About

Kerya, a native of Cambodia, graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor in Science and earned her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida. She practiced for five years at the State Attorney’s Office Child Welfare Legal Services, representing the interests of Department of Children and Families.  Additionally she law clerked with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company all through law school, representing the interests of the insurance company in in workers comp cases and insurance defense.

Prior to starting her own practice, she held a principal role as lead trial attorney for the State’s Attorney’s Office in Dependency and Termination of Parental Rights cases under Chapter 39.   She gained valuable litigation experience, interviewing skills as well as negotiation skills. As a lead trial attorney, she was responsible for every detail beginning with a petition for dependency to final and termination of parental rights cases and then on to the adoption of a child under protective supervision of the state of Florida.  Additionally, she also wrote appellate briefs as well if a case went on appeal.  Since starting her practice, Kerya has focused her practice primarily on family and matrimonial law to assist clients with their diverse family law issues.  She also practices in the area of adoption both relative and non- relative adoptions.

Kerya has a well-established connection and commitment to the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area through various professional and not-for-profit organizations and volunteer work. She was an active member of Inns of Court in St. Petersburg which serves Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit and the Second District Court of Appeals, and the United States District Court.  She is also an active member of the St. Pete Bar Association.   She also participates and offers pro bono representation to clients involved with various matrimonial matters.  She has accepted roles to be a guardian ad litem in very high conflict cases when requested by the judge presiding on the case.   She is a member of the Florida State Bar association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Kerya is also is committed to assisting the law students at Stetson University College of Law by volunteering her time as a judge for their mock trial competitions and as a guest speaker to address the areas of family/ marital law, adoptions and dependency.  She also volunteers her time to speak to foster parents who are taking MAPP classes to be licensed to have foster children in their home.

Member of the Florida Bar, September 2002
Member of the Illinois Bar, October 2011
Juris Doctor, May 2002, Stetson University College of Law
Recipient of Stetson College of Law Scholarship
Bachelor of Science, May 1998, Stetson University
Major: Psychology   Minor: English
Honor Roll, Dean’s Scholarship