Joanna Foard | McLean Divorce & Family Lawyer

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About Joanna

Joanna M. Foard spent her childhood and teen years in Lawton, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and pre-law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Joanna earned her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. After completing her J.D., she furthered her legal education obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International and Comparative Law, in Washington, D.C., at the Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Joanna knew from a young age that she wanted to help others, and decided that becoming an attorney was a great way to do so. During junior high school, high school, and law school, Joanna participated in multiple volunteer organizations that provided legal assistance to those in the community. It is during those years that she found her true passion for the law and her call to help others.

While attending law school, Joanna was selected to serve as a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure, for two separate semesters, and Professional Responsibility for one semester. Joanna became very involved with the Academic Success program and bar preparation courses at her school and was selected to grade practice examinations for Barbri. She spent one semester of college studying abroad in Western Australia, and one semester of law school studying abroad in eight different European countries.

Joanna is sensitive to the emotional and financial strains associated with legal issues, and prides herself on being compassionate and reliable in order to achieve the best result possible for her clients.

Call today to learn more about my fee structure.

Experience

Attorney

General Counsel, P.C.

Present

McLean, VA

Admission

Verified District of Columbia

2013

Verified Florida

2012

Verified U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Education

Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

LL.M.

2013

Catholic University of America

Bachelors

2009

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Orlando Magazine Women of the Year
    2020
  • Rising Star from Super Lawyers Magazine
    2020
  • Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine
    2020
  • Legal Elite Up and Comer by Florida Trend Magazine
    2018
  • Board Member, Orange County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, –
    2018 / 2020
  • Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, Key Initiative Group,
    2018 - 2020
  • Board Member, Orange County Teen Court,
    2016 - 2020
  • Vice President, Orange County Teen Court Advisory Board,
    2019-2020
  • Volunteer Presiding Judge, Orange County Teen Court,
    2016 - 2020
  • Associate, Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court,
    2016 - 2020
  • Member, Seminole County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division,
    2017 - 2020
  • Member, Orange County Bar Association,
    2013 - 2020
  • Block Captain, Neighborhood Watch Group of the Orlando Police Department,
    2017 - 2020
Honors / Awards
  • Joanna finds great satisfaction in her work, and is a dedicated family law practitioner. Joanna is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, either uncontested or contested, from case initiation, through the discovery process, and to trial. To see reviews from prior clients, please visit Joanna Foard’s Avvo page demonstrating her 10.0 rating, Client’s Choice Award recipientand , and over 100 5-star reviews.
    2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

Each family law case is different, and presents its own unique challenges. The reason I enjoy practicing family law as much as I do is because I truly feel that I am able to help people through a very difficult time.

How did you build a successful practice?

I always try to give my honest opinion with my clients, even if it is difficult to hear. My job is to give my client their options, and my opinion based upon my experience. In the end, it is my client's decision, as it is their life that will be directly impacted.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

Never trust someone who guarantees you a result in court, there is no way to guarantee a result! Look for someone who is honest, prepared, and someone that you feel very comfortable talking to. Usually, if you are going through a legal proceeding it is the most challenging thing going on in your life, and hiring an attorney is not cheap. You want to make sure you have someone on your side that you feel you can totally trust.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

Even though the law is the same throughout the entire state, each county has their own way procedures. It is important to select an attorney with knowledge of those local procedures.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

I am able to provide general information and guidance during a phone consultation.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?

I will just need basic information, i.e. if a case has been filed, if the person has been served yet and if so when, and and overview of what result they are looking for so that I can determine if I can assist.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

I am very involved in the community and truly enjoy giving back.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Helping people through difficult times, and seeing them reach the other side of a difficult situation is the most rewarding aspect of my job.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

I enjoy playing the piano, spending time with my family, and going to the beach. I also enjoy working on my Italian.

Are you involved in your community?

Yes, I am very involved in the community and giving back is very important to me.

General Counsel, P.C. Highlights

Business, Employment, Divorce & Family Law, Estate, Litigation

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