Deborah Ann Byles, Attorney at Law
Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator

Personal background: After growing up in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1992, I ventured off to Hofstra University, located in Long Island, New York, to obtain my Bachelor of the Arts degree, in Sociology, and two minor degrees in English and Psychology.  I graduated Cum Laude from Hofstra, where I became a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  Thereafter, I obtained my Juris Doctorate, with Honors, at Florida State College of Law, where I was a member of the Moot Court Team – Mock Trial Division and the Journal of Transnational Law and Policy.  I was also a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, while living in Tallahassee.

I have been enthusiastically practicing law since 1996, when I was admitted into the Florida Bar.  I am a founding member of the Collaborative Lawyers of South Florida, a member of the Caribbean Bar Association and the Broward Bar Association. I have experience in commercial litigation and insurance defense/worker’s compensation litigation, yet my practice area currently encompasses family and matrimonial law.

My role as a Mediator: In the year 2002, I became a Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, which I also thoroughly enjoy.  As a mediator, I am a neutral third party who develops creative ways to facilitate a resolution of your family issues and concerns. I will assist parties who are either represented by attorneys or who are pro se (representing themselves).

Craig Sherritt
Attorney at Law

Craig Sherritt is a second-generation South Floridian, born in Coral Gables. He graduated from high school in 1977 at the age of sixteen and then he attended Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University) where he was one of the youngest students; two years later he transferred to Florida International University, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1983. In 1985, he began law school at Loyola University New Orleans, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1988. Later that year he was admitted to the Florida Bar.

Upon admission to the Florida Bar, Craig secured employment with the Legal Aid Society of Dade County as a Staff Attorney, practicing primarily in the area of marital and family law. In his six years with Legal Aid, he litigated approximately 1600 cases to conclusion and trained dozens of legal interns about trial practice and procedure.

In March 1995, Craig joined the Florida Attorney General's Office as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division. In this capacity, he conducted informal fact-finding procedures related to the retaliatory provisions under Florida's Whistle-blower's Act. He also focused on civil rights issues concerning discrimination against persons with disabilities. In 1998, he received an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying its highest standards of ethics and legal experience. In August 2000, he left the Attorney General’s Office to open a private practice. In 2003, he become a state-certified arbitrator.

In 1998, Craig was appointed by the Wilton Manors City Commission to the seven-member Board of Adjustment. In this capacity he heard testimony and made determinations of zoning variance applications filed by city residents. After serving on the Board for nearly two years and being a public servant for eleven years, Craig felt his personal and professional background and civic involvement gave him a good foundation to seek higher office. In January 2000, he was elected to the Wilton Manors City Commission for a four-year term. In 2004, he was reelected to the Commission for another term receiving the highest number of votes. Following the election Craig served as vice mayor from 2004 - 2006.

From 2004-2008, Craig was employed as a legal instructor with Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund, teaching real estate law and software to attorneys and their support staff.

In 2008, Craig returned to his roots joining the firm of Deborah Ann Byles, P.A., where he again practices primarily in the area of family and matrimonial law.