ABOUT CORNERSTONE LAW FIRM
Since its inception, Cornerstone Law Firm has established itself as a go-to in the legal community. Through diligence, work ethic and implementation of processes that refine and streamline the client experience, the firm has set the bar high. Primarily focused on litigation, Jason O’Neal has forged relationships with transactional attorneys who practice in similar disciplines.
Over the years with her prior firm, Sarah Geltz had numerous opportunities to work with Mr. O’Neal as he navigated complex issues for some of her clients and as a result the two saw the opportunity for synergies within their practices.
Both attorneys have ties in their local market and felt that together they could offer a truly client focused experience, whether they were proactively creating structure for individuals and businesses, or when needed, addressing issues that necessitate dispute resolution.
In late 2022, the pair launched their collaboration with the goal of better serving their clients, augmenting their existing practices and developing deep roots within the firm and community. With complimentary styles and dedication to the clients they serve, the pair hope to make a lasting impact in their practice and develop a truly innovative firm with lasting relationships with the clients they serve.
MEET PARTNER, JASON O’NEAL ESQ.
Jason O’Neal started Cornerstone Law Firm in 2016 with the goal of providing customized legal representation to homeowners, businesses, and community associations in the Orlando area. His knowledge and experience in real estate have been the driving force in the firm’s growth and expansion.
Jason’s practice is focused on representing litigants in business and real estate litigation. His representation includes homeowners, community associations, landlords, tenants, and business owners throughout Florida. A large majority of Jason’s practice centers around condominium / HOA or commercial tenancy litigation. Jason brings valuable insight to his cases by calling upon his prior years of experience in mortgage banking and property management that served as a precursor to his legal career. Jason completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida before attending the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he graduated cum laude. While attending law school Jason worked for a preeminent law firm in North Florida where he helped on a wide variety of real estate matters, both transactional and litigation.
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Jason is heavily involved in the Central Florida legal community. He is the 2022-2023 President of the Seminole County Voile A. Williams, Jr. Inn of Court. Additionally, he previously served as a Certified Hearing Officer in the Prosecution alternatives for Youth (P.A.Y.) program in the 18th Judicial Circuit in Seminole County 2016-2020; Chair Real Property Committee of the Orange County Bar Association 2019-2020; and as a judge and teen attorney trainer for the Teen Court program in Seminole County. .
Like the rest of the firm, Jason believes that community is the “cornerstone” to success, and he is committed to being involved and supporting worthy causes like Habitat for Humanity, Hope Helps, Oviedo Police Foundation, and Upward Youth Basketball, among others.
Jason lives in Winter Springs with his wife and three children. When not in the office, you can find him hiking, shooting clays, or cheering on the Florida Gators!
MEET PARTNER, SARAH GELTZ ESQ.
Sarah Marotta Geltz, Esq. is a shareholder in the Cornerstone Law Firm in Winter Springs, FL.
Sarah focuses her practice on transactional business law, estate planning, asset protection and strategic consulting. A large focus of her practice is dedicated to acting as ongoing counsel to businesses in a number of sectors including, retail, automotive, healthcare, real estate and professional services. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida in 1996 and spent the early part of her career working in marketing, medical sales, leadership development and sales training. Her time working in these complex and diverse markets gave her significant insight into the challenges facing business owners and entrepreneurs. With the support of her husband (and best friend) Sarah decided to pursue her true passion and obtain a Juris Doctor Degree from Barry University School of Law, graduating in the top 10% of her class.
Sarah began her legal career as in-house counsel for a retirement advisory and financial planning group working closely with advisors, clients, school districts and government entities educating, conducting seminars and developing sound estate and asset protection plans for the markets served.
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Prior to joining Cornerstone Sarah was a senior partner at a boutique law firm in Maitland, FL, and with her partner founded two successful title and settlement agencies serving the Central Florida market
In addition to legal strategy, she works with business clients to develop, engage, and retain effective teams in the workplace using a variety of tools and assessments, and is leader-trained to facilitate programs such as DISC, Emotional Intelligence, Hartmann Values and Conflict Style Assessments.
In addition to legal representation, community focus is a “cornerstone” of her life. Sarah is driven to give back to the Central Florida community. She is one of the founding board members of our own Hope for More Foundation, serves on the board of Embrace Families and is the past Board Chair of the Pace Center for Girls, Orange County and Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School. Sarah also focuses her time and support with Advent Health Champions for Children, Harbor House, Leukemia and Lymphoma, Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Sarah lives in Winter Springs with her husband Tim and their son Ben and can most often be found on the sidelines of a soccer field when she is out of office.
MEET ATTORNEY, ANDREW S. BALLENTINE ESQ.
Andrew S. Ballentine is a senior associate in Cornerstone Law Firm’s Litigation Practice Group. An experienced commercial litigator, Andrew focuses his practice on civil litigation including representation of small and mid-size corporations, commercial landlords, and lenders. He also represents creditors in Chapter 7, 13, and 11 bankruptcy cases or adversary proceedings. Andrew has extensive experience representing businesses and individuals on a wide range of litigated matters in Florida and federal courts. Andrew represents creditors on Unsecured Creditor Committees in large, complex Chapter 11 bankruptcies, as well as Bankruptcy Trustees.
Prior to joining Cornerstone Law Firm, Andrew worked for a large regional law firm as part of a team of more than 300 lawyers. His experience also includes serving as a law clerk for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
In 2019, Andrew was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Andrew’s service to voluntary bar associations includes serving as the treasurer for the Orlando Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the secretary for the Bankruptcy Law Section of the Federal Bar Association, and a member-at-large of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association.
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• Commissioner for Eighteenth Judicial Circuit’s Judicial Nominating Commission., 2019-Present
• Federal Bar Association, National State and Local Government Relations Section Committee, Chair, 2019- 2021; Deputy Chair, 2017-2019; Secretary, 2016-2017
• Federal Bar Association, Bankruptcy Law Section: Secretary 2022-2023, Member at Large, 2021-2022
• Federal Bar Association, Orlando Chapter: Treasurer 2022 -2023, Vice President of Programming, 2019- 2020, 2021-2022; Director at Large, 2020-2021; Special Projects Director, 2017-2019; Law School Liaison, 2014-2015
•Seminole County Bar Association
• Orange County Bar Association
• Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Peer Academy’s Guidance American Bankruptcy Institute, Member
• Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association, Board of Directors
HONORS
Florida Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine, 2022 - 2023
MEET ATTORNEY, EDEN MARTIN ESQ.
MEET ATTORNEY, ERIN PRETE ESQ.
Erin Prete has extensive experience in real estate transactions. She has also litigated large foreclosure dockets and complex real estate disputes. Erin graduated from Florida State University and went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008. Erin’s clients are buyers, sellers, institutional investors, lenders, banks and Realtors. Her practice focuses on real estate closings, title insurance and title defects.
An avid soccer fan, Erin lives in Central Florida with her husband and two awesome kids. When she is not in the office ensuring smooth transactions, Erin likes to travel with her family. She enjoys hiking, biking and snowboarding. In addition to the Florida Bar, she is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Seminole County Bar Association, Seminole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers (SFAWL), Commercial Real Estate Women, Central Florida Real Estate Attorney Council and The Fund. She is also a title agent for several title underwriters and has won many awards relating to title insurance.
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
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