Bar Membership

Admitted to Florida Bar, September 2010. Bar No. 84140
Admitted to United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, December 2010.

Certified Legal Specialties

Certified Family Mediator, Florida Supreme Court
Certified Circuit Civil Mediator, Florida Supreme Court
Certified County Mediator, Florida Supreme Court

Legal Training

Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training, 2015
The Parenting Coordination Program, 2018

Awards

Named a Top Lawyer of 2022, Boca Raton Observer Magazine
SuperLawyers, Rising Star, Family Law (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
AV Preeminent Peer Rating with Martindale-Hubbell

Professional Membership

The Florida Bar, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Section
The Florida Bar, Family Law Section
Broward County Bar Association
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek

Speaking Engagements

“Different Roles Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals Play in Family Law Cases”, 2015
The Couples Corner “Protect Yourself with a Prenuptial Agreement”, 2016
The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek, “P.E.A.C.E. Parenting; Equitable Distribution; Alimony;
Child Support; and Everything Else”, 2017
Nuts and Bolts of Family Law Seminar, “Mediation”, 2018
“Mediation, Parent Coordination, and Mental Health Issues in Families Secondary to Divorce”, 2019
“Tips for Keeping Clients Out of the Courts”, 2019
Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Florida Bar, “Mediation and Parenting Coordination”, 2020
Nuts and Bolts of Family Law Seminar, “Mediation”, 2021

Publications

“Chapter 4 Paternity”, Adoption, Paternity, and Other Florida Family Practice 14th Edition, The Florida Bar, 2022
“No One Saw That Coming! Co-Parenting During a Natural Disaster or Pandemic”, The Florida Bar Family Law Section Commentator, 2021
“Virtual Hearings and Trial After You’ve Reached an Impasse”, The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Florida Bar- The Common Ground, 2020

Education

University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida
Juris Doctor, May 2010
Law Review: University of Miami Psychology, Public Policy, & Law

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Bachelor of Arts Psychology, magna cum laude, May 2007

Experience

The Law & Mediation Offices of Elizabeth M. Edwards, Esq., PA., Coconut Creek, FL
Owner, October 2021-present
Focused on civil and family mediation and family law with an emphasis on dissolution of marriage, paternity, and prenuptial agreements.

Law Offices of Barry I. Finkel, PA., Fort Lauderdale, FL & Boca Raton, FL
Partner, August 2012-September 2021
Focused on family and civil mediation and family law with an emphasis on dissolution of marriage, post decree enforcement, contempt and modifications, paternity, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, and mediation. Duties included arguing numerous court proceedings, negotiations, participating in mediations both as an attorney and as a mediator, taking depositions, legal research, preparation of legal documents and agreements, daily contact with clients and professionals.

Robert D. Schwartz, P.A., Boynton Beach, FL
Associate Attorney, October 2010-August 2012
Focused on family law with an emphasis on dissolution of marriage, post decree enforcement, contempt and modifications, and establishment and disestablishment of paternity. Assisted in bankruptcy, personal injury, and drafting estate documents. Duties included legal research, preparation and drafting legal documents, negotiating and drafting temporary and final agreements, daily contact with clients and professionals. Argued numerous court proceedings and participated in mediations and depositions.

Marin, Eljaiek, and Lopez, Coconut Grove, FL
Law Clerk, January 2009 – April 2010
Assisted attorneys in the litigation department specializing in first party homeowner insurance and condominium association law. Drafted legal documents including: contracts, appellate briefs, motions, notices, letters, liens, complaints, answers, and court orders. Conducted research, discovery, and met with clients.