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Qualifications & Experience

About

I grew up in Winter Haven and have practiced law in Polk County since 1982. From 1982 until 1994, I practiced with my father J. Julian Bennett, doing criminal defense, family law and general civil trial work.

Since 1993, I have limited my practice to marital and family law. During my three decades of practice, I have represented over 2,000 family law cases for individuals from virtually every walk of life – from school teachers to CEOs.

Curriculum Vitae

Education:

  • Polk Community College, 1976 – 1977, AA Degree
  • Florida State University, 1978 – 1979, BS Criminology
  • Stetson University College of Law, 1979 – 1981, Juris Doctor Degree

Employment:

  • Bennett & Bennett , P.A., 1982 – 1994
  • Hall & Bennett, 1994 – 2008
  • Hall, Bennett & Shelton, 2008 to present

Publications:

  • The Florida Bar Journal December, 1994, Mize: Florida’s Disenchanted Response to the Relocation Dilemma
  • The Florida Bar Journal October, 1999, Bridge the Gap Alimony: An Emerging Vehicle for Satisfying Short Term Need
  • The Florida Bar Journal May, 2000, Strategic Management of the Family Practice

Professional Achievements:

  • Admitted to the Florida Bar, 1982
  • Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Marital and Family Law 1993 – 2023
  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1998 – 2023, President 2006
  • Member, Florida Bar Family Law Section since 1984
  • Certified Family Law Mediator, 1991 – 2001
  • Winter Haven Bar Association, President 1987 – 1988
  • Member, Tenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee-Vice Chair, 1996, Chair, 1997
  • Family Law Section Commentator Staff, 1995 – 1996
  • Polk County Family Lawyer’s Association, President, 1996 – 1997
  • Co-Chairman, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Florida Chapter 24th Annual Institute, A Symposium, May 2002
  • Chair of Tenth Judicial Circuit Ad Hoc Committee with regard to Administrative Orders in Family Law

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