Attorney Velez has over 16 years of legal and courtroom experience and has been in court thousands of times representing her clients. Prior to starting her practice, The Velez Law Firm, P.A., Karen began her legal career representing poor (Spanish speaking) clients while an attorney with the Public Defender's Office. For over a decade attorney Velez was a major crimes defense trial attorney assigned criminal cases involving complex legal issues. She has extensive court and trial experience and has successfully litigated through trial charges including homicides, economic crimes, sex offenses, drug offenses, and other felony charges. tKaren has lived in Boca Raton, Florida for over 20 years and is passionate about community involvement. She serves on the executive Board of Directors of Dress for Success Palm Beaches, and co-chaired the "Shop for Success" fundraiser, which a four day sale held at the Palm Beach Outlets. Dress for Success is a nonprofit that provides women in our community job training, classes, mentors and work attire to obtain employment and break the cycle of poverty. While serving on the Board of Directors Karen has volunteered countless hours to grow and support Dress for Success and help women in the community. She serves on the executive Board of The Women's Foundation of Florida and co-chaired "Women On The Run" with former West Palm Beach mayor Jeri Muoio. Karen also serves on the Board of Directors of The Craig S. Barnard, Inn of Court, where she serves as the Education Chair.Recently, Karen had the honor of being nominated and was a finalist for the . Esperanza means hope in Spanish. The Esperanza Awards recognize and honor Hispanic businesswomen with exceptional achievement in business and in the public or private sectors in Palm Beach County.Karen Velez graduated from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College, cum laude and received the Modern Language award in Spanish. Upon her graduation from college she began working for Enterprise Rent A Car. She was handling insurance defense claims on behalf of Enterprise when Enterprise sought to relocate her to south Florida.Karen relocated to Florida and continued handling bodily injury and property damage claims for Enterprise Rent A Car. She then became an educator. She taught psychology and advanced placement psychology at the high school level. It was while she was teaching that she decided to pursue her dream of attending law school. The Velez Law Firm P.A., handles civil and family law cases including divorces, paternity and custody cases, injunctions, and any criminal matter including serious and complex felony charges.