In honor of Women’s History Month, Becker is celebrating the incredible women attorneys and lobbyists whose expertise, leadership, and dedication elevate both our firm and the clients we serve. This year, we’re proud to highlight the achievements of longstanding women team members across various departments, recognizing their impact and contributions over the years.
Jane Cornett has been with Becker for 44 years and is the co-managing shareholder of our Stuart office. She concentrates her practice on representing condominium associations, homeowner associations, and golf course communities. She represents over 300 associations in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Palm Beach counties. Ms. Cornett is one of only 200 attorneys statewide who is a Board-Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I was a high school Spanish teacher, and I was called on to translate for a number of cases, so I got an introduction to the legal system. Then I dated an attorney who had a Corvette and a condo on the beach – nothing any teacher had- so I looked into how to go to law school. I was single with no obligations, so the rest was history.
Is there a woman—past or present—who has inspired you in your career or life?
My Mom. She was a very strong woman.
If you could have lunch with any woman in history, who would it be and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What’s a mantra or quote that motivates you daily?
Don’t sweat the small stuff; if it cannot harm my children (now grandchildren), then it is all small stuff.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a competitive tennis and racket ball player many years ago. In 1978, I won the Vero Beach women’s tennis singles tournament and the Vero Beach 3 wall doubles racket ball. My partner in racket ball was the Vero Beach mayor, and a few years later, after I was in law school, he was convicted of fraud and went to Federal prison. I was also a cave diver back when I was teaching.