Lora Bedford
Law Office Of Lora L. Bedford, P.A.
Attorney at Law
By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa
Photography by Chad Spencer
When Indiana native Lora Bedford discovered Sarasota, she knew she was on to something good. A graduate of the Florida State University College of Law, Lora went on to garner a coveted post-commencement position with the Florida Senate. A colleague invited her to her home in Sarasota, and Lora was hooked.
“I started to visit on a monthly basis, eventually spending most weekends in Sarasota,” she recalls. “Finally I realized that if this was such a great place to visit, why not just move here?” A mother of three with two school-aged sons at home, Lora appreciated the community values and wealth of amenities that Sarasota offers residents and visitors alike.
“There is a tremendous amount of pride within our community,” she observes. “People here understand the value of what we have. The arts and cultural scene is amazing, the city is beautiful, and the residents are a wonderful and diverse group. Sarasota is a really well-rounded place that offers a truly unique lifestyle.”
Lora, who opened a general practice in Downtown Sarasota in 2008, represents clients in a range of cases. Her experience with the Florida Senate, where she worked as an attorney for the Health Policy and Health Regulation Committees, and as a senior attorney with the Regulated Industries Committee, has allowed her to gain invaluable insight into construction and health care law. As such, she particularly enjoys working in family law, which extends well beyond divorces and custody issues. From adoption and paternity cases, to creating wills, power of attorney and advance directives, Lora approaches her work with empathy and a communicative nature.
“Oftentimes, when people come to an attorney, they’re distraught or concerned about resolving a problem,” she says. “It can be an overwhelming and frightening time, especially when individuals are dealing with a fear of the unknown. My role is to determine the course of action to help them resolve their issues, and to let them know that there is a solution.”
Lora’s Senate experience has also prepared her for high-stakes and high-pressure situations, including those involving construction and business issues. In addition to assisting her clients in setting up corporations and handling contracts, she is also qualified to represent clients in a range of construction-related cases such as real estate closings, title work and lien issues. She handles debt collections as well, making her an invaluable asset to business clients. Additionally, Lora is fluent in Spanish, which enables her to work with a diverse client population and to undertake legal translations.
Integrating herself into her community has been a priority for Lora, who volunteers at her sons’ schools as well as with the Sarasota Sister Cities Association. An active member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, she is also involved with the Sarasota and Manatee County chapters of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Lora attends networking and social events through the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, and the local Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Charitable Action Committee and Social Committee of the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.
Lora, who pursued a career in law after raising a family and managing a home health care business for years, is excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead. “I’m a problem solver,” she reveals. “In my profession, there is never a shortage of puzzles whose pieces must be put together. Whether I’m negotiating a settlement or representing my clients in a courtroom, I always strive for the best possible outcome.”
Law Office of Lora L. Bedford, P.A.
1990 Main Street, Suite 750
Sarasota, FL 34236
Telephone: (941) 275-2748
lora@sarasotalegalsolutions.com [1]
www.SarasotaLegalSolutions.com [2]
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