As the incoming president of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA) this summer, Kathryn Stanfill is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the organization.
Her chosen theme for her tenure will wrap around “The Decisions that Define Us,” and she is excited to build upon JWLA’s strong foundation and introduce new initiatives that will benefit its members and the broader legal community. “JWLA has a long history of supporting not only women lawyers in Jacksonville, but also male lawyers, paralegals, affiliate and strategic partner members. I’m honored to be a part of that legacy and lead it for the next generation,” she says.
Camaraderie and Connection
“One of my main goals is to help members be better people, both as attorneys and in their personal lives,” she explains. “I plan to push for events and activities that are appealing to a wide range of members, beyond the traditional networking events,” she said. “Whether it’s attending cultural events together or trying new activities, I believe these shared experiences will help us build stronger relationships and better understand each other’s perspectives.”
She is proud of how members encourage and help each other, noting that women lawyers have a unique ability to build each other up. “I want us to always connect with that sense of camaraderie and understanding, even when we’re on opposite sides of a case.”
A member of JWLA since she graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law, Stanfill quickly found a group of welcoming peers who encouraged her involvement. “I got active in several committees and events, including serving as director for two years of our annual Judicial Reception, which is our premier program that welcomes the entire Northeast Florida legal community.”
Stanfill is thrilled with the efforts and resulting impact that JWLA has on its members through educational programming and also to the local community. Earlier this year, the Florida Supreme Court presented JWLA with the Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Award. JWLA was also recognized as the Florida Bar YLD Midsize Affiliate of the Year at the annual conference.
“We are so excited about these achievements, and it couldn’t happen without our members participating in the various ways JWLA provides as opportunities to volunteer and provide important pro bono services to the community,” Stanfill said. “As a member of JWLA’s board, I am able to help make the decisions behind our efforts toward many different organizations. At each luncheon, we pick a local charity to support, in addition to our pro bono events throughout the year.”
Stanfill’s commitment to the legal community extends beyond JWLA. She also serves on the Jacksonville Bar Association’s board of governors, which further enrichens her personal network. “Jacksonville has an incredibly collaborative and supportive legal environment for every lawyer,” she says. “I’m able to reach out to attorneys in different practice areas and get great advice or information, which is invaluable in the work I do for my clients.”
A Passion for Probates, Puzzles & More
Stanfill, a probate lawyer at The Hinson Law Firm, P.A., has thrived under the mentorship of her boss, Matt Hinson, with whom she has worked since completing law school. “He’s been an invaluable guide, throwing me into the deep end from day one and walking me through every step. He always lets me try something first, and then we’ll work together from there. We truly are a team,” she said.
Whether organizing a client’s estate plan, transferring assets upon someone’s death according to their wishes, or managing the allocation of a minor’s personal injury settlement, Stanfill has found her place in probate law.
“Practicing probate has taught me so much more grace, and about myself, and other people,” Stanfill said. “I am deeply committed to helping people through their grief as they face the legal process after losing loved ones, or when I can guide them to prepare for their own passing.”
Plus, each client presents something new. “Every day is different, and I get to work on a wide range of legal matters, from real estate to business law. No case is remotely alike.”
Outside of her professional pursuits, Stanfill finds joy in her personal passions, including a love for Legos and puzzles. “When I get home from work, I like to listen to a book on tape and immerse myself in building Legos,” she says. “I also have a set-up in the office where we can work on a puzzle as a team-building exercise, or pass time together after work waiting for traffic to die down. It’s my way of unwinding and relieving stress.”
She has dedicated her office bookcase to showcasing her fun creations which include numerous Harry Potter Lego sets as well as paraphernalia for her favorite teams – the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Vols.
Kathryn Stanfill’s vision and dedication to fostering connection, growth, and service will ensure that JWLA will continue to thrive and leave a lasting impact on its members.
To learn more about JWLA, visit https://jwla.org or contact Kathryn Stanfill at [email protected].
