BERYL THOMPSON-MCCLARY
Law Office Of Beryl Thompson-McClary- Authentic Determination
With a legal career spanning more than 25 years, Beryl Thompson-McClary’s success as a trial
attorney can be attributed to three uncommon, dynamic, yet essential features: hard work, a
sharp mind, and grit. These characteristics shape her approach to every aspect of life
— whether it’s being a wife and mother to seven children, The Neto one of the leading Family
Law high net worth cases and Criminal attorneys in Central Florida. All it takes a single meeting
to know Beryl Thompson-McClary is a woman of authentic determination to excel and makes it
her life mission to make sure others around her exceed their potential too.
Thompson-McClary grew up in Leesburg, Florida, a small agricultural town outside of Orlando,
in the midst of the Jim Crow South. The youngest daughter of a black business owner in the
citrus industry and an insurance agent with one of the first black-owned companies. She learned
from her parents that hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but it is a necessary requirement to
achieve it. And worked hard she did. She went on to enroll at the University of Florida on a full-
ride scholarship, where she graduated with honors and excelled in intercultural and international
relations Immediately after, she became a JD candidate at the University of Florida, earning her
degree as one of the few pioneering black women in the class.
Thompson-McClary has a tough, fighter’s spirit, a spirit she brings to each case, ensuring her
clients always receive the personalized plan and attention to detail they deserve.
Thompson-McClary spent many years at one of the largest law firms in Orlando, but after the
firm’s rising reputation of racism, Thompson-McClary felt the need to connect with her clients
more deeply and embark on a journey of her own. She decided to start her own private firm in
1985 where she specializes in complex family, criminal, and probate litigation. Thompson-
McClary’s track record in her practice has been outstanding. Practicing in the federal Middle District
of Florida and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals as well as state and local government.
Being able to successfully obtain the reduction of sentence of the release of a prisoner sentenced t
life imprisonment at 18 years of age after serving nearly 30 years. Also successful in representing
a community and halting the acquisition and building of an expansion by a hospital corporation
over historical roads and properties owned by African American residents.
But it’s not all gavels and juries when it comes to Beryl Thompson-McClary. As the wife and
career manager of the Founder and lead guitarist of The Commodores, Thompson-McClary
enjoys attending music festivals, concerts, and shows with her husband. She is also an author.
Her new book The Next Chapter (October 2019) was written to encourage people to perform,
dream, and believe beyond their expectations and to never let their age deter them from
achieving excellence. Recently, Thompson-McClary and her husband Thomas became empty-
nesters. When Thompson-McClary isn’t advising and fighting eagerly for her clients, she’s
visiting one of her seven adult children in Nashville or New York.
