Position Of Counsel Education State University of New York at Albany; Florida International University (B.A., 1978) Graduated with Honors Florida State University College of Law (J.D. 1981) Graduated with Honors Articles and Notes Editor, FSU Law Review, 1979-1980. State Bar Admissions Florida Member Okaloosa-Walton County and American Bar Associations; The Florida Bar. Past President – Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. Areas of Practice Business; Real Property; Real Estate; Condominium Association Law; Community Association Law; Condominium Development; Municipal Law; and Municipal Finance.

Mary grew up in Wantagh, New York and received a B.A. from Florida International University in 1978. After graduating with honors from Florida State University College of Law in 1981, where she was the Articles and Notes Editor of the Law Review, Mary practiced law with a Tallahassee law firm that opened an office in Destin in 1985.

After moving to Destin in 1986, Mary represented the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority at the inception of the Authority's existence. She was primarily responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Authority's minutes, public records, and financial records related to the funding from the Toll Facilities Revolving Trust Fund, until in 1991 when staff was hired. Her prior experience includes representation of the Northwest Florida Water Management District (1981-1990), and the Walton County Tourist Development Council (1987-2004), a position she held until the Walton County Attorney assumed that responsibility.

Mary represents real estate developers, condominium associations and individuals with title issues, statutory compliance and operational issues.

In 2005, Mary was certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a circuit court mediator. The required training has been useful in continuing to assist clients with negotiation of mutually acceptable resolutions of disputes without resorting to the expense of litigation. She approaches all professional interactions with common sense, discretion, courtesy and the ability to clearly state the basis for a legal position or conclusion. Like everyone in the Matthews & Hawkins family, Mary’s working relationship with staff is one of cooperation and teamwork to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Mary served as a Director of the Destin Chamber of Commerce from 1988 to 1996, and as President in 1994. She is married and her adult son is now attending Florida State University College of Law.