Page 19 - Palm Beach Vol 6 No 4
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AALM: What do you  nd particularly rewarding about your practice?
McKinnon: I love listening to people and their stories. I am humbled that they choose me to help them out of a dif-  cult situation, and am grateful when they let me know how I have made a huge impact on the trajectory of their futures. I love bringing resolution to acrimonious situations and help- ing post-divorce parties live better. In my experience, I have seen and heard it all. Not much surprises me, so I am con - dent that we can help guide the client to a peaceful and ben- e cial outcome based on my past experience.  at, in and of itself, is extremely rewarding.
AALM: What do you  nd particularly challenging about your practice? How do you overcome these chal- lenges?
McKinnon: Finding and maintaining work-life balance is what I  nd the most challenging about having a law practice. As they say, “the law is a jealous mistress.” I started a family  ve years ago when I got married and had my daughter two years later. It seems like I have no time for anything anymore, but I make it a point to make time for the things and people that matter most.  e next step is to onboard an associate or two to help with the caseload as it increases. I  nd that taking time to meditate and reading personal and profes- sional development books keep me centered and not so focused on the stresses of having a busy practice.
AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney excep- tional? What’s the di erence between a good attorney and an out- standing one?
McKinnon: A good attorney may not go above and beyond what is necessary for the person in completing the job. An out- standing attorney sets out to bring real value to the client. He or she is client-focused. An outstanding attorney understands that the relationship with the client never really ends and does every- thing possible to cultivate that relationship. I have gotten many more cases referred to my  rm from former clients who not only appreciated the resolution of their issue but who also felt that I treated them with dignity, respect and compassion.
AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving?
McKinnon: I am presently most proud of being appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 17th Judicial Circuit. It is composed of a board whose responsibility involves vetting at- torneys who aspire to become judges in Broward County.  e com- mission is charged with nominating the best candidates of not fewer than three persons nor more than six persons to the governor’s o ce for appointment to any vacancy within our circuit. I look forward to doing right by the residents of Broward County and ensuring good judges get an opportunity to serve our citizens well.
AALM: What do you most hope to accomplish in the future? Where do you see yourself in  ve years? In 10?
McKinnon: In  ve years, I hope to have grown the  rm to at least three associates to take over some of the caseload and assist in servicing the greatest number of people our  rm can handle. In 10 years, I hope to step back and take a more active role in the community in a philan- thropic and charitable role. God willing, with enough hard work, dedi- cation and a stellar team on board at the o ce, I believe we can turn lives around for the better in the greater South Florida community.
Vol. 6 No. 4 Attorney at Law Magazine® South Florida | 19
AT A GLANCE
Law O ce
of Christina A. McKinnon P.A. 3600 Red Road, Suite 402
Miramar, FL 33025
(305) 416-0045 www.mckinnon-legal.com
Practice Areas
Marital & Family Law Personal Injury
Education
Juris Doctor, Nova Law, 2001 Bachelor’s Degree, Florida State University, 1997
Select Professional Memberships
17th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, Commissioner, 2017-2020
National Association of Divorce Professionals, West Broward Chapter, Director, 2016-Present
Broward Black Republican Club, General Counsel, 2016-Present
American Bar Association, Diversity Committee, Subcommittee Chair, 2012-2014
Dade County Bar Association, Board of Directors, 2010-2013 Florida Bar, YLD Board of Governors, Diversity Committee
Chair, 2008-2010
Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, President, 2007-2008 Florida Bar YLD Board of Governors 11th Judicial Circuit
Representative, 2006-2010
Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Board of Directors,
2004-2005
Select Honors
South Florida Legal Guide, Top Up & Comer, 2017 Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2015
Top 100 National Black Lawyers, 2015
25 Most In uential & Prominent Women in Business &
Leadership, 2013
Dade Legal Aid Put Something Back Pro Bono Award,
Family Law, 2013
Honoree in Who’s Who in Black South Florida, 2007, 2009 Woman Who Makes a Di erence, Junior League of Miami,
2006
Chapman Volunteer Award, 2005
Children’s Psychiatric Center’s Volunteer of the Year, 2005
Community Involvement
Junior League of Miami, Inc., 2010
2010 HoneyShine Mentoring Program, 2010 Chapman Partnership, 2004-2006
Hobbies
Reading
Watching Documentaries
Working Puzzles With My Daughter
Favorite Quote
The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me? – Ayn Rand


































































































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