2025 First Coast Women in Law

2025 First Coast Women in Law

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Attorney at Law Magazine First Coast is pleased to present its annual Women in Law special issue, featuring the 2025 First Coast Women in Law. These spotlighted attorneys have shared a bit about their practice as well as a bit about themselves outside the practice of law.

Kimberly J. Woods

Boyd & Jenerette PA

Kimberly Woods

Kimberly Woods is a partner at Boyd & Jenerette, practicing insurance defense. Woods received her bachelor’s degree from CSU Sacramento and her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. She is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and D.W. Perkins Bar Association.

Hobbies: When I first moved to Jacksonville, I started participating in 5K runs and while I was not particularly fast, I was always proud that I, at least, finished. Now that my daughter is older (6 years old), she likes to participate in the 5Ks with me and my husband, Nathan, so it has become a fun, family hobby.

Dana Jacobs

Coker Law

Dana Jacobs

Dana Jacobs is an accomplished litigation attorney. A Double Gator, she earned her public relations and law degrees from the University of Florida. She has extensive experience in insurance defense and trial law and is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida. Jacobs is a member of The American Board of Trial Advocates, proving her extensive trial work, ethical conduct, and professionalism. She is involved in several organizations supporting the Jacksonville community and serves on the board of trustees at her local temple, Congregation Ahavath Chesed.

Hobbies: I love immersing myself in a good book and am passionate about singing, whether it’s belting out tunes at home or just enjoying music. Traveling, especially taking cruises, is one of my favorite ways to explore and unwind. I’m an avid football fan, regularly cheering on the Jaguars and Gators from the stands. But nothing brings me more joy than attending flag football games to support my son, proudly watching him play and celebrating every big moment on the field.

Katelyn Knaak Johnston

Office of General Counsel, City of Jacksonville

Katelyn Knakk Johnston

Katelyn Knaak Johnston is a board-certified specialist in criminal trial, an assistant general counsel for the city of Jacksonville, and an adjunct professor at Jacksonville University College of Law. She serves on two standing committees with the Florida Bar. A true multitasker, she is the proud mother of twins.

Hobbies: Embroidery helps me relax and focus my mind.

Ariel R. Spires

Cobb and Gonzalez, PA

Ariel Spires

Ariel Spires, originally from South Carolina, moved to Florida for law school and has practiced in Jacksonville, Florida since 2016. Spires handles business litigation matters, with heavy emphasis on community association disputes, real property disputes, and construction defect disputes. Spires is on the board of Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association.

Hobbies: I enjoy hanging out at the beach and local restaurants and dog parks with my two mini goldendoodles, Sophie and Chloe.

Joy E. Sandon

Serrano Cagan & Cagan

Joy Sandon

Joy Sandon was just 23 when her career kicked off; now, she has 5-plus years of experience and is an associate at Serrano Cagan & Cagan, where she represents homeowners throughout Florida. Known for her passion and zealous advocacy, she helps clients take on insurance companies. Though introverted at home, her husband jokingly calls her a “battle-axe” at work. 

Hobbies: In my free time, I most enjoy spending time with my 7-month-old, Cecelia, and my husband, Dylan. I also teach graduate and undergraduate classes at Everglades University, and enjoy reading, running, crocheting, and playing fetch with my two dogs, Hamburger and Tiger Lily. 

Paola Parra Harris

Parra Harris Law

Paola Parra Harris

Paola Parra Harris, a passionate Jacksonville Family Law attorney since 1998. She founded Parra Harris Law, the premier bilingual family law boutique firm in 2016. Recognized as Woman Lawyer of the Year by JWLA and Jacksonville Business Journal’s Ultimate Attorney and Ultimate CEO, she zealously advocates for clients, focusing on all family disputes with her dedicated team.  

 

Hobbies: Volunteering at Sulzbacher reminds me of the importance of helping others. It helps me maintain my perspective outside of my legal work. Book club is also a great way for me to connect with other women and discuss interesting topics.

Penny W. Schmidt

Jax Mediation Center

Penny Schmidt

Penny Schmidt is a full-time certified circuit court mediator with nearly 20 years of experience, a trained arbitrator, and the owner of Jax Mediation Center.  She has also served as a special master and an umpire. Prior to becoming a full-time mediator, she was a civil litigator for 30 years. 

Hobbies: My favorite hobby is travelling the world. With a husband who is a travel agent, it probably makes sense that I would enjoy travelling, and we definitely do travel. I like all modes of travelling: planes, trains, automobiles and, of course, cruising. Some of my favorite trips have been touring Portugal, cruising Alaska, the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. This year we are going to Africa, Sicily and Malta. Still a lot more trips on my bucket list!

Kelly L. Hellmuth

Holland and Knight

Kelly Hellmuth

Holland & Knight’s private wealth services attorney Kelly Hellmuth focuses on national charitable and nonprofit issues. She represents donors, public charities, private foundations, and other tax-exempt organizations. Hellmuth is a Florida Bar board certified specialist in tax and a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Hobbies: Being a single parent consumes most of my “free” time, but I also enjoy reading sci-fi and fantasy novels.

2024 First Coast Women in Law

  • Kimberly Woods of Boyd & Jenerette
  • Brittany J. Mills of Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A.
  • Alex Underkofler of Delegal Poindexter & Underkofler
  • Sam D. Smart of Plata Schott Law
  • Lauren Purdy of Gunster Jacksonville
  • Holly Howanitz of Tyson & Mendes Jacksonville
  • Adina Pollan of McGlinchey
  • Lyudmyla Kolyesnik of Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

2023 First Coast Women in Law

2022 First Coast Women in Law

2021 First Coast Women in Law

  • Cyndy Trimmer of Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC
  • Lindsay Tygart of Coker Law
  • Holly Howanitz of Wicker Smith
  • Missy Davenport of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
  • Jessica E. Byrne of Orr | Cook
  • Angie Huston Miller of The Chief Counsel’s Office of the IRS
  • Joni Alexis Poitier of Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight & Jones
  • Katharine B. Hartland of Web.com

2020 First Coast Women in Law

2019 First Coast Women in Law

  • Monique Brown of Deutsche Bank
  • Giselle Carson of Marks Gray PA
  • Stacey Clark of Morgan & Morgan
  • Amelia Henderson of Smith Hulsey & Busey
  • Jamie W. Karpman of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Janeen Kirch of Coker Law
  • Jennifer Shoaf Richardson of Jackson Lewis P.C.
  • Cyndy Trimmer of Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC

2018 First Coast Women in Law

  • Janeen Kirch of Coker, Schickel, Sorenson, Posgay & Iracki
  • Lindsay Tygart of Coker, Schickel, Sorenson, Posgay & Iracki
  • Allison Stocker of Akerman LLP
  • Kelly DeGance of Alexander DeGance Barnett
  • Julie M. Harrell of Harrell & Harrell P.A.
  • Kate Mesic of The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A.
  • Susan Z. Cohen of Epstein & Robbins
  • Iana D.J. Benjamin of Darlington Jordan Law P.A.

2017 First Coast Women in Law

  • E. Holland Howanitz of Wicker Smith
  • Carolyn Zisser of Carolyn Zisser PA
  • Giselle Carson of Marks Gray PA
  • Paola Parra Harris of Para Harris Law
  • Heather B. Quick of The Quick Law Firm
  • Katherine C. Wagner of The Lawrence Law Group
  • Kansas R. Gooden of Boyd & Jenerette PA
  • Imani A. Boykin of Law Office of Imani Boykin P.A.
  • Rebecca Bowen Creed of Creed & Gowdy P.A.
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Attorney at Law Magazine is a national legal publication, publishing content for and about private practice attorneys as well as resources for legal consumers. The staff at Attorney at Law Magazine interview attorneys as well as other industry professionals to provide educational content as well as to highlight the individuals and firms driving success in the legal industry.

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