Ela M. Hernández represents individuals, corporations and entities in general litigation including premises and professional liability, construction accidents and defects, first party property damage and fraud, coverage issues, products liability and subrogation matters amongst others. Admitted to the practice of law in 2010, Ms. Hernández is an experienced litigator whose approach to litigation is to thoroughly review the facts making sure to leave no stone unturned in preparation for trial. Prior to joining MSZL&M, Ms. Hernández focused her practice on first-party litigation, at first representing policyholders and later defending insurance carriers. This background allowed her to gain invaluable knowledge in understanding both sides of the issues and in strategically navigating the twists and turns of litigation without losing sight of efficiency and what is of utmost importance to the client.
Originally from Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Ms. Hernández was raised in Miami where she attended Florida International University double majoring in Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Economics and a certificate in Latin American Studies. Ms. Hernández received her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law where she served as Articles Editor to the Florida Journal of International Law. She enjoys cooking and is an avid soccer fan. She also thoroughly enjoys pro bono work and community involvement through local organizations such as the Junior League of Miami and League Against Cancer.
Ms. Hernández is fluent in Spanish and conversational in Portuguese.
HONORS & ACCOLADES
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating (the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards)
- Super Lawyers, Florida Rising Stars (2020)
- Florida Trend Florida’s Legal Elite “Up & Comer” (2019, 2020)
- The Florida Bar’s Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy, Class VI Fellow
- Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), Top Lawyers under 40 (2017)
- International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), Trial Academy Fellow (2017)
AFFILIATIONS
- Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
- Deputy Regional President (2015-Present)
- National Deputy Vice President of Program (2019-2020)
- Young Lawyers Division, National President (2018-2019)
- Young Lawyers Division, National President-elect (2017-2018)
- Corporate Counsel Conference, Local Planning Committee (2017)
- National Deputy Vice President of Regions and Affiliates (2016-2017)
- Young Lawyers Division, Regional Co-Chair (2015 – 2017)
- Regional Treasurer (2015-2016)
- The Florida Bar
- Civil Procedure Rules Committee (2020-2023)
- Leadership Academy Committee (2019-2022)
- Grievance Committee “N”, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Past Chair (2015-2018)
- Junior League of Miami, Inc. Executive Management Team
- Junior League of Miami Foundation – Board Member
- League Against Cancer, Inc., Juniors Executive Committee
- American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Diversity & Inclusion
- Florida Association for Women Lawyers Miami-Dade Chapter
- Dade County Bar Association
- Cuban American Bar Association
- Florida International University Alumni Association
- University of Florida Alumni Association
LANGUAGES
- Spanish
- Portuguese (conversational)
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