Jean Marie Middleton 

What is your current practice area?

Employment and Labor. 

Please provide a short bio of your background:

I have 35 years of litigation experience in the public and private sectors. I have been employed by 3 municipalities, two school districts, and two large corporations. 

What adversity have you faced because of your diverse characteristic and how did you overcome it?

As a young child, I was teased because of my dark skin and big lips and told that I could not play certain musical instruments. I decided that I was not going to let anyone put limits on me because of what I look like. I chose to study hard, treat others with respect, and select a career that would allow me to help other people. 

Why is diversity important to the practice of law in Palm Beach County?

We need to have adequate representation within the law practice to reflect the citizens of Palm Beach County. Diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas ensures that we, as sectors of our community, are heard and represented.