Founder, shareholder and managing attorney Heather Rutecki has been practicing law for 23 years. She graduated from the University of Miami in 1991 where she completed a Bachelor in Arts & Sciences degree in English Literature and Art History. She graduated from St. Thomas University School of Law in 1995, where she served as Vice-President of her Legal Honor Fraternity.
Heather Rutecki started her own law firm only weeks after passing the Florida Bar exam and the Federal Bar exam, back-to-back in 1995 despite critic's warnings that it would not work. Initially criticized for opening up her own practice straight out of law school, her clients' satisfaction rate quickly proved it was the right move. Heather Rutecki immediately gained a reputation for offering diligent, efficient and personalized services to her clientele. Leading the legal industry in standard was her goal, and her perserverance and dedication made that happen. Heather Rutecki has worked throughout the State of Florida with an elite group of clients in administrative, corporate, estate, real estate, and title related matters.
Heather Rutecki has handled hundreds of millions of dollars in complex residential and commercial real estate transactions over the last two decades. She also litigates complex commercial litigation involving real estate and title related matters, represents real estate professionals from across the State of Florida in Department of Business & Professional Regulation ("DBPR") matters and has handled all other types of general real estate cases. These cases range from applications for variances to foreclosures, zoning and appeals. She has also written title insurance for many of her transactions and has handled closings, many of which occurred as "house calls" to the private residences of her Fortune 500 and celebrity clientele.
Heather Rutecki has enjoyed representing clients in both luxury residential or architecturally unique commercial transactions. She has personally handled real estate transactions for families and investors from the United States, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia. She has focused primarily on assisting buyers, sellers, contractors and developers owning, purchasing or selling properties on Fisher Island and Star Island, although her firm has also handled transactions throughout the City of Miami and throughout the State of Florida. Over the last decade, she has worked on eleven separate legal matters involving homes located on Star Island in Miami Beach, countless transactions on Fisher Island and litigation from virtually every county in the southern portion of the State of Florida. She has represented real estate agents, appraisers, brokers and real estate brokerage companies in licensure matters from virtually every city in the State of Florida from Monroe County to the Panhandle and back. In this capacity she has appeared routinely in formal hearings conducted before the Division of Administrative Hearings ("DOAH") and informal hearings before both The Florida Real Estate Commission ("FREC") and The Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board ("FREAB"), making regular trips to Orlando for these public hearings.
Heather Rutecki has also personally handled transactions and matters involving notable celebrity clients, to name a few:
Heather Rutecki is known to pay incredible attention to detail in her transactional cases, and to ferret out the smallest of facts that become dispositive in litigation matters. Heather Rutecki has a real passion for everything she does, and her practice of law is no exception. Throughout her career she has endeavored to maintain close working relationships with her clients. She dedicates significant amounts of time and personal attention to her clients, and builds strong friendships along the way.
She is also very active in her community, enjoys fundraising for various Judges of the Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, chairing philanthropic events and is an active supporter of the arts.
Invited by its founders in 2013, Heather Rutecki serves as an Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees for the Little Dreams Foundation ("LDF"). LDF was founded in 2000 by Phil Collins (World Renowned English Musician, Singer Song-writer and Vocalist for English rock group "Genesis") and Orianne Collins-Mejjati. LDF was created to aid children particularly from impoverished nations who have a gift, or talent in the artistic and sportive domains. The goal of LDF is to place these children in a position that helps them realize their dreams within these fields, removing all socio-economic barriers. In 2013 LDF became active in Florida.
In 2014 Heather Rutecki was invited to be a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Miami Music Project ("MMP") and to join its Developmental Committee. MMP is a non-profit organization which provides youth education and confidence through music. MMP's outreach extends to three Miami cities currently: Little Haiti, Doral and Liberty City with plans for expansion to enrich the lives of children throughout Dade County.
Heather Rutecki is admitted to practice in all Florida State Courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Ms. Rutecki is a member of The Florida Bar, the Dade County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.
For more information on Heather Rutecki's success, see our Press page.
Rutecki & Associates, P.A. is a law firm made up of attorneys with individual and collective prestige. Located in the landmark Miami Tower for nearly two decades, Rutecki & Associates, P.A. enjoys cultivating strong personal relationships as well as elevating itself to be one of the most reputable private practices around. This allows Rutecki & Assocaites, P.A. to compete with even the largest law firms.
Heather has represented me in multiple situations. I truly appreciate her willingness in advising me in regards to law firm management strategies. I would definitely recommend her due to her distinguished professionalism.
Jorge Rivera, Esq. -- Celebrity Lawyer