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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