Arna Cortazzo grew up in South Florida. Her love for the ocean and Florida's beaches began at a young age,                                

   

    So did her quest for justice.

 

     As a lawyer, Arna has protected the rights of Floridians for more than 30 years. While in her last year of law school, Arna began the practice of law in the juvenile division of the Broward County Public Defender’s office as a legal intern certified by the Florida Supreme Court. Upon graduation from law school and passing the Florida Bar, Arna accepted a position as a criminal defense trial attorney in South Florida. From 1987 to 1992 she gained trial experience and the extensive knowledge of our often complicated Criminal Justice System. Arna handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and tried cases to verdict.  She was in court every day fighting for the rights of her clients. 

   

In 1992, Arna accepted a position at a large, prestigious insurance defense law firm in Central Florida, where she represented some of the biggest insurance companies and large corporations, including Cigna Insurance Company, AT&T Corporation and Universal Studios. With the invaluable experience gained from representing insurance companies and big business, Arna returned to the coast and opened her own law firm in Brevard County in1995.  As a former insurance defense attorney, Arna understands how the other side thinks – an advantage that she uses as a zealous advocate for her clients.

   

Arna is committed to treating all of her clients with compassion and respect and providing the personal attention they deserve as she zealously represents them. She practices law in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death, estate planning and bankruptcy.

​

Arna was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1987; admitted to practice law in Federal Court in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida in 1987 and the Middle District of Florida in 1992. She is a member of the Brevard County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Florida Association of Women Lawyers, National Association of Bankruptcy Lawyers and other numerous legal organizations in her practice areas.

    

Arna is also an advocate for many causes. She serves on the board of directors of German Shepherd Rescue of Central Florida and Celtic Farm Rescue, and is one of the founders of Clarence’s Castle Sanctuary. She performs pro bono work for cancer and hospice patients. As the former President of Space Coast Delta, Delta, Delta (Tri Delta) Sorority Alumnae Chapter, she was instrumental in raising money for Nemours Children's Hospital,  Friends for Animals No Kill Shelter, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To date, Tri Delta members have raised more than $40 million for St Jude’s. Arna is very active and can be seen teaching a Zumba class at a charity event, Dragonboat racing to raise money for cancer patients and transporting rescue dogs, cats and other animals to safety, among many of her other philanthropic activities.

 

EDUCATION:

​​

• Arna graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude, from the Shepherd Broad Law Center at Nova University in 1987.  She was Law Review Editor and served as Editor in Chief of Moot Court. She received many awards and recognition for outstanding academic achievement.

​

• Arna graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree.  She was social chairperson of Delta, Delta, Delta Sorority where she participated in numerous charitable and educational activities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

• Arna graduated high school at Miami Lakes High in Miami Lakes , Florida.  She served on the student council, debate team, surfed with the surf club, and enjoyed participating in many activities.  Arna received awards for her work with the developmentally disabled, the homeless and other charitable causes while in high school.