Kelly G. Hamer, Attorney at Law
Bice Cole Law Firm, PL
Kelly is a board-certified medical malpractice lawyer and circuit civil mediator. She takes defending doctors, nurses and hospitals “seriously and personally” so they can focus on their professions. Esteemed for her skill and professionalism, Kelly has been chosen by peers to be on several trial lawyer groups at local, state and national levels, where she has served as president. 
She also is the owner of Balcony Gymnastics which provides a safe environment for girls to grow and thrive. Kelly works hard in her professional and personal life to lead by example, especially for her two daughters.
Who are your role models and mentors?
I credit my entire law practice, my ethics and my professionalism to two partners in the law firm of Pattillo & McKeever, my first job out of law school. Pat Pattillo taught me how to represent my clients zealously, while maintaining professionalism, courtesy and, above all, ethics. He said lawyers really only have one thing, our reputation, and no client or cause is more important than that. Jean Bice showed me how to be successful in a career that was once dominated by men. She really paved the way for women lawyers in Ocala and statewide. During my career, I had the privilege of being the second woman chairperson of the Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar. Jean was the first. Her graciousness, while being a tough as nails litigator, was what I strive to be every day and in every way in my law practice.
Do you have a mantra?
Treat others with respect. Whatever you do, do your best. Lead by example; don’t ever ask someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself.
What is your favorite part of living in this community?
I graduated from the “old” Forest High School, in 1978. I am always amazed at the number of people like myself who come back to Ocala to raise families and make this area their home.
I am also the owner of Balcony Gymnastics which was started by my late husband, Michael Hamer, and which has been in Ocala more than 25 years. It is a great, safe environment for girls to grow and thrive athletically and in life skills. My daughters grew up in the gym and one of them went to college on a gymnastics scholarship and became an All American on balance beam.
It has been brought home to me how special living in Ocala really is when I see what people and businesses in the community have done during this pandemic crisis to pull together, help those in need and just support one another through these trying times. It makes me proud to be part of Ocala/Marion County.
Contact Kelly at (352) 732-2255, ext. 120, hamer@bicecolelaw.com or www.bicecolelaw.com
