Prior to establishing her own firm in 2001, Joan Berry Nassar practiced in several private law firms in S.C. and FL. She has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 1994. Joan was the recipient of First Annual Young Lawyers Professionalism Award from Brevard County Bar Association (1999). She has been a speaker at the Women’s Center on legal separation and divorce; and at at “What to Expect When Filing for a Divorce” sponsored by Brevard Community College and the 18th Judicial Circuit Judges. Joan is also the recipient of the Third Annual J. Preston Silvernail Civility Award – Presented by Chief Judge John M. Harris, 18th Judicial Circuit, July 12, 2017 “For Commitment to Excellence in the Practice of Law and the Respectful and Courteous Treatment of All People and for Conducting Oneself in a Way That Brings Honor to the Legal Profession”.
MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
Supreme Court of Florida Certified Family Mediator, 1996 to present
5th District Court of Appeals Approved Appellate Mediator, 2008 to present
Brevard County Contract Mediator, 1996 - 2003
COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCE
Collaborative Training Symposium, 2007
Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training, 2018
Member of the Brevard Collaborative Association
IN THE COMMUNITY
-New Life Mission – In a Christ-centered environment, New Life Mission equips homeless moms to transform their families for generations. Through education, accountability, and goal advancement, the program empowers families to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of homelessness.
Director - September 2018 through December 2019
Secretary – January 2019 through December 2020
Vice Chair – January 2020 through December 2020
Chair – January 2021 through present
-South Brevard Debutante Assembly Committee member, 2013-2021 - This 15-month program prepares young women educationally, culturally, and socially as our next generation of community leaders. The South Brevard Debutante Assembly Committee serves the community as a nonprofit charity supporting Serene Harbor.
-Career Day, 2010 – Westshore Junior/Senior High School – “Law as a Career”
-Justice Teaching, 2007-2011 – Longleaf Elementary - presented an activity designed to introduce students to the rights guaranteed under the constitution.
-Former speaker at "What to Expect When Filing for a Divorce" sponsored by the Brevard Community College and the18th Judicial Circuit Judges
-Cancer Care Foundation - Board Member, 2004-2005
-Yellow Umbrella (Exchange Club) Parent Volunteer, 1994 -1995
-Past Speaker at the Women’s Center on legal separation and divorce
