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Fort Myers Attorney Traci McKee Honored as One of Southwest Florida's Top 40 Under 40

Dec 06, 2017 10:54AM ● By Kevin
 
The law firm of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., recently announced that Attorney Traci McKee was selected as one of Gulfshore Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 in a press release. The 40 Under 40 list honors local young professionals who have distinguished themselves in their professions and in the community, according to the release. The awards reception was held on Sept. 7 at Miromar Design Center in Estero.

“Traci is an energetic, dynamic and considerate mother and wife in her personal life and exhibits the same traits in her profession as a trial lawyer," said Michael Corso, Chair of Henderson Franklin’s Tort & Insurance Litigation Division, in the release. "She has the respect and admiration of her clients, judicial administration representatives, her business partners and her peers. Traci has always been a rising star and that star just keeps climbing higher."

McKee’s practice focuses on defending individuals, corporations and governmental entities in professional malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and an array of personal injury claims. She is known as the “lawyer’s lawyer,” defending attorneys and law firms in malpractice and grievance matters. In addition, McKee regularly defends schools, school boards, and other entities with custody of children in tort claims.

She represents clients in appeals and has argued before the Florida Supreme Court. McKee serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association’s Executive Council and in just over a year, she will become the first female president in over a decade. McKee is also Treasurer of the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association.

Q&A With Traci McKee

We had a chance to exclusively chat with McKee about her recent achievement.

TOTI Media: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Have you always had a passion for law?

Traci McKee: Just the opposite. There are no lawyers in my family. After graduating from undergrad, I got my first job with a large insurance company. I began handling lots of litigation matters, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was lucky to have a couple attorneys who encouraged me to go to law school - I worked for close to 5 years before starting my first year of law school.

TOTI: You recently were selected as one of Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40, congratulations! What has that been like?

 
McKee: I was very humbled and thoroughly enjoyed the celebration with my parents, husband and two dear friends.  That lasted for one short evening before the reality of being a working mom of two young boys set in!  Then back in the swing of things!

TOTI: There was an event celebrating everyone that made this list earlier this month. What was it like attending it?

McKee: Like I said, I enjoyed the event immensely but shortly after, it was back to getting kids ready for bed before responding to client emails and preparing for the next day’s depositions or court hearings.

TOTI: What has been one of your most memorable moments (so far)?

McKee: Aside from having kids, some of my best memories are playing collegiate volleyball at the University of North Florida. I am a fierce competitor but more than anything, I cherish the moments I shared with some of the strongest and most powerful women I’ve ever met.

TOTI: What are your goals? Where do you see yourself headed?

McKee: While this doesn’t sound lofty, for the next 12 or so years I want my kids and my colleagues to see me as a fabulous working mom who is able to excel at both.

TOTI: How has it been for you and your loved ones after Irma?

McKee: We were extremely lucky to have made it through Irma with little damage.

TOTI: When you aren't one of Southwest Florida's top attorneys, what do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

McKee: You can find me 3-4 nights a week watching little league games after work. Our weekends are spent enjoying friends and family at local parks, the beach and theme parks.

About Henderson Franklin

Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 50 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers' compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients build their homes, businesses and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on McKee or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.