Six months ago, it was 1-2-3-GO as we launched The Cook Group on 1/23/20.
Coral Springs, FL — August 28, 2025 — The Cook Group is proud to announce that Christine D. Calareso, Managing Partner of our California office, has been featured in the South Florida Sun Sentinel with her thought-provoking op-ed, “Why We Protest.”
In her piece, Christine powerfully articulates the significance of community action and civic engagement. She challenges the notion that protests are “meaningless,” reminding readers that while national leaders may not always take notice, the impact of protest is deeply felt at the community level — by neighbors, families, local leaders, and future generations.
Christine is also the founder of Joyful Resistance South Florida, a grassroots group dedicated to peaceful protest, civic action, and community service. Through this movement, she has brought together people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds — fostering a sense of solidarity, joy, and shared purpose in the pursuit of justice and compassion.
Her op-ed highlights the wide range of causes motivating protestors — from human rights and civil liberties, to climate change and humanitarian advocacy. Most importantly, Christine underscores that protest is not just about signs and marches, but about sustaining hope, building friendships, supporting local communities, and creating joy in resistance.
Beyond her advocacy, Christine is a nationally recognized litigator who spearheaded the expansion of The Cook Group’s presence on the West Coast. She has consistently been named a Super Lawyer (2009–2024), honored as one of the Top 25 Lawyers in Orange County, and one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Southern California. Her commitment to both her clients and her community exemplifies the mission of The Cook Group: combining excellence in litigation with an unwavering dedication to justice.
“Christine embodies the values of courage, compassion, and community leadership that inspire us at The Cook Group,” said Kerryann Cook, Managing Partner. “We are incredibly proud to see her voice amplified in the Sun Sentinel and to support her ongoing advocacy efforts.”
The full op-ed can be read: