Katherine Sanoja
Originally from both the United Kingdom and Venezuela, Katherine (“Katie”) Sanoja has resided in Miami, Florida since 1998. She earned her M.B.A from the University of Miami and her J.D. from Florida International University College of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude, and was in the top five percent of her class.
While at the University of Miami, Katie studied abroad for a year at the University of Edinburgh, taking courses in business and international law. At Florida International University (FIU), she earned a spot on FIU’s Law Review, and two consecutive years on the international arbitration team competing in Vienna, Austria and Curitiba, Brazil.
During her studies at FIU, Katie worked at Legal Services of Greater Miami representing indigent and underserved clients in eviction proceedings in public administrative hearings and state court. Through the FIU Human Rights and Immigration Clinic, Katie advocated on behalf of individuals in immigration proceedings. She also took the opportunity to intern in the Narcotics Division at the United States Attorney Office, assisting with pre-trial detention hearings and jury trials. At the Third District Court of Appeal, Katie served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Vance E. Salter, working on a range of cases from criminal appeals to breach of contract claims.
Katie is fluent in English and Spanish, and is currently studying Portuguese. Prior to pursing her legal career, she worked at the City of Miami Mayor’s Office of Film, Arts, and Entertainment where she marketed and promoted Miami as a top destination for film and arts. She coordinated the City of Miami’s efforts during Art Basel, and was also part of the team that negotiated the use of the Coconut Grove Convention Center as a temporary soundstage for television and film production. This made Miami a more attractive filming location for several productions, including the movie Marley and Me and television show Burn Notice.
She currently serves on the board of Rhythm Foundation, a nonprofit organization that presents international artists in South Florida, including artists such as Seu Jorge, Gilberto Gil, Paco de Lucia, Caetano Veloso and many more.
Education
Florida International University (FIU) College of Law, 2012
Juris Doctor
Dean’s List, Law Review, VIS International Arbitration Team, CALI Excellence for the Future Award for highest grade in International and Comparative Law, Evidence, and Federal Civil Procedure. Completed a semester at Universidad de Sevilla, taking courses in International law.
University of Miami, 2002
Master in Business Administration, Specializing in International Business
University of Miami, 2001
Bachelor of Business Administration
Memberships and Associations
Section of International Law – American Bar Association
Florida Bar – International Law Section, Young Lawyer’s Division
Dade County Bar Association
Court Admissions
Southern District of Florida