Lina Soares is the Director of Litigation Support in Vernis & Bowling’s St. Petersburg office. Originally from Brazil, she has lived in Florida since 2010.
Lina earned her Juris Doctor from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. She also obtained a Lato Sensu Postgraduate degree in Civil Law from Centro de Atualização em Direito and later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Comparative Law from the University of Florida.
A member of the Brazilian Bar since 2003, Lina practiced law in Brazil representing clients in both Federal and State Courts. Her practice focused primarily on public employee litigation involving breaches of employment contracts and violations of federal labor laws by the Brazilian Federal Government. She also handled matters involving family law, including divorce, alimony, child custody, and probate.
Lina joined Vernis & Bowling as a paralegal and, through her leadership and dedication, advanced to her current role as Director of Litigation Support. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the St. Petersburg office, leads and supports the firm’s staff, and works closely with attorneys to ensure the high level of service and quality that Vernis & Bowling clients have come to expect.
Outside of work, Lina enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and loves traveling and experiencing new places together as a family.