Archives: Team Members

Jennifer (Jen) Normand graduated from the University of Maine before earning her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts in 2004. After originally being barred in Massachusetts, Ms. Normand went on to become barred in several different states and practiced extensively in various state and federal courts in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, and the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ms. Normand has litigation experience in a variety of legal areas, including real estate, creditor’s rights, construction, domestic relations and medical malpractice. Ms. Normand has a proven and successful track record in drafting and arguing complex motions, including a high success rate on motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment in many areas of law. Ms. Normand has successfully defended clients against appeals in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts during her career and has appeared for oral arguments twice in the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

When not working, Ms. Normand spends time with her family and pets and works to help her community as a Town Meeting Member.

• Suffolk University Law School, JD, 2004
• University of Maine, B.A. Political Science

• Construction
• Creditor’s Rights
• Domestic Relations
• Medical Malpractice
• Real Estate
• Subrogation

• Massachusetts (2004)
• New Hampshire (2012)
• Florida (2005)
• Rhode Island (2010) (inactive)
• S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (2007)
• S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire (2012)
• S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island (2012)
• S. Court of Appeals First Circuit (2008)

• New Hampshire Bar Association
• Rhode Island Bar Association
• 2022 Top Lawyer, Boston Magazine

Candy Cure is a skilled litigation attorney with over 30 years of experience in civil and criminal law. She has a proven track record of success in prosecuting and defending complex cases in various areas including fraud, personal injury, products liability, premises liability, contracts and subrogation. She is licensed to practice law before New Jersey State and Federal Courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

She began her legal career interning during college with the Women’s Law Project in Philadelphia and in law school, worked with her school’s Street Law program allowing her to appear in court as a law student.

She attended LaSalle College in Philadelphia earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a certificate in Women’s Studies. She then attended the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University in D.C. where she was a member of the Moot Court Trial team. Out of school, she clerked for a Superior Court Judge in NJ and has also successfully completed the Inns of Court trial program in Camden, NJ.

Outside of the law Candy is the Chair of the Planning Board and an active member of the Green Team. She is passionate about her work and advocating for her clients both in and out of the courtroom. She has expertise in a variety of legal matters that allows her to handle her client’s needs efficiently and effectively. Candy is a highly motivated and results-oriented attorney with a strong commitment to justice.

• Columbus School of Law at Catholic University – Juris Doctorate
• LaSalle College – B.S. in Psychology

• Insurance Defense
• Insurance Coverage
• Fraud
• Subrogation

• New Jersey
• US Supreme Court

Kelly is a dedicated attorney with a passion for advocacy and justice. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Honors Program in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Spanish Language. Her commitment to academic excellence saw her graduate in the top 10% of her class. Kelly’s educational journey continued at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law Honors Program, where she earned her Juris Doctorate degree cum laude in 2022. During her time in law school, Kelly served as the Chief Justice of the NSU Law Moot Court Honor Society, competing in various advocacy competitions, including the prestigious ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition. Her advocacy skills were recognized when she received a Top 8 Overall Advocate award in the 2021 ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition and was a pivotal member of the 2022 Regional Champion team. Kelly also received additional accolades, including the 2022 National Best Brief for the Respondent.

Kelly’s dedication to legal studies extended beyond her competitive achievements as well. She simultaneously held a position as a Faculty Research Assistant in the NSU Law Legal Research and Writing Program and remained an active member of the ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law bilingual team, showcasing her commitment to academic and practical legal excellence. In recognition of her leadership and involvement during her law school career, Kelly was inducted into the President’s 64, a group of elite on-campus leaders that is selected by the President of Nova Southeastern University.

Prior to joining our firm, Kelly gained valuable experience in Personal Injury law, commercial litigation, and matters of probate, broadening her legal expertise. Her passion for studying and mastering the intricacies of the law is unwavering, making her a lifelong learner in her pursuit of justice. As an attorney, Kelly leverages her unique skill set in both written and oral legal advocacy to provide the best possible representation for her clients.

• Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law Honors Program – Juris Doctor
• University of Florida – Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Spanish Language

• Subrogation

• Florida

• Broward County Women Lawyers’ Association Rising Star Scholarship Award Recipient (2022)
• Order of Barristers Award Recipient for Oral Advocacy and Brief Writing (2022)
• ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition National Best Brief for the Respondent (2022)
• ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition Top 8 Overall Advocate Award (2021)

Kelly Wark Sharples earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2001 cum laude from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Studying English with a Concentration in Writing, Ms. Sharples received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida in 1999.

Ms. Sharples began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. During her almost ten years as a prosecutor, Kelly Sharples specialized in the prosecution of sexually motivated offenses and crimes against children, but also prosecuted career criminal, firearm, homicide and domestic violence cases.  Kelly Sharples has tried over 75 felony jury trials to verdict.  In addition to
her vast experience in criminal law, Kelly Wark Sharples has also represented clients in all aspects of family law, from motion practice to trial.

Kelly Sharples has lectured at numerous national and state-wide conferences on the topics of sexually motivated crimes and crimes against children, domestic violence, human trafficking, internet crimes against children and DNA evidence collection.  While Kelly Sharples remains a fierce litigator on behalf of her clients, in her leisure time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her two daughters, swimming, practicing
yoga, and walking her dog on the beach.

• Stetson University School of Law- Juris Doctor
• Florida State University – English with a Concentration in Writing

• Construction litigation
• Civil litigation
• Insurance defense
• Premise liability
• Personal injury
• Criminal law
• Family law

• Florida

• Former Vice President – Volusia/Flagler Association for Women Lawyers
• Former Board Member – Volusia/Flagler Association for Women Lawyers
• Former President – Young Lawyer’s Division/Volusia County Bar Association
• Former Co-Chair – Flagler County Sex Crimes Task Force
• Former Committee Chair for Community Outreach – Rape Crisis Center of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida

• https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/local/2009/08/28/former-skynyrd-drummer-acquitted/985597007/
• https://www.staugustine.com/story/news/local/2010/06/29/davis-guilty-all-counts/16229029007/
• https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2010/06/29/man-guilty-sexual-battery-woman-75/15940460007/
• https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2009/07/23/st-johns-man-convicted-of-sex-battery-on-juvenile/15978769007/
• https://www.baltimoresun.com/os-xpm-2006-10-21-cfbriefs21-9-story.html
• https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2006/12/23/man-gets-life-in-child-abuse/
• https://www.staugustine.com/story/news/local/2011/03/25/nichols-appeal-punishment-2-life-sentences/16207336007/
• https://www.news4jax.com/news/2009/05/22/woman-convicted-in-daytona-beach-murder/
• http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2012-09-27/martinez-sentenced-life-prison-0
• http://www.news4jax.com/news/St-Johns-County-man-gets-life-for-raping-a-7-year-old-child/-/475880/16767700/-/wf01d9/-/index.html
• http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-09-27/story/st-johns-man-gets-2-life-sentences-sexually-battery-minor
• http://www.historiccity.com/2012/staugustine/news/florida/martinez-guilty-gets-two-life-plus-90-years-30732

Glenis Pimentel earned her Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2015. Prior to that, she completed an Honors B.A. in Political Science and Gender Studies at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. She is a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey. Additionally, she is proficient in Spanish.

Glenis has a strong background in insurance litigation. She has litigated hundreds of claims and successfully tried jury and bench trials. She has previously served as in-house counsel for two of the largest insurance companies in the nation.

• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law – Juris Doctorate
• Rutgers University – B.A. in Political Science and Gender Studies

• Insurance Defense
• Subrogation
• Securities Litigation
• Residential Real Estate

• New Jersey
• New York

Tifanni Cooke is an accomplished attorney with a strong background in litigation. Tifanni has litigated thousands of claims, and successfully tried hundreds of cases. She has an expertise in navigating complex legal matters. Throughout her career, Tifanni has gained extensive experience practicing before arbitrators and judicial officials. She has also excelled in teaching and training fellow attorneys, as evidenced by her organization and instruction at a training seminar aimed at enhancing litigation efficiency. Tifanni has served as in-house counsel for one of the largest insurance companies in the nation.

Tifanni’s legal journey began when she earned her Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law. Prior to that, she completed an Honors B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Global Studies at the University of Delaware within three years. Throughout her education, Tifanni supplemented her legal studies with minors in Spanish and Black American Studies. She is a licensed attorney in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. In addition to her legal expertise, Tifanni possesses valuable language skills as she is proficient in Spanish.

Outside of her legal career, Tifanni takes an active role as the President of the Anne E. C. Blue Scholarship Fund, Inc. This demonstrates her commitment to philanthropy and supporting educational opportunities for deserving students. Tifanni is a highly skilled and resolute attorney with a proven track record in litigation. Her extensive experience, training, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to her clients and the legal profession as a whole.

• Hofstra University School of Law – Juris Doctorate
• University of Delaware – B.A. in Political Science

• Real Estate
• Immigration
• Domestic Violence
• Insurance Defense
• Subrogation

• District of Columbia
• New Jersey
• New York

Jackie Roys Clifton grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and received her Bachelor of Science from Florida State University. She then continued her studies at Florida Coastal School of Law, where she took the opportunity to study abroad at University of Oxford in Oxford, England. She is a seasoned litigator with over twenty years of experience. In addition to her admission to the Florida bar, she is also admitted into the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Jackie began her legal career as an assistant state attorney, successfully working her way through the ranks to become a homicide prosecutor. She has tried over a hundred criminal felony trials to verdict. In addition to the expansive criminal litigation, her prior legal experience includes cases in construction defects, ADA compliance, contract law, business law, and family law. Jackie continues to be a fierce advocate for her clients.

• Florida Coastal School of Law- Juris Doctor
• Florida State University- Criminology

• Construction litigation
• Civil litigation
• Insurance defense
• Premise liability
• Personal injury
• Commercial transactions

• Florida
• U.S. District Court (M.D.Fla)
• U.S. District Court (S.D. Fla)

• Former Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator
• Past President and Board Member of the Volusia/Flagler Association of Woman Lawyers
• Past Board Member Volusia County Bar Association
• Former member Dunn-Blount American Inn of Court
• Volusia County Bar Association

• https://www.staugustine.com/story/news/2014/02/25/prosecutor-jacquelyn-roys-makes-opening-statement-fries-trial/16125676007/
• https://www.staugustine.com/story/news/local/2014/03/01/fries-guilty-pub-shooting/16125249007/
• https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2011/03/03/couples-killer-convicted-flagler-county-trial/15912296007/
• https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2011/mar/09/jury-recommends-death-gregory/
• https://flaglerlive.com/paul-miller-trial-day-5/
• https://flaglerlive.com/boyls-massey-first-degree/
• https://flaglerlive.com/eric-niemi-sentencing/

Karina Acevedo is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She moved to Miami, Florida with her family as a child and later resided in Gran Canaria, Spain. Ms. Acevedo studied Political Science and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University. She decided to continue her education and study law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Law Center in 2004. Ms. Acevedo began her legal career by advocating for the immigrant community by practicing Immigration and Naturalization Law. After many years of practicing immigration, she decided that she wanted to expand her horizons and explore other facets of law. Ms. Acevedo is excited to master First Party Property Litigation and become a productive member of the DSB&C Team.

When Karina is not practicing law, she enjoys bargain hunting, traveling, and reading.

• Nova Southeastern University – Juris Doctorate
• Florida International University – Bachelor’s in Arts, Magna Cum Laude

• First and Third-Party Coverage and Defense

• Florida

Katie Hinkle was born and raised in South Florida, and graduated from the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English. Following graduation, she attended law school at Nova Southeastern University on a full academic scholarship. Prior to joining the firm, Katie gained valuable civil trial experience assisting homeowners in commercial and residential insurance claims, including bad-faith litigation.

Katie was previously an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, where she was a prosecutor in the Felony Trial Unit.  While at the State Attorney’s Office, Katie had the opportunity to litigate over thirty jury trials to verdict.

• University of Florida – Bachelor of Arts in English
• Nova Southeastern University – Juris Doctorate

• First Party Property
• Premise Liability

• Florida
• U.S. District Court (S.D. Florida)

Vicki A. Knapp began her career utilizing her political science background by working for a state senator in the West Virginia legislature. She decided to further her interest in law by attending Nova Southeastern University and obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 2008. While in law school, Ms. Knapp interned at the Everglades Law Center, where she found another passion in environmental and land use law. In recent years, Ms. Knapp has taught Business Law courses at Indian River State College. While her current focus is on subrogation recovery, she continues an interest in other areas of the law, such as public policy and estate planning.

• Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center – Juris Doctor
• West Virginia University  – Master of Arts in Political Science

• Insurance Subrogation

• Florida