Biography - Claudeth Henry
Ms. Henry's passion for people began with a career path in health care as a registered nurse working in critical care units. She received her nursing degree in 1982, and worked at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. In 1984 the Henry's moved to Ocala, Florida, and Ms. Henry's compassion for her patient's well-being began to extend beyond their health care into the role of patient advocate. Soon she found herself enrolled at the University of Florida to study law.
Ms. Henry continued to work as an RN while attending law school. In addition, she continued to add to her family and, two weeks after giving birth, attended trial competition. For that, and her focused dedication to her dream, she was given the True Grit Award by the student body. Ms. Henry was also a member of the Sigma Teta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses, a member of the BLSA Black Law Student Association, a Fellow in the Center For Governmental Responsibility and a Virgil Hawkins Fellow. While at the University of Florida College of Law, Ms. Henry was recognized as an Outstanding Minority Student for excellence in scholarly pursuits and leadership activity and was recognized by the Alumni Council for her outstanding contributions while at the College of Law.
A large part of Ms. Henry's strength comes from her family and her faith. When away from the office she can be found with her husband, children and granddaughter, or with her church where she serves as Youth Director.
After she received her law degree in 1992, Ms Henry worked as a prosecutor for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Marion County, Florida, gaining invaluable jury trial experience. Her passion was further defined working as a domestic violence prosecutor, seeking justice for the many victims unable to shoulder that life-changing battle alone.
The ardent commitment to champion the rights of those unjustly aggrieved continues to be at the heart of Ms. Henry's drive focusing her legal practice in the area of long term disability claims, arising both under policies provided by employers, subject to ERISA laws and policies purchased by an individual.
Professional Affiliations include:
- Member of the Florida Bar Association
- Member of the American Bar Association
- Member of the Marion County Bar Association
- Member of the Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Member of the American Association for Justice
Committees:
- Served on the Florida Workers Compensation Fraud Task Force
- Served on the Professional Ethics Committee of the Florida Bar Association
Bar Admissions:
- Florida Bar – 1992
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida - 1997
Ms. Henry joined Sims, Stakenborg & Henry, P.A. in 1997, and was soon made a partner. A newspaper article profiling Ms. Henry stated that her medical background gives her a unique perspective when dealing with Workers Compensation Cases. The same is true with ERISA cases.
Ms. Henry and her partner, Ms. Sims assist other attorneys in preparing reports to support claims of disability. This includes an analysis pointing out the weaknesses of the defense medical opinion and strengths in plaintiff's examples.
Ms. Henry's view of Sims, Stakenborg & Henry:
"I am very happy to be a part of this family-oriented law firm. The camaraderie is welcoming, warm and steadfast... a wonderful group of committed individuals with the common goal of helping others."
