dear readers, I had the pleasure of working with Joryn and her firm on a matter that involved large fees, appellate review and a lot of conflict. Ms. Jenkins is knowledgeable, probably a lot more now. This went sideways on my case due to the dynamic and I will leave it at that. When the invoice and... attorney's were questioned by a exceptional CPA and fee provider...and we left the firm; we were sued for a small amount due. It took the non-appellate attorney to resolve it to a small settlement with Ms. Jenkins firm and some personnel shifts. What I will say is you get what you pay for and we paid a lot and somewhat the outcome while good and bad win and loss - was costly. If we had to do it over again...well her firm is expensive and the associate who worked our portions was production oriented; hence the fees and costs. it was straight litigation and that has all manner of trap doors. Overall I can say only 4 stars - be careful, have a thorough review of her retainer with an outside attorney, understand the mechanics of her billing scheme. Before you sign on - I recommend you use a Board Certified Attorney - I can say it was good an bad and we felt in the end it was not worth the money spent for the outcomes and time drain. We were a client for over a year or so. It appears there are many glowing reviews here that are more current so maybe things have changed. The reason for this late review is due to the matters being aged out of the system now. Buyer beware - if you have deep pockets they will be shallow when it's done; if you are not wealthy or well heeled she probably won't take your case.

See All Client Reviews

Joryn Jenkins's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joryn
Amber N. Boles headshot
Amber Boles

Family lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I recently served as the mediator in one of Ms. Jenkins' cases. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Ms. Jenkins provides her clients with the range of possibilities of court-based outcomes and ensures her clients have the tools necessary to feel in control and make educated decisions in their cases. I endorse this lawyer."

Eliane Ivy Probasco headshot
Eliane Probasco

Family lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I recently had the honor and privilege of working with Joryn on a collaborative divorce case; I represented one spouse and she represented the other. Joryn is a gifted attorney whose knowledge of the collaborative process is unmatched. She has a deep understanding of the law and knows when and how to implement various alternative dispute resolution strategies such as mediation, collaborative divorce, and negotiated settlements. It was a pleasure getting to know Joryn over the last several months. She is a true professional. I look forward to working with her on future cases."

Sergio Cabanas headshot
Sergio Cabanas

Unknown lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top notch attorney. I endorse 100%"

Tanya Partee O'Connor headshot
Tanya O'Connor

Family lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Joryn’s commitment to effective, compassionate advocacy is only rivaled by her devotion to professional development and education. In Joryn, clients have a caring and skillful advocate, while her colleagues have a mentor and teacher setting the highest standards for service and professionalism. Joryn has wholly embraced Collaborative Practice, and is consistently in search of the best and most creative ways to help her clients resolve disputes in a peaceful and respectful way. There’s no question…I strongly endorse Joryn."

Blair Henry Chan III headshot
Blair Chan

Family lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Joryn is a wonderful mentor and exceptional collaborative attorney. She works tirelessly to promote the collaborative family law movement in our community. She always focuses on what is best for her client.... You won't find a better collaborative attorney."

Adam B. Cordover headshot
Adam Cordover

Family lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Joryn is one of the most energetic and passionate collaborative practitioners and a leader in the effort to change the way the world gets divorced. I strongly endorse Joryn Jenkins."

James Randall Kramer headshot
James Kramer

Family lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Joryn Jenkins professionally for 30 years as we both practice in the Tampa Bay legal community in the are of family law primarily. She is very knowledgeable, a great trial lawyer with a quick mind and she doesn't get caught off guard. She's one I never hesitate to recommend to a client she might help."

Alan Dexter Borden headshot
Alan Borden

Family lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joryn is a powerhouse of an attorney and is leading the charge in collaborative divorce, which is a revolutionary change from the standard, painful, and financially disastrous divorce process. She is remarkably intelligent and very helpful resource for anyone who is about to go through divorce."

Betty Elaine Jones headshot
Betty Jones

Family lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael John Tonsing headshot
Michael Tonsing

Unknown lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have been a member of the editorial board of The Federal Lawyer for many years. Early in my tenure there, I had the pleasure of working on the magazine with Joryn, who was (at that time) its volunteer editor. As editor, she chaired our board, which consisted of very bright and dedicated lawyers from around the country. (I am in California.) From personal experience, I can attest that she is very bright, articulate, and hard working. She is a true "team player," always willing to share praise with those she collaborates with. When I think of her, the two words that first come to mind are "can do," I am sure that this attitute carries over into her practice, to the benefit of her clients."

View All Endorsements
Stacey Lynn Hudon headshot
Stacey Hudon

Family lawyer

Dennis Michael Hudson Jr. headshot
Dennis Hudson

Family lawyer

Amber N. Boles headshot
Amber Boles

Mediation lawyer

Robert M Valentine headshot
Robert Valentine

Divorce and separation lawyer

Eliane Ivy Probasco headshot
Eliane Probasco

Divorce and separation lawyer

Hunter Harris Chamberlin headshot
Hunter Chamberlin

Criminal defense lawyer

Cara Lea Powell headshot
Cara Powell

Family lawyer

Jane E Sobotta headshot
Jane Sobotta

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Tanya Partee O'Connor headshot
Tanya O'Connor

Family lawyer

George Anthony Melendez headshot
George Melendez

Family lawyer

David Anton headshot
David Anton

Family lawyer

Blair Henry Chan III headshot
Blair Chan

Family lawyer

Shawn Anthony Mesa headshot
Shawn Mesa

Family lawyer

Kristin Renee Hayes Kirkner headshot
Kristin Kirkner

Family lawyer

Derek Scott Lucas headshot
Derek Lucas

Family lawyer

Adam B. Cordover headshot
Adam Cordover

Family lawyer

Beth Gilmore Reineke headshot
Beth Reineke

Mediation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2005

Pro Bono Service, Hillsborough County Bar Association

2004

Pro Bono Service, The Florida Bar

2001

A. Sherman Christensen Award, American Inns of Court

1999

Professionalism, Cheatwood Inn of Court

1998

Distinguished Service, The Federal Bar

1997

President's Award, The Federal Bar

1993

Leadership, The Florida Bar Grievance Committee 13-A

1993

Leadership, Cheatwood Inn of Court

Work Experience

2014 - 2014

Owner, Open Palm Law

1994 - 2014

Owner, Joryn Jenkins & Associates

1992 - 1994

Professor, Stetson University College Of Law

1991 - 1992

Associate, Annis Mitchell, Cockey, Edwards & Roehn, PA

1986 - 1991

Associate, Taub & Williams

1983 - 1986

Assistant State Attorney, State Of Florida

Associations

2014 - Present

Next Generation Divorce

Training Chair

2013 - Present

Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Board Member

2011 - Present

Next Generation Divorce

Pro Bono Project Chair

1997 - Present

American Inns of Court

Leadership Council

1989 - Present

Coordinating Council of Florida Inns

Founder, Charter Member, Chair

1987 - Present

J. Clifford Cheatwood American Inn of Court

Founder, Charter Member, President

2003 - 2004

The Florida Bar Grievance Committee 13-A

Chair

2001 - 2002

J. Clifford Cheatwood American Inn of Court

President

1997 - 1999

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Director

1993 - 2003

The Federal Bar

Editor-in-Chief, The Federal Lawyer

1993 - 1995

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Peer Review Committee Charter Panel Member

1992 - 1993

The Florida Bar Grievance Committe 13-A

Chair

1991 - 1994

American Inns of Court

Editor-in-Chief, The Bencher

1991 - 1997

American Inns of Court

Trustee

1989 - 1991

Coordinating Council of Florida Inns

Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

S.T. v. School Board of Seminole County, 783 So.2d 1231 (Fla. 5th DCA 2001) (Case No. 5D00-2569).

Won the appeal

Wiley v. Roof, 641 So.2d 66 (Fla. 1994).

Won the appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

The Tribune Co. v. DML and Anclote Manor Hospital, 566 So.2d 1333 (Fla. 2d DCA 1990).

Won the appeal.

Hill v. Winn Dixie, 699 F.Supp. 876 (M.D.Fla. 1988)

Won the appeal.

In re Guardianship of Barry, 445 So.2d 365 (Fla. 2d DCA 1984).

Lost the appeal, per my client's instructions.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

Georgetown University Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1976

Yale University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

From Rookie to Rainmaker

Marketing Your Law Practice

2017

Changing the Way the World Gets Divorced

Marketing Your Collaborative Practice

2016

same

Managing Your Collaborative Practice for Passion & Profit

2014

Monthly Meeting

Collaborative Practice in Bankruptcy

2014

Annual Conference

Ethics

2014

Annual Conference

Collaborative Divorce; What Is It and Why Do We Do It?

2014

2014 Annual Conference

Marketing Your Collaborative Practice

Publications

2017

Open Palm Press From Rookie to Rainmaker

2017

Open Palm Press From Lawyer to Law Firm

2017

Open Palm Press Champions of Collaborative Divorce

2017

Open Palm Press The Divorce Puzzle

2016

Open Palm Press Open for Business, Managing Your Collaborative Practice for Passion & Profit

2016

Open Palm Press Open for Business, Changing

2015

Open Palm Press I Never Saw My Father Again (The Divorce Court Effect)

2015

Open Palm Press A Free Divorce Handbook (Organizing a Collaborative Divorce Pro Bono Project)

1997

Lexis Nexis Publishing Florida Civil Motions Practice

Languages

English

French

Activity

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