Carson Elaine Proctor’s interest in the environment began with a high school environmental science and marine biology teacher who inspired her to pursue the field. She went on to earn a B.S. in Environmental Science from Florida State University.
At the University of Miami, Carson earned both her J.D., with a concentration in Environmental Law, and a master’s degree in Marine Ecosystems & Society. She entered law school knowing she wanted to study maritime law. The master’s program allowed her to study environmental and maritime issues alongside people who approached them from a scientific rather than legal perspective
“It really helped me open my eyes to the way other people are also seeing the same things that I’m doing, but from a different perspective,” Carson says.
That perspective continues to inform her work in the Litigation Department at Rogers Towers, where she handles complex civil litigation, including commercial, insurance, real estate, land use, maritime, and environmental matters. Carson was recently named to the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, an honor recognizing her excellence in Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
Carson has presented at the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute’s 2025 Summer Seminar on maritime law developments in the U.S. Supreme Court and several federal appellate courts. Her paper was published in the organization’s seminar book.
Learning From Others While Giving Back
Carson learned an important lesson while working at a law firm during law school: “The only way to learn how to be a lawyer is to work with lawyers.” That experience gave her a chance to see how attorneys approached real cases and the day-to-day work of practicing law.
That practical approach carries over to her work with clients. Carson makes a point of providing regular updates, even when a case is quiet. “You still keep the client informed if there’s nothing going on,” she says.
Carson, who is from Jacksonville, is also committed to staying involved both professionally and locally. She serves on the Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Board and is a member of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association. She has held several leadership roles with the Rotaract Club of Jacksonville’s Beaches, a community service organization affiliated with Rotary, and is currently its Immediate Past President. For Carson, staying involved is a way to give back to the city she grew up in.
“Getting to meet other young lawyers and professionals also helps you feel like you’re part of a larger community,” Carson says.