Trusted legal advisor for the agriculture industry

I am a distinguished agricultural lawyer with deep roots in Florida, where my family has cultivated a legacy since 1823. A proud native of the Sunshine State, I blend my extensive legal experience with a profound understanding of the agricultural sector, advocating for the industry that I love.

I grew up in the rural community of Pedro, Florida, which was settled by my family in 1823.  It was there in Pedro that I developed my passion for the agricultural industry at a very young age and where I learned the importance of the industry and the value of a hard day’s work. My family raised beef cattle and grew various crops over the years. In fact, before I even started school, I already had my own herd of cattle and I was growing, marketing, and selling my own watermelon crops. Through my early agricultural pursuits, I learned first-hand the struggles faced by those in the industry, and I made it my mission to always work and advocate for agriculture.

I earned my B.S in Agricultural Education from the University of Florida, with a minor in Agricultural Law, in 2003 and then earned my JD from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2006, graduating number 3 in my class.  This foundation laid the groundwork for a career that combines my love for agriculture with my legal knowledge. With a lifetime of experience in the agricultural industry under my belt, I have masterfully navigated the complexities of agricultural law, compliance, and governance, holding key positions that have shaped my career. 

From 2007 to 2015, I gained invaluable experience at various firms. The most recent of those was at the esteemed Am Law 200 firm Baker Donelson from 2012 to 2015. I quickly made a name for myself there through my commitment to excellence and my innovative legal strategies. During my tenure, I garnered multiple accolades, including the coveted CEO Circle Award and the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award, recognizing my exceptional contributions both in the courtroom and the community. In 2015, I transitioned to A. Duda & Sons, Inc., where I served in-house as Corporate Attorney and Assistant Corporate Secretary until 2021. Here, I further refined my skills in corporate law while actively engaging in the agricultural sector and advocating to promote the interests of the agricultural community.

In 2021, I took on the role of General Counsel, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary at Harrell's, LLC, where I championed the company’s legal and governmental interests until 2024. 

Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to advancing the legal profession and mentoring the next generation of lawyers. I served as the President of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, where I led largest chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and mentored younger female lawyers and law students. Additionally, I have played a pivotal role as Co-Chair of the 5th District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission from 2017 through the present. 

My contributions to the legal community have not gone unnoticed; I have received the Leader in the Law Award from the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, further demonstrating my impact and dedication to the profession.

I live on the beautiful St. Johns River in Osteen, Florida with my husband, Tim.  Tim and I have 5 boys that we adopted in 2019, as well as a 115-pound black lab named Louise.  

With a wealth of experience and a passion that runs as deep as my family’s roots in Florida soil, I continue to be a trailblazer in agricultural law, ensuring that the agricultural heritage of Florida, and the entire country, thrives for generations to come.