Robert Cortinez is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law. He joined the Cortinez Law Firm in 1991. He has broad legal experience practicing in family law, personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and civil rights cases. Cortinez has successfully argued before the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

His commitment to service was ingrained in him early by the examples of his parents Kay and Bob Cortinez.  Kay had an extensive and decorated career, including teacher of the year, as a schoolteacher at historic Central High School.  His father Bob began his pre-law career in 1957 when President Dwight Eisenhower directed the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division, which included Bob Cortinez, with escorting the Little Rock Nine safely to school after desegregation.  Bob then went on to further his education under the GI Bill, founded the Cortinez Law Firm in 1973 and achieved the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army before retiring from military service.  

 

Being a lifelong resident of Little Rock, Cortinez stated “after 30 years of practicing law, I want the opportunity to give back to my community, while helping ensure a just and fair result to all who come before the court.”  

 

In serving his community, Cortinez has provided ProBono representation with Central Arkansas Legal Services, formerly VOCALs, for his entire legal career. Cortinez is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, the Pulaski County Bar Association, and the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association.  

 

He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 33 years. They have three children and attend Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock.