As I sit down to reflect on my three decades in the legal profession, I can’t help but marvel at the journey that has brought me here. I’m celebrating 30 years since graduating from Stetson University College of Law and seven years since founding the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group.
It’s been an extremely exciting and challenging career, filled with ups, downs, and a whole lot of fun. From singing in a band to painting with oils, acting, and even serving as an adjunct or visiting professor at esteemed institutions like Stetson, Emory, Barry, UCF, and more, my life has been a colorful tapestry woven with diverse experiences.
But one thing has remained constant: my love and dedication to the legal profession and the joy it brings me to make someone’s life a little brighter through my work.
Finding Passion in Family Law as a Woman in a Male Dominated Industry
I found my passion early on in family law, and it’s been a rewarding journey ever since. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, but one key lesson is that persistence always pays off. When I first started my career, it was like walking into a boys’ club with a “no girls allowed” sign at every turn. After I graduated, passed the bar, and joined a large law firm, it became apparent that if I wanted to succeed, I would have to dodge labels like “too confident,” “too pretty,” “too smart,” and heaven forbid, “too emotional.” But through it all, I’ve persevered, becoming the first Team Leader and mother at a large law firm, and a clear achiever in the field.
I’ve worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between female and male lawyers, provide services to help people in difficult times, inspire conversations around change, and pave the way for other women to succeed. Working as an attorney, running a business, and being a mom has also taught me that work-life balance is something you can achieve on your own terms. At the same time my career started picking up so did my family, growing from two to four humans, and I had to juggle diapers and depositions like a pro.
Super Mom: Practicing Law with a Newborn
Maternity leave wasn’t a common practice – more like working from home with one hand typing legal briefs and the other soothing a crying baby. With commitment, a supportive family, and to be honest, a few tears, I was able to build relationships with higher-profile clients, provide valued counsel, and become a standout attorney at a large successful law firm.
Flash forward, the Palmer family is thriving, and the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group has consistently been named as one of the Best Law Firms in America®, a testament to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
What’s Next for Rebecca L. Palmer
As I look ahead to the future, I’m excited to continue the tradition of excellent work and developing great lawyers as well as support my alma mater and its mission while recruiting talented young minds to join me in the legal profession.
Inspired by my intellectual and compassionate father, a Presbyterian minister who served large congregations in various places such as Scotland, California, Nebraska, and Florida, and my working mother who received her Ph.D. after having four children and eventually becoming a State Facilitator of Education, I have also come to believe that advocacy extends beyond the courtroom.
Family Law in Orlando Florida
Today, I’m proud to be a voice for change in Orlando and the legal community, promoting gender equality, and supporting talented women and men in the legal world. My passion for community relations has provided me the good fortune to wear many hats over the years including serving as President of the Central Florida Association of Women, the President of the Orlando Young Professionals, and as an appointee to the City of Orlando Public Arts Advisory Board by Mayor Buddy Dyer. I’ve also had the privilege of appearing as a legal expert on Fox 35 News Orlando to deepen my connection with the issues that are impacting our community.
The time went by in the blink of an eye, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and the amazing people who have helped shape my career and my life. As I reflect on the past 30 years, I’ve learned that resilience, determination, and a healthy dose of humor can carry you through even the toughest of times. I’ve seen the legal profession evolve and grow, becoming more inclusive and diverse with each passing year.
Contact Rebecca L. Palmer for Divorce and Family Law Services in Orlando Florida
Looking ahead, my hope for the future is a legal profession where gender equity is not just a goal but a reality and where women and men are judged by the quality of their work, not by outdated stereotypes. We’re helping shape an industry where young lawyers, regardless of gender, race, or background, feel empowered to pursue their legal dreams and make a difference in the world. We are here for you, if you are in need of a compassionate divorce lawyer in Orlando Florida.
Cheers to 30 years in law and to all the amazing opportunities to come in the next 30! Rebecca L. Palmer, Esq. is a Family & Marital Law attorney practicing in Orlando, FL.
