As seen in Orlando Style Magazine September 2021 Issue.
“Empowering others to take charge of their own lives again,†is part of Mary Sherris’ life mission. Mary is a first generation Greek-American and knows firsthand the sacrifices that her parents made so that she could enjoy the rights of being an American. She seeks to use this gift to make a difference by advocating for those that cannot advocate for themselves. Mary is a licensed attorney with the Florida Bar and managing partner of Sherris Legal, P.A. which is celebrating their 17th anniversary this year. Alongside her attorney brother, Jim Sherris, Mary is proud to navigate the complex issues in the areas of Personal Injury, Civil Rights Violations, Immigration Law, Bankruptcy and Social Security Disability. Sherris Legal, P.A. is a downtown Orlando-based law firm that is more committed than ever to fighting for the underdog and those in dire need.
Mary is a civil trial attorney who began her career in central Florida as a criminal prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office fighting for victims of crime. For over 20 years, Mary has been seeking justice for victims of negligence or intentional misconduct; protecting people’s constitutional rights; and helping people realize the American dream through lawful U.S. citizenship. She also is focused on raising awareness regarding coercive control in relationships; and supports the passage of laws that can protect victims who are in these types of abusive relationships. Mary believes that her position as an attorney gives her the opportunity and responsibility of placing control back in the hands of those that have lost it, lifting her clients up from a position of powerless to powerful.
You can expect realistic and honest explanations as you work with Mary, who values transparency to help build a trusting relationship with her clients. “The connection I have with my clients is about much more than just their case,†she says. This is why Mary takes great care in getting to know her clients’ needs and providing services above and beyond those needs whenever possible.
As an avid traveler, she has had the opportunity to see the world and connect with people from many different cultures. Those differences ultimately have led her to one conclusion: we are more alike than we are different. “I was brought up in a very tightknit culture and community. We believe in treating people like they are family,†says Mary. “Life is a lot happier when you act with kindness, compassion and empathy.â€
Mary’s love for helping others fuels all her life’s pursuits. She values the time she spends helping others in and outside of work. Her law firm is a “second chance†employer, as they believe everyone deserves a second chance. This is also why one of her favorite charities is The Sharing Center in Longwood where she has been serving on the Board of Directors since October 2020. This is a great organization that provides essential resources to those struggling with poverty and homelessness, many of whom have a tainted record. Their homeless hospitality walk-in center provides access to basic services such as showers, toiletries, laundry, and computer access, including a food pantry and thrift outreach program. Charities such as these are closely tied to her own life mission: “Empowering others through a more satisfying and long-term solution…Empowering others to take charge of their own lives again.â€
