Cortney Criswell is a personal injury attorney at Farah & Farah’s Jacksonville office who represents individuals harmed by negligence. A lifelong Floridian and Florida State University graduate, Cortney brings empathy, focus, and a detail-driven approach to every case, with a practice rooted firmly in advocating for people.
Drawn to the Law From the Beginning
I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember. It always felt like a natural fit for my interests and the way I think. I earned both my undergraduate degree in criminology and my law degree from Florida State University. Staying at the same school made sense for me, and it allowed me to build a strong foundation while remaining connected to Florida.
From the outset, I knew I wanted a career that involved working directly with people and solving real problems. That perspective has guided every step of my professional path.
A Career Built on Representing People
Every role I have held as an attorney has been on the people side of the law. I began my career as a public defender, where I spent about a year advocating for clients who needed someone firmly in their corner. I later worked in hurricane litigation representing homeowners before I turned to personal injury law, which gave me hands-on experience representing injured clients.
I have had opportunities to work in insurance defense and corporate law, but those paths never interested me. Every client I have represented has been an actual person, not an insurance company or other large corporation, and that has always been intentional. I care deeply about helping individuals who are navigating some of the most disruptive moments of their lives.
Why Personal Injury Work Matters to Me
Personal injury law allows me to do the kind of work that motivates me every day. I am empathetic by nature, and I naturally root for the underdog. My clients often come to me after their lives have been turned upside down by an injury, and I take that responsibility seriously.
I get really invested in every single one of my cases. I think about them constantly, turning over the facts and looking for the details that matter. To me, every case is like a puzzle, and I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how the pieces fit together in a way that helps my client move forward.
Strength in the Details
My greatest strengths as an attorney are attention to detail and memory. I am especially skilled at depositions and identifying inconsistencies in testimony, which can be critical to building a case. Winning a case for a client isn’t always courtroom drama. Sometimes it’s noticing the little things that turn a case on its head and make all the difference for my client.
One matter that stands out involved a homeowner’s insurance claim that initially appeared unwinnable. By digging deeper and focusing on photo authentication, I was able to turn the case around and secure a meaningful recovery for my client after taking a closer look at the evidence. Experiences like that reinforce the importance of careful, thorough work and not accepting initial assumptions at face value.
Finding the Right Fit at Farah & Farah
From my first impressions, Farah & Farah felt like the right environment. Everyone I’ve met has been welcoming, collaborative, and clearly focused on clients. That culture stood out to me. A recruiter initially reached out to me, but I was already familiar with Farah & Farah. Joining the firm felt like a natural next step and a place where my values aligned with the way law is practiced.
Game Days, Good Food, and Time To Recharge
Outside of work, I take pleasure in watching sporting events, especially football. I’m a longtime Florida State fan and also follow the NFL. I’ve enjoyed cheering on the Bucs while living in Tampa, and now that I am in Jacksonville, I’m appreciating the opportunity to get to know and follow the Jags. I like trying new places and experiences, whether that’s finding a new restaurant or checking out a different atmosphere. I especially appreciate quiet lounge-style bars with craft cocktails and live music.
I am a lifelong Floridian, and family is an important part of my life. Most of my close family lives in Florida, which makes it easy to stay connected. Those relationships help keep me grounded and balanced beyond the demands of practicing law.
