Tonya Patterson-Barge is the founder and principal attorney of Patterson-Barge Law, PLLC. She advises businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals throughout Florida in the areas of business law, contracts and negotiations, employment and HR compliance, estate planning, nonprofit governance, and fractional general counsel services.

Tonya brings a unique combination of legal experience, business acumen, and strategic leadership to every client engagement. She is known for providing practical, solution-oriented legal guidance that helps clients protect their interests, manage risk, and confidently navigate important decisions.

Before entering private practice, Tonya served for more than a decade with the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit. During her tenure, she rose to the position of Division Chief of the Special Victims Unit, where she supervised attorneys and led the prosecution of complex and sensitive cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, sexual battery, and homicide. Her extensive courtroom and leadership experience sharpened her ability to analyze complex issues, manage high-stakes matters, and advocate effectively on behalf of those she serves.

Today, Tonya applies those skills to helping businesses, nonprofit organizations, and families proactively address legal challenges before they become costly problems. Whether reviewing contracts, advising organizational leadership, assisting with employment compliance, developing governance structures, or creating estate plans, she focuses on delivering clear guidance and practical solutions tailored to each client's goals.

In addition to her legal practice, Tonya is an accomplished business strategist, entrepreneur, speaker, and government contracting consultant. She has worked with startups, growing businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government contractors on issues ranging from compliance and risk management to strategic planning and organizational growth. Her experience as both an attorney and business owner provides clients with a valuable perspective that extends beyond traditional legal counsel.

Tonya earned her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law, where she was a Governor’s Scholarship recipient and a two-time Dean’s List honoree. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of North Florida.

Through Patterson-Barge Law, PLLC, Tonya is committed to providing trusted legal counsel that helps businesses, nonprofits, and families protect what they have built, plan for the future, and move forward with confidence.