We were lucky to catch up with Alessandra Cortina recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alessandra, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values instilled in me as I grew up in an Italian immigrant home filled with entrepreneurial spirit. Watching my parents pour their hearts into our family business taught me that nothing worthwhile comes without dedication and perseverance. Resilience wasn’t just something we talked about—it was a way of life. As a wife, mom, and attorney, those lessons fuel me daily. Balancing these roles requires focus, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to my goals. I believe in working hard, not just for myself, but to inspire those around me and honor the sacrifices that brought me here. My work ethic is my way of carrying forward my family’s legacy while paving the way for my daughters.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As an attorney, wife, and mom, my life is a balance of passion, purpose, and perseverance. My legal practice focuses on providing support to high-performing entrepreneurs and founders who are building and scaling businesses. When I first started my law firm, I felt lost and unsupported, which is a feeling I know many of my clients share when they come to me. At the Cortina Law Group PLLC, we empower our clients to operate their businesses with peace of mind by strategically partnering with a lawyer to handle their legal needs. This isn’t just about a one-time project; we believe in developing long-term relationships to support our clients through every phase of their business journey. In addition to our comprehensive business law services, we also offer trademark and concierge legal services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Beyond my legal practice, I own a consulting agency, Alessandra Liana Consulting LLC, where we provide coaching and consulting services for high-performing female professionals. Through our website, The Lawyerista Consulting, we also offer downloadable business and legal templates designed to support business owners. These lawyer-drafted documents and resources are key to helping entrepreneurs protect their businesses, all while maintaining affordability and accessibility. What makes these products truly unique is the trust clients can place in knowing the person behind the documents, coupled with the knowledge that they are lawyer drafted. In addition this work, I also host networking events for women in business, which has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. I believe deeply in the power of networking and community. By bringing like-minded women together for professional (and a little bit of fun!) events, we foster a sense of support and encouragement for women in business. These gatherings are not just about making connections but also about building a community where women can uplift and empower one another—a value that adds to so many lives.
What excites me most about my work is its potential to create real impact—not just in protecting businesses but also in empowering entrepreneurs, especially women, to achieve their goals with confidence. My ‘brand’ is rooted in resilience, support, and a commitment to helping others thrive. I’m inspired every day by the clients I serve, and I’m thrilled to continue growing and evolving my practice to meet their needs.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are grit, perseverance, and an unwavering determination that failure was not an option. When I started my law firm as a solo practitioner, it was both terrifying and intimidating. The fear of messing up or not knowing enough was constant, and imposter syndrome often crept in, making me question my abilities. But I realized that I needed to get out of my own way. By tapping into a powerful network of colleagues and other professionals, I began building my confidence and growing my practice.
That doesn’t mean the journey has been without challenges. There were—and still are—moments when I feel like giving up. In those times, I have to intentionally remind myself that I am capable, that I belong in this space, and that I have a purpose to fulfill.
My advice for anyone starting their journey is simple: do not give up when things get hard. Hard moments are inevitable. Giving up might seem like the easier path, but it robs you of the chance to see what’s waiting for you on the other side. Keep going, even when it feels impossible, because the outcome might just be greater than your wildest dreams. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, believe in your vision, and remind you of your strength. And most importantly, believe in yourself—you are capable of more than you think.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for my brother and me was instilling a resilient work ethic and a strong faith in Jesus Christ from an early age. As the children of an immigrant mother and a father born and raised in the Bronx, New York, I can tell you that my parents didn’t have an easy childhood, nor was their entrepreneurial journey without challenges. Yet, through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering faith, they built their own empire.
Their Christian faith was at the core of everything they did, and they made sure to instill those values in our lives. These Biblical principles have shaped every facet of my life, from my roles as a wife and mom to my career as a lawyer and businesswoman. In my legal practice, I strive to lead with integrity, serving my clients with honesty and a deep sense of purpose. My parents’ example and the foundation they gave me continue to inspire me to love my family deeply, work hard, stay grounded in my faith, and approach every challenge with grace and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecortinalawgroup.com
- Instagram: @thelawyerista
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandra-cortina-esq-11a39415a/
Image Credits
All photos provided were taken by Ana Ruggiero of Memories by Ana @memories_by_ana_photography (IG)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
