The Heart Behind a Decade of Compassionate Service

In 2026, as Parra Harris Law marks 10 years of helping families through life’s transitions, we reflect on the story that shaped its foundation. The firm’s values of compassion, perseverance, and cultural understanding are a direct reflection of its founder, Paola Parra Harris, whose own experiences continue to inspire the work we do every day.

The Paola Parra Harris Story

Born in Havana and brought to the United States at just 45 days old, Paola Parra Harris’s life has been defined by resilience, hustle, and a deep understanding of what a “new beginning” truly means. Growing up bilingual and bicultural as a Cuban American in Miami, she saw firsthand the power of advocacy and community.

That foundation led her to establish Parra Harris Law in January 2016. What began from humble beginnings—driven by grit and vision—has grown into an award-winning family law boutique. As Parra Harris Law approaches its 10th Anniversary of providing compassionate new beginnings, Paola Parra Harris is profoundly grateful for her clients’ trust and the community’s support.

Today, she proudly leads a dedicated team serving all of North Florida, especially its growing Spanish-speaking community. Paola’s heritage is not just her roots; it’s the strength that fuels her firm’s mission: to serve with compassion, skill, and cultural understanding.

“Compassion and understanding are at the heart of every new beginning.” – Paola Parra Harris

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Building the Foundation (1997–2010)

Legal Leadership

Catholic Lawyers Guild – Member (1997–Present)
Joined the Catholic Lawyers Guild, beginning a lifelong commitment to faith-based service in the legal community.

Community

San Jose Catholic Church – Catechist (1999–2005)
Volunteered as a catechist, helping guide and mentor young parishioners in her community.

Community

San Jose Catholic Church – Catechist (1999–2005)
Volunteered as a catechist, helping guide and mentor young parishioners in her community.

Community

Rotaract of Florida’s First Coast – President (2002–2003)
Stepped into early leadership through service, building a foundation for lifelong community involvement.

Recognition

Jacksonville Business Journal “Up & Comer” (2002)
Recognized as one of Northeast Florida’s rising young professionals.

Community

Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2003
Selected for a prestigious civic leadership program connecting future community leaders.

Community

Junior League of Jacksonville – Board of Directors (2006–2007)
Served on the Board, advancing women’s leadership and local service initiatives.

Community

Hispanic Leadership Alliance

North Florida Hispanic Leadership Alliance – Board Member (2008–2015)
Worked to strengthen Hispanic leadership and representation in North Florida.

Community

Southside United Methodist Church – VBS Teacher (2008–2012)
Volunteered as a Vacation Bible School teacher, supporting children’s education and faith.

Community

Rotary Club of San Jose – President (2012–2013)
Led community service initiatives as President, continuing Rotary’s legacy of “Service Above Self.”
Growth & Recognition (2011–2019)

Community

'La Guia' Hispanic Guide

Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board – Chair (2011–2012)
Appointed by the Mayor to lead efforts supporting Jacksonville’s Hispanic community and led publication of “La Guia”, a bilingual (English/Spanish) directory of resources for Hispanic Community in Northeast Florida.

Community

Mayor Alvin Brown Legal Transition Team (2011)
Provided legal insight and civic guidance during a key city administration transition

Recognition

EcoLatino – Top 10 Most Influential Hispanics of North Florida (2011)
Honored for leadership and impact within the Hispanic community

Recognition

Paola Parra Harris receiving the JWLA Woman Lawyer of the Year award

JWLA “Lawyer of the Year” (2012)
Recognized for professional excellence and contributions to the legal community.

Legal Leadership

Florida Coastal School of Law – Adjunct Professor (2011–2012)
Taught family law, mentoring future attorneys through education and experience.

Legal Leadership

Hispanic Bar Association of N.E. Florida – Founder & President (2004–2005)
Founded and led the region’s first Hispanic Bar Association to promote diversity in law.

Community

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JaxPort Task Force – Mayoral Appointment (2014–2015)
Contributed to strategic discussions shaping Jacksonville’s economic growth.

Legal Leadership

Florida Bar Association – Grievance Committee, Vice Chair (2017)
Served with distinction on the Bar’s committee overseeing professional conduct.

Community

Catholic Charities of Jacksonville – Board Chair (2016–2017)
Led programs providing critical aid to families and individuals in need.

Community

Read It Forward Jacksonville – Advisory Board (2015–Present)
Supports literacy initiatives and education programs across the city.

Recognition

2019 Ultimate Attorneys award icon

Jacksonville Business Journal – Ultimate Family Law Attorney (2019)
Honored for excellence and compassion in family law practice.

Recognition

Mayor’s Hispanic Leadership Award in Business (2019)
Recognized for business leadership and community engagement.

Recognition

Women of Distinction logo

Girl Scouts Gateway Council – Woman of Distinction (2019)
Celebrated for empowering and inspiring women and girls through leadership.

Leadership & Legacy (2020–Present)

Recognition

Expertise – Best Divorce Lawyers in Jacksonville (2020)
Parra Harris Law Named On Top 18 “2020 Best Divorce Lawyers in Jacksonville” List

Community

UNF Hicks Honors College – Leadership Council (2020–Present)
Advises and mentors students, fostering leadership and academic achievement.

Community

Rotary Club of Jacksonville – Projects & Grants Committee (2020–Present)
Continues service through grant work and community project leadership.

Recognition

2021 Ultimate CEO honoree Paola Parra Harris

Jacksonville Business Journal – Ultimate CEO (2021)
Recognized among Jacksonville’s top leaders for business excellence and community service.

Recognition

Leadership Florida – Cornerstone Class for 2020-2021 Program
Paola Parra Harris selected for a statewide program connecting and developing Florida’s most engaged leaders.

Community

Sulzbacher – Board Chair (2023–Present)
Leads one of Jacksonville’s foremost nonprofits supporting the homeless community.

Community

Leadership Florida

Leadership Florida – Northeast Region Recruitment Chair (2023–Present)
Encourages civic engagement and fosters leadership across Northeast Florida.

Community

Women in Business Night at Jacksonville Icemen

Hosts Women In Business Night at Jax Icemen Game (2024 & 2025)
As a woman owned business, Parra Harris Law and its founder Paola Parra Harris are committed to supporting other women in Jacksonville.

Recognition

Attorney at Law Magazine – First Coast Women In Law (2025)
Highlighted among an excellent group of women lawyers from throughout Northeast Florida.

Recognition

Marquis Who's Who

Marquis Who’s Who – Honored Listee (2025)
Selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who for expertise in legal services, particularly in family law.

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, we hosted a festive kickoff to our 10-year anniversary celebration. It was a fun and festive Florida Georgia Tailgate themed lunch party, “Beer Brews and Blues” with live music from the band, Pink Paisleys. Check out social media to see photos from the party!

10 For 10: Giving Back to the Community That Has Given Us So Much

In honor of our 10th anniversary, Parra Harris Law is proud to launch the “10 for 10” Campaign, a $10,000 commitment to 10 Jacksonville-area nonprofits that align with our mission to support families, women, children, and underserved communities.

Through this initiative, we are reaffirming our gratitude and responsibility to the community that has supported us for a decade. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one organization, one story, and one new beginning at a time.

We will be announcing our selected community partners in the coming months and make charitable donations at our celebration event in April 2026.

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Looking Back and Looking Ahead

As we look back on ten incredible years, we also look forward to the next ten, continuing our mission of compassionate advocacy and service to families across North Florida.

Our 10th Anniversary celebration will culminate in a special anniversary gathering in April 2026, an opportunity to reflect, connect, and give back together.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey: our clients, team members, community partners, and vendors, whose trust, dedication, and collaboration have made every new beginning possible.

Thank you for being part of our story!