Making Waves

"I found my life improved when I began looking at problems as opportunities rather than obstacles," declares Keith Grossman, 39.

This attorney, who specializes in divorce and family law, lives and works by that credo. "My philosophy is to focus on working with the opposing side; by doing so, I work more effectively for my clients, their families and children during one of their worst lifetime experiences."

Grossman, a University of Florida graduate, went into law after deciding that he didn't want to be a journalist. "I figured a law degree would benefit me in whatever career I chose," he explains.

His interest in domestic violence began in law school, and divorce and family-law cases now make up 95 percent of his cases. "One of my proudest moments as an attorney was when I represented a lady charged with attempted murder. She was a victim of domestic violence and I used the battered-spouse-syndrome defense to acquit her," he says.

He began his career in the Polk County public defender's office. Moving to Fort Myers in 1994, he started volunteering at the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center, where he created training programs about domestic violence for businesses and organizations.

In 2001 Grossman helped start the Family Law Resource Center. Through it, parties work with a case manager to more effectively and efficiently resolve their cases instead of going to court. The FLRC also provides families with resources such as accountants, financial planners and family therapists. "For me, joining the FLRC was an opportunity to help resolve problems," says Grossman.

Outside of work, Grossman enjoys spending time with his children, learning Spanish, volunteering at his synagogue, and he has helped build Habitat for Humanity homes. "I focus my energies on projects that provide food, shelter and education, which I consider basic necessities for everyone."

-Lauren Bernaldo