Joel was born at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. He grew up in the public school system in Alachua County, then received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2003 (B.S. in criminology). Upon graduating from UF, Joel spent a year as a paralegal in east midtown Manhattan at the international law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP. After returning to Gainesville to work for a year as a legal assistant at a downtown law firm, Joel entered law school at Florida State University in 2005. He took advantage of FSU’s strategic location in the state capitol by interning for the House of Representatives. While in Tallahassee, Joel met and married his bride Caroline in March of 2008 before receiving his law degree in May of 2008.

Joel and Caroline permanently moved to Gainesville in the summer of 2008, when he accepted a full-time law clerk position at an estate law practice in Marion County. Over the next year, Joel studied for and passed the state bar exam while clerking and commuting, which promptly led to his attorney position within the same firm. After 15 fruitful years commuting to Marion County, he made the significant decision to establish a solo law practice in Gainesville in July of 2023, thereby centralizing his personal life and career in his beloved hometown.

Since 2009, Joel has continuously helped his clients build and manage their estate plans. He has been fortunate to accumulate a wealth of experience in estate law – both on the planning side and on the administration side – all in the Sunshine State. Joel prides himself on being honest, clear and compassionate, and always striving for his clients’ best interests.

Joel and Caroline have the joy of both a daughter (born 2009) and a son (born 2012). He has a deep love for the local church, and he serves as an elder at The Chapel of Gainesville. Joel loves doing just about anything with his family, but some frequent favorites of the Parkers include eating out at local food and beverage spots, passionately following Gator sports, drinking in music (vinyl at the dining room table, Spotify in the car, live music), and laughing at the unceasing antics of their charmingly chunky English lab.