14 | The Summation
The Practice of Patience: Working with Family
by Shekka Drayton, Law Office of Patrick Martin, GEICO Staff Counsel
A
sk each lawyer what their practice is like, and you’ll receive
a myriad of answers as vast as the law itself. It is not uncommon for attorneys to work alongside family in their practice. Several families within the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association enjoy this opportunity. Five ESRBA families share how they navigate family and work life amid the pandemic. COVID-19 has permeated every aspect of daily life. The practice of law is no exception. Jason and Carrie Cromey of Cromey Law; Belinda and Mitchell de Kozan of DeMaria, de Kozan, & White; Terence (Terry), Rhett, and Tyler Gross and Dalton Allen of Gross & Schuster; Stephen and Justin Holman of the Holman Law Firm; and Doug and Tiffany Woodward of Moore, Hill, & Westmoreland shed light on the dynamics of practicing with family during an unprecedented time. Both the Cromeys and the Woodwards practice alongside their spouse in a firm setting. After years of public service in criminal defense, Jason Cromey founded Cromey Law in 2015. Carrie joined forces with her husband at Cromey Law in 2019, bringing with her ample knowledge in consumer protection and bankruptcy. Doug Woodward enjoys a long history of working at Moore, Hill, & Westmoreland. Doug, a civil litigator with a practice focused in construction, joined the firm in 2001. Tiffany Woodward, a family law attorney and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, joined the firm in 2017.
In reflecting on their working relationship and family life, the Cromeys adapt to their strengths and weaknesses. Jason is a great cook. However, their kids would say Carrie “practices cooking.” As it pertains to working, the Cromeys admit their styles are completely different, yet complimentary. Carrie states, “We really enjoy our jobs, so we talk about work a LOT, but it’s our family business, so when we land on a decision, it feels meaningful.” For the Woodwards, compartmentalization is key. “Do not bring family issues into work, and do not bring work issues into the home,” reflects Doug. After four years of working together, the Woodwards have mastered implementing these boundaries. “Separation of the two is easy for us. We practice two totally different types of law, so there is very little shop talk at home outside of the occasional general strategy question.” They have a “divide and conquer” strategy that allows them to seamlessly care for their children. They coordinate the family schedule to make sure everyone’s needs are met. In light of COVID, the Cromeys setup virtual office systems for intake, document management, and task/time management, although they have the flexibility to meet face to face when needed. For the Woodwards, their entire firm went remote during the initial shutdown and gradually opened after implementing the necessary precautions. With the joint impact of COVID and the inoperability of the bridge, Doug Woodward works from his Gulf Breeze home while still making it into the office several times a week. Tiffany Woodward
consistently frequents her office for conference room space and specialized IT support that aids her practice. Both families have found balance in these unprecedented times. The de Kozans, the Gross family, and the Holmans share a working relationship between parents and children. Belinda de Kozan, a seasoned mediator and civil litigator, is a partner at DeMaria, de Kozan, & White alongside Kathy DeMaria and Katie White. Her son, Mitchell de Kozan, joined the firm after his graduation from The University of Florida Levin College of Law and admission to The Florida Bar in 2019, specializing in Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Terence “Terry” Gross founded his personal injury firm in 1981. He’s had many associates and partners over the years. Terry’s sons, Tyler and Rhett, served as public defenders prior to joining the firm in 2014 and 2016, respectively. Dalton Allen, Terry’s son-in-law, joined the firm in 2020. Stephen and Justin Holman are a dynamic duo with practice areas in family law, personal injury, and civil litigation. Stephen Holman has practiced civil law for 34 years. Justin has worked with his father for six years. On the topic of working with family, Belinda de Kozan finds it exciting to work with her son. “We’ve always had a close mother-son relationship, so working together just gives us one more opportunity to enjoy time together.” Belinda sees her firm as a family environment and equally accredits Mitchell’s professional development to the mentorship of her partners, Kathy
