03/01/2026
March 1st marks the beginning of Women’s History Month — and we proudly honor a true pioneer in Jacksonville’s lMarch 1st marks the beginning of Women’s History Month — and we proudly honor a true pioneer in Jacksonville’s l community.
A graduate of The George Washington University School of Law with honors, Carolyn Zisser earned her undergraduate degree in philosophy before being admitted to The Florida Bar in 1972. She began her distinguished legal career with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, where she handled complex Federal Court cases and developed the strong ethical framework that would define her practice.
When she established her firm in 1973, it was the only woman-owned family law practice in the Jacksonville area — a groundbreaking achievement at the time. She built her career on the belief that:
“Law is philosophy with ethics put into action" — a principle that has guided her pursuit of what is just and right for nearly five decades.
Her vision, leadership, and commitment to justice laid the foundation for what is now Zisser Family Law.
Today, the firm is led by her son, Attorney Jonathan Zisser, continuing the legacy she began. However, Carolyn remains actively involved as Senior Counsel — offering her depth of experience, strategic insight, and steady leadership.
Carolyn’s professional accomplishments include:
• Co-Founder & Senior Counsel (Retired), Zisser Family Law
• Master of the Family Law Inns of Court
• Formally trained in Collaborative Family Law
• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
• Consistently selected as one of Florida’s Super Lawyers since 2007
In addition to guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult family transitions, Carolyn is a respected lecturer and author on family law topics for the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and the Jacksonville Bar Association.
Her published works include:
• “Grandparents Have Rights After All,” The Florida Bar Journal (January 2002)
• “Representing Military Dependents,” Florida Family Law, Matthew Bender & Company
• Co-author, “Drafting Antenuptial Agreements,” Drafting Material Agreements in Florida, The Florida Bar
• Co-author, “Military and Governmental Pensions,” Equitable Distribution: One Year Later, Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Seminar (1990)
For over 40 years, Carolyn has shaped the practice of Family Law in Northeast Florida — mentoring attorneys, advancing professional excellence, and advocating for families with integrity and compassion.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate her courage, vision, and lasting impact on Jacksonville’s legal community.
Thank you, Carolyn, for paving the way — and for continuing to lead.