Attorney A. Sheila Oretsky, a partner at Legon Fodiman, P.A., is a rising star in the legal world who has tackled a unique variety of complex commercial litigation cases. While growing up, her family placed a heavy emphasis on education. It was after witnessing the O.J. Simpson trial, however, that Oretsky knew that a legal career was the one for her. It was the important role each attorney played that inspired her to pursue her Juris Doctor.
After graduating from the Florida International University College of Law, Oretsky briefly practiced law in New York before returning to Florida in 2006. “Over the past couple of years, I have had the unique opportunity to obtain some entertainment work and have expanded my practice in that arena as well,” explained Oretsky. “On any given day, I can go from representing a client in a litigation dispute to negotiating a TV contract with a national network. My personal clients range from individuals or small businesses to famed filmmakers, who are involved primarily in contractual and business tort disputes.”
Oretsky believes the general public is becoming increasingly savvy in their consumption of legal services and hopes to usher in a new era of legal programs and information availability. “I think the public benefits from this type of knowledge and information and I think it is a great opportunity for lawyers to connect more often with the needs of the general public,” Oretsky said. “I would like to be a part of any efforts to make that information available to the public. Also, with my hands on experience as a litigator, I would like to devote some time to teaching law students about the practical side of everyday practice.”
Away from the office, Oretsky volunteers her time to various charitable organizations including the Junior League of Miami and has been part of two of their annual fundraising committees and is currently working on a community project with the Chapman Partnership. She also enjoys traveling. “My husband and I enjoy exotic foreign travel and learning about new cultures. We’ve had the opportunity to visit many countries including Bhutan, UAE, India, Morocco, and rural Central and South America.”
In differentiating her practice from others, Oretsky noted that many of the practice’s clients are long-term, putting their faith and confidence in the work being performed. “I have learned the importance of how high quality and efficient representation results in long lasting client relationships,” Oretsky said. “We are truly in it for the long haul with our clients. The most distinguishing trait about me is that I treat each and every single case as if it were my own case. My clients don’t just hire a lawyer; they hire a partner in their case who cares as much if not even more about the case and no single case is more important to me than the other.”
“I am extremely proud of the work we do at my firm, and the complexity of the legal issues in our cases makes my job very gratifying on a daily basis,” noted Oretsky. “I also find that my pro bono work is one of the most rewarding parts about being a lawyer. I have had the opportunity to serve as a pro bono guardian ad litem in child custody cases and to work with children who really need a voice in the system.” Oretsky also serves as a special appointed public defender where she represents the accused in domestic violence cases.
As Oretsky continues to grow in her career, it is her basic philosophy of helping others that continues to drive her. “The ability to help those who need you the most is what is particularly satisfying about being a lawyer to me and is a reminder that it is a privilege to practice law,” Oretsky finished.
