LAUREL MAROIS was born and raised here in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from Shorecrest Preparatory School before she went on to become a proud “Double Gator” at the University of Florida, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Classical Studies minor, then attending UF Law on a majority scholarship and earning her Juris Doctor cum laude as well. While in law school, Laurel earned several Book Awards in the Appellate Advocacy, Trial Team, Historic Preservation Law, and Interviewing, Counseling, and Negotiation courses. She served as Vice President of the UF Law Trial Team, an editor of the Journal of Law and Public Policy, and was a Teaching Assistant for the Legal Writing, Appellate Advocacy, and Florida Criminal Procedure courses. She received the D.C. Gator Club J. Richard Sewell Internship Scholarship and UF Law’s Outstanding Achievement Pro Bono Service Award, the highest pro bono award at the school. Laurel interned/clerked at the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa, FL, the Administrative Conference of the United States in Washington, D.C., the United StatesDepartment of Justice – Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section in Washington, D.C. and the Public Defender’s Office for the 8th Circuit in Gainesville, FL. After law school, Laurel worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the 13th Judicial Circuit in Tampa for three years representing juveniles and adults on criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and tried numerous cases to verdict. She became known for her tenacious motion practice and thrived in the trial atmosphere. She joined Law Offices of Donald C. Anderson in 2021 as the lead trial attorney and has handled cases across all of our practice areas. Her practice focuses on criminal defense, social security federal court appeals, and trial work. She is admitted to practice in Florida, Washington, D.C. and in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Outside of the office, Laurel is an avid Tampa Bay and Florida Gators sports fan, but you will sometimes hear her yell “Hotty Toddy!” in support of her husband, Chris, who went to Ole Miss. Laurel loves fantasy football, painting, genealogy research, and enjoying downtown St. Pete with her family and dog, Albie! She volunteers as an advisor for her sorority, Sigma Kappa, and as a poll watcher every election cycle.