BARRY I. FINKEL, ESQ.
Barry I. Finkel is a veteran family law and divorce attorney and experienced litigator singularly focused on his clients – and their families. He started his practice in Fort Lauderdale / Broward County, Florida, in 1983 with the goal of ensuring that his counsel would lead to excellent results and assist the clients and their families on the road to recovery.
Barry practices divorce and family law with the best interest of the family in mind. His experience in the areas of divorce and family law allows the firm to expertly advise clients on the entire marital cycle, from premarital and post-marital agreements, to complex litigation, marital estate valuation, equitable distribution of assets and liabilities, and post-divorce enforcement and modifications. His knowledge, expertise and experience help clients manage their lives before, during and after divorce.
Though sensitive to the emotional and financial considerations of his clients, Barry works tirelessly and aggressively and enjoys a reputation as a tough and successful legal force in South Florida.
A long-time Broward County resident, Barry is a family man and contributes to the community. He brings a foundation of family stability to each case. Married with three children, Barry knows the importance of keeping a divorce from causing serious, irreparable damage to the family.
Barry received his Bachelors of Science in Managment from Tulane University (1980) and his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University School of Law (1983). He is admitted to the Florida Bar and all courts of this state, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, the US Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit. A respected leader among his peers, Barry was a Member of the Judicial Nominating Committee, 4th District Court of Appeals, and held the posts of Chair of the Family Law Section of the Broward County Bar Association, and its Bench Bar Liaison Committee. He also served as a Director of the Broward County Bar Association, and as a Member of The Florida Bar’s Grievance Committee.
Barry is AV-rated by Martindale Hubble, the organization’s highest possible rating. In more than 25 years of practice in South Florida, his clients, colleagues and peers have grown to respect Barry’s depth of knowledge in Family Law – and his experience in the courtroom and in the mediation and negotiation process. He also was named by the South Florida Legal Guide as a top Family Law Attorney.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office 954-776-1414.
JENNIFER B. BILLINGS, ESQ., Associate
Jennifer B. Billings, Esq., was a legal secretary and paralegal for The Law Offices of Barry I. Finkel, P.A., while attending college and law school.
Jennifer focuses her practice on marital and family law, as well as marital and family law appeals. As an Associate, she advises clients at all stages of the divorce process, and represents clients in post-divorce matters, such as enforcement and modifications. Jennifer works closely with each client, identifying and analyzing issues and strategies necessary to achieve a successful outcome.
She is a member of The Florida Bar, the Broward and Dade County Bar Associations, Broward County Women Lawyers Association, Florida Association of Women Lawyers and Emerge Broward. In addition, Jennifer is a member of Lawyers to the Rescue and has volunteered at Camillus House.
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Florida Atlantic University, and her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University School of Law.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office at 954-776-1414.
ELIZABETH M. EDWARDS, ESQ., Associate
Elizabeth M. Edwards has spent her entire legal career in family law. It’s a calling she knew she’d pursue even before enrolling in law school.
The decision came in part when, as a life guard at a community pool, she encountered a young girl who had been injured at play. The child didn’t want Elizabeth to call her father; Elizabeth suspected the girl was the victim of child abuse.
Though she considered pursuing family therapy while she was a psychology major at the University of Connecticut, the poolside encounter cemented Elizabeth’s decision to pursue family law as a way to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. She realized the discipline could be a more impactful way to help families in need. She understood the stress of separation, divorce and the legal process. As a trusted advisor, she knew she could help relieve some of that duress.
Once she graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, Elizabeth sought out family law practices in South Florida. She soon was handling her own case load at a respected Palm Beach County law firm. When she interviewed with Barry Finkel for a prospective position at The Law Offices of Barry I. Finkel P.A., his firm’s reputation across the community convinced Elizabeth that the boutique firm was the right place and best fit for her to serve clients well.
Prior to entering private practice, Elizabeth interned with the University of Miami School of Law Children and Youth Law Clinic, and previously with the Connecticut Legal Services. She was Senior Editor of University of Miami Psychology, Public Policy & Law, and participated in the Florida Supreme Court’s Certified Circuit Civil Mediation Training Program. Elizabeth also was a volunteer with H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Through Pro Bono Efforts).
She is admitted to the Florida Bar and the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. She is a member of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association and The Florida Bar, Family Law Section Mediation and Collaborative Law Committee.
MARA BERNSTEIN, ESQ., Associate
Mara Bernstein is a seasoned Family Law Attorney having practiced Family Law in New York City for over a decade focusing on high net worth, complex divorces before relocating to South Florida.
With a background as a trained Family Law Mediator and as a graduate of Cornell University with a Baccalaureate degree in Social Work and Law Degree from Brooklyn Law school, Mara provides straightforward and honest counsel designed to keep her clients informed and empowered through the divorce process.
In addition to her patient and compassionate counseling skills, Mara is a strong and strategic advocate whose primary objective is to advance her client’s interests and goals with respect to children, financial circumstances and future prospects. Mara’s experience and education allow her to expertly advise clients on the entire marital process, from premarital and post-marital agreements to divorce litigation and post-divorce enforcement and modifications.
Mara is admitted to the Florida Bar and the New York Bar. She is a member of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association, Broward County Bar, Family Law Section Mediation and Collaborative Law Committee of the Florida Bar. Active in the community, Mara is on the Board of Trustees of the Faulk Foundation Center for Group Counseling, the Children’s Spirit of Hope Foundation and a founding member of The Sophia Grace Foundation and Free Arts NYC. Mara lives in Boca Raton with her husband and two daughters.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office at 954-776-1414.