Cynthia Rignanese

What passion drives what you do at work? Since I was 10 years old, I had a desire to be a lawyer. Following four years of university education in London, Florence and at the University of Florida, my interest in business and tax grew. This led me to focus my law practice in the areas of estate planning, wills, trusts, corporate law, taxation and real estate, after graduating from the University of Florida Law School 22 years ago. I enjoy helping people attain their personal and business goals while minimizing the burden and complication associated with Florida’s Laws and the Internal Revenue Service regulations.

What was your first job? I worked for a multi-national insurance company doing actuarial group life insurance quotes for large corporations before such calculations were done by computer.

List one achievement that makes you feel good? My speaking accomplishments. I have spoken professionally on four continents. At home, I serve on five speakers bureaus, primarily talking about the importance of having a will and power of attorney. The Florida Bar, containing 80,000 lawyers, recognized my speaking achievements as the third lawyer ever recognized as the “Speaker of The Month” in 2006.

What is the thing you would like to accomplish? Personally, I have lived in or traveled to 88 nations; my goal is 100 countries! Professionally, I would like to expand my radio program “Lady Lawyer Live” .

What do you do for fun outside of work? Photography, particularly landscape photography, is a passion of mine; I have had three public showings of my work, and have just accepted my first paid portrait photography contract. I enjoy doing anything in nature including hiking, snorkeling and kayaking. And I believe strongly in giving back to one’s community; I serve on five charitable boards; the charities include Meals on Wheels serving 4600 meals a month to shut-in seniors; and Kiwanis to improve the lives of children in our community and worldwide.