A self-described extrovert, Hannah Anderson has never been one to sit on the sidelines. Since joining the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA) in 2019, she has actively served in many board positions — from development chair to events director, judicial reception director, secretary treasurer, and president-elect. Starting July 2026, she steps into the role of president, bringing with her a clear vision for what comes next.
Acknowledging how voluntary bars have had reduced participation since COVID, Anderson’s primary goal as president will be to focus on new member development and engaging current members. She plans to conduct her term under a theme of “Authenticity Through Adversity.”
“We have such excellent programming, and I want more female attorneys in Jacksonville to know what we are doing. Women in the legal profession face many challenges and I want to focus on how they can be authentic while navigating personal and professional adversities; that we can get through complex situations without having to pretend to be something we are not,” Anderson said of her vision.
“I want to emphasize and reinforce the idea that different paths are valid for women lawyers; there is not only one path to success. I want to encourage and welcome more women lawyers in our community to join and meet others, participate and seek leadership positions, foster more opportunities and develop relationships that can help them build a book of business, find a job, or counsel others through a tricky situation.”
As example, Anderson explained how Cyndy Trimmer, a local commercial real estate attorney who was serving as president of JWLA when Anderson first joined, immediately arranged job interviews for Anderson through her own network and has been helpful and supportive as a mentor in Anderson’s continuing professional development.
Facing Gender, Career and Family Challenges
Anderson reflected on past incidents in her career and experiences that helped lead her to her theme, including assumptions by male partners that she is an administrative assistant and experiencing how male colleagues receive faster responses.
“Any discriminatory behavior I experienced may not have been purposeful, but it’s hurtful. I think that has happened to a lot of women lawyers. To overcome, I reminded myself how hard I have worked and I would choose to not call it out. My work product and how I handle my matters show others who I am as an attorney, and that has done a lot for me in my career,” she said.
Anderson’s practice as a commercial real estate partner at Coleman Talley, where she represents real estate developers across the Southeast, particularly in affordable and student housing projects, also relies on her understanding and using complex and special financing mechanisms.
“I am a ‘dirt’ attorney but I am proud of what I am able to do on financing and structuring entities, too.”
Client development as a young female lawyer in this typically male-dominated practice created another unique set of challenges for Anderson. Not being a golf or whiskey fan, she leaned into business development through the support of her mentor Greg Clark, a partner with Coleman Talley. He maintained a helpful hands-off approach that empowered her to take initiative, advising her early on to concentrate on finding a niche and becoming an expert, and to communicate well, and the work will come. That guidance has served her well, and after six years at the firm, she is now referred business organically as a result of her effective counsel and client management.
As a wife and mother to a 5-year-old, a 2-year-old, a newborn and two labs, balancing a demanding law career with motherhood and family life is one of her greatest challenges, Anderson said.
“Motherhood is my greatest blessing. It’s important for me to establish and maintain boundaries, and I have a ‘no contact’ rule for working between my sacred hours of 5 – 8 pm so I can focus on and be present for my family. Now that I have children, I’ve also had to learn to say no to many extracurricular commitments I had done earlier in my career so I can better manage my family priorities.”
Professional and Community Leadership
Dedicated to helping others develop relationships, Anderson’s professional and community involvement extends beyond JWLA.
She and firm partner Cassie Brown co-founded the Florida Women’s Affordable Housing Network, where Anderson served as president for three years and currently remains as board member. The organization provides a supportive environment that empowers women working in the affordable housing sector through partnership, networking, allyship, advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement. Anderson also serves as chair of the transactional law committee for the Jacksonville Bar Association.
A more recent passion about online safety for children led her to join the board of Communities of Real Engagement, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and teaching children about dangers of social media for those under the age 18.
Anderson sets an example within Coleman Talley, as well, helping recruit for and plan the firm’s summer clerkship program and serving as a mentor for young attorneys.
Coffee, Anyone?
Several personal interests provide balance to Anderson’s busy work and family life, which include shopping, and learning to use her sewing and embroidery machine.
Her love for drinking coffee has grown beyond her personal enjoyment, and she now hosts “Brew Diligence,” an informal monthly coffee club at her law firm where she creates special drinks for colleagues. “We have fun and gather together to talk about non-work topics like current events and sports, and I am proud to help foster and build a positive culture at my firm,” she said.
With her empathetic and pragmatic attitudes, Anderson’s vision to create a more connected community of women attorneys in JWLA will continue to provide authentic opportunity and growth for Jacksonville lawyers.
