Alina O’Connor is Of Counsel in The Cook Group's Fort Lauderdale office, where she brings more than 20 years of experience representing clients in complex civil litigation, insurance defense, coverage analysis, and high-exposure claims. Throughout her career, she has successfully guided matters through every stage of litigation, from initial case assessment through trial, mediation, and resolution.
Before joining The Cook Group, Alina served for more than a decade as in-house trial counsel for a national insurance carrier, representing clients in matters involving bodily injury, automobile negligence, premises liability, commercial liability, and subrogation. In that role, she managed complex litigation portfolios, advised on coverage and policy interpretation issues, collaborated with claims professionals and corporate leadership, and developed training programs focused on litigation strategy and evolving legal issues.
Her experience also includes representing insurers in high-volume Personal Injury Protection (PIP) litigation and managing extensive insurance defense caseloads involving motion practice, depositions, mediations, hearings, and jury trials. Most recently, she managed litigation operations for a plaintiff-side practice, giving her a well-rounded perspective that strengthens her ability to evaluate risk, develop effective litigation strategies, and advocate for clients.
Known for her practical approach and strategic insight, Alina partners closely with clients to navigate complex legal challenges while delivering thoughtful, results-driven representation.
Alina earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida International University. She is admitted to practice in Florida and California, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
Outside of her practice, Alina is committed to serving her community. She previously served as President of the Underwater Bar Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education and marine conservation, and continues to volunteer with both The Posse Foundation and Florida's Guardian ad Litem Program.