Rotella & Hernandez is a boutique law firm dedicated to providing each and every one of our clients with the personal, individualized attention that they need and deserve.
Our firm was founded by Attorneys Nora Rotella and Patricia Hernandez who provide legal services to clients in the fields of Immigration and Family Law.
Our commitment to personal attention means that you will always be working directly with your attorney, not a paralegal, throughout every stage of your case. We approach every case with energy and compassion, and you can rest assured that we will advocate for you every step of the way to help you and your family achieve your legal goals.
Nora Rotella
Family Law Attorney & Founding Partner
“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
About Me
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida to Cuban parents. From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of education and hard work. I admire their sacrifice and it is my drive in helping others. I received my law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law and I am licensed in Florida at both the State and Federal levels. Before attending law school, I received my Bachelors from the University of Miami where I focused my studies in Finance and the Spanish language.
After graduation, I worked as an associate attorney at a prominent South Florida law firm where I handled numerous family law matters as well as helping those facing foreclosure. After a couple of years I decided it was time to open my own firm to further my goal of helping families. I have represented countless individuals in divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support hearings, relocations, modifications, domestic violence injunctions, temporary custody by extended family members, dependency, and adoptions.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. When I retire, I plan to open an animal rescue and dedicate my time to saving animals.
Court Admissions and Memberships
- Florida State Courts
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- Family Law Section of the Florida Bar
- Dade County Bar Association
- Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association
- Florida Lawyers Network Doral Chapter
- Business Network International (BNI)
Education and Accolades
University of Miami (B.A., 2007)
- Alpha Kappa Psi
St. Thomas University School of Law (J.D., 2011)
- Dean’s List
- Book Award in Interviewing, Counseling, and Negotiation
Avvo Client’s Choice Award 2015
Top Rating on Avvo, highest rating awarded by publication
Patricia Hernandez
Immigration Attorney & Founding Partner
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama
About Me
I was born in Colombia and immigrated with my family to the United States at an early age. Experiencing first-hand the struggles faced by immigrants in coming to the U.S. shaped my life and instilled in me humility and the importance of hard work. At an early age I knew that my life calling would be to speak out against injustice, fight for equality, and help immigrants achieve the American Dream.
I obtained my Bachelors in Psychology from Florida International University. I later went on to obtain my Juris Doctor Degree and a Certificate in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University School of Law where I graduated with honors. Throughout my career, I have represented countless clients nationwide in deportation/removal proceedings. I have also represented clients seeking asylum, withholding of removal, cancellation of removal, applications for residency, applications for citizenship and family-based petitions including countless same-sex marriage and fiancé petitions.
I have spoken extensively on the importance of Collaborating with Criminal Counsel in Immigration Removal Defense Cases, Immigration as it relates to Same-Sex Marriage, on How Transgender Identity Influences an Individual’s Immigration Experience, and have conducted several “know your rights” presentations.
Through my work, memberships, and community involvement I will continue to fight for equality and justice. I envision a future where every individual can enjoy a life free from persecution, discrimination and biases no matter their sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, nationality or ethnic background. As an outspoken advocate I will continue to share my personal experiences and educate the community to break down walls that divide.
In 2018, I was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and was presented with the Visionary Award. Most recently I was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and was presented with the Community Champion Award and I was also recognized by SAVE who presented me with the People’s Luminary Award.
Court Admissions and Memberships
- Florida State Courts
- S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Vice-chair of the LGBTQ committee of the AILA South Florida Chapter
- Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE) committee of the AILA South Florida Chapter
- Co-Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association (GALLA)
- Board Member of the Aqua Foundation for Women
Education and Accolades
Florida International University (B.A., 2003 Cum Laude)
- Psychology Honor Society
St. Thomas University School of Law (J.D., 2011 Cum Laude)
- Certificate in Intercultural Human Rights
- Dean’s List
- Book Award in U.S. Supreme Court Advocacy
Avvo Client’s Choice Award 2015
Top Rating on Avvo, highest rating awarded by publication
Human Rights Community Honoree Award Recipient 2017
