With over four decades of experience in the legal field, Karen McLead serves as the Director of Legal Affairs at Engel & Völkers Florida, where she oversees legal operations, regulatory compliance, and provides expert legal guidance to the company and its franchisees. Before joining Engel & Völkers Florida, Karen spent 25 years as Director of Legal & Administrative Affairs at Pinch A Penny, Inc. (1992-2017), where she managed the legal aspects of a large franchise system and developed specialized continuing education courses for franchisees holding swimming pool contractor licenses. Prior to that, she worked as a paralegal at the law firm Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP (1985-1992), where she gained invaluable legal expertise. Karen’s leadership extends into her significant contributions to the legal profession. She served as President of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (1994-1996), Region III Director for the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. (1995-1997), and Chair of The Florida Bar's Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) Standing Committee (1999-2000). Over the years, she has held numerous appointments to UPL and Grievance Committees within The Florida Bar, contributing to upholding high standards of legal practice. Karen has earned notable recognition, including being named Runner-Up for the Paralegal of the Year award by Legal Assistant Today in 2000 and receiving the NALA Affiliates Award in 2000 and 2002. She also served on the Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee at St. Petersburg College from 2006 until her retirement from Pinch A Penny at the end of 2018, where she influenced the next generation of legal professionals. In addition to her legal career, Karen is a former instructor at Edutech Center in Clearwater, FL, where she taught law office management, contract law, and corporate law. She was also previously an approved instructor with the Florida DBPR, Construction Industry Licensing Board. Karen holds an Associate's Degree in Business from St. Petersburg College and remains committed to fostering legal excellence throughout Florida.