Wendy A. Mara attended Stetson University where she was selected for Phi Beta Kappa, widely considered to be the nation's most prestigious honor society. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1993, Ms. Mara taught language arts in both Volusia County public high schools and Father Lopez Catholic High School for 13 years combined. While teaching full time, she earned her MBA from the University of Central Florida in 2006. During her time in graduate school, she was selected for membership in Phi Kappa Phi, another of the nation’s most prestigious honor societies.
Deciding to pursue a legal career, she entered law school at Florida Coastal School of Law where she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class. While in law school, she was a teaching and research assistant, earned the Dean’s Certificate for Pro Bono Work and became an award winning oralist for the Jessup International Moot Court Competition. Following graduation from law school, she was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2009 and entered the private practice of law in the Volusia County and Flagler County areas.
Ms. Mara’s law practice is focused on protecting individuals, their families, and their assets in the areas of probate, family law, estate planning, guardianship, and asset protection. During her legal career, she has been recognized by her peers as a leader in the profession. She has served as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Volusia-Flagler Association for Women Lawyers. This organization honored Ms. Mara in 2015 with their Women of the Year Award for her work on behalf of women and children. Ms. Mara has also served as the Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Volusia County Bar Association and currently serves as Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Volusia County Bar Association. Ms. Mara is a member of the the Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and Florida Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Ms. Mara is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell in recognition of her ethics and legal knowledge and ability, and she has been designated a Rising Star in Family Law and Probate by SuperLawyers 2016-2019.
Outside of the legal profession, Ms. Mara is an active leader in her community and church, involved in many activities and organizations. She is a former member of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, winner of the 2013 Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award and former Chairperson of the PACE Center for Girls, Volusia-Flagler. Ms. Mara was an active member of the Junior League of Daytona Beach where she served as co-chair of the State Public Action Committee which advocates on behalf of women and children throughout the state. As a volunteer for Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Ms. Mara donates her time to provide pro bono legal assistance to low income individuals in addition to being appointed by the Court as a pro bono Guardian ad Litem in family law cases. Ms. Mara enjoys serving as Chair of the Parish Council at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and as a board member of the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida. Ms. Mara also serves as a Den Leader in Cub Scouts Pack 3074. Living in Ormond Beach with her husband Robert and two young sons, she has six children and three grandchildren.
