Our Founder
Catalina Ortiz
Attorney at law
I founded Proactive Law Firm to give small business owners the legal support they need to build and protect what they’ve worked hard for. I focus on practical, straightforward legal solutions—without the jargon—because I believe you deserve clear answers and real results.
Background and Education
Catalina brings a distinctive international perspective to her legal practice, shaped by her journey from Medellín, Colombia, to becoming a trusted business attorney in Georgia. After immigrating to the United States at age 12, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners navigating a new legal landscape.
Catalina earned her Bachelor degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York in 2008, followed by her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law in 2020. Licensed to practice law in Georgia, she is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, enabling her to serve clients across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Professional Experience
Catalina’s career trajectory has shaped her expertise in various legal areas. Catalina began her career as a Global Immigration Business Advisor, where she counseled multinational corporations on complex cross-border immigration strategies and compliance matters. Building on this foundation, Catalina transitioned to the technology sector as an Immigration Consultant before advancing to serve as In-House Counsel. In this role, she expanded her expertise to encompass commercial transactions, employment law, and corporate regulatory compliance, gaining invaluable insight into the day-to-day legal challenges businesses face. This combination of law firm and in-house experience gives her a practical understanding of how legal decisions impact daily business operations.
Current Practice
At Proactive Law Firm, Catalina serves as general business counsel for entrepreneurs and small companies, providing ongoing legal support tailored to the realities of running a business. She advises on entity structuring, contract drafting and negotiation, regulatory compliance, employment matters, and risk management—always with a focus on keeping clients protected and positioned for growth. Her proactive approach means identifying potential issues before they arise and helping business owners make decisions that align with their goals. She works as a trusted partner to her clients, ensuring they have the legal foundation to operate with confidence.
Community Involvement
Catalina is committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work with organizations that expand access to justice. She is actively involved with the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, Atlanta Legal Aid, and the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. Through these partnerships, she supports initiatives that help individuals and families in need of legal services
Why Choose Catalina?
Catalina pairs legal expertise with real-world business insight. She understands the pressures small business owners face and explains complex legal concepts in clear, actionable terms. Clients choose her for her responsiveness, practical guidance, and proactive planning—whether launching a new venture, negotiating a key contract, staying compliant, or preparing for leadership transition. Her goal is simple: to help business owners protect what they’ve built and position themselves for long-term success
“My approach is hands-on and collaborative. I take the time to understand your goals, explain your options clearly, and guide you through the legal steps to move forward confidently. Whether you’re just starting or managing a growing company, I’m here to help you avoid risk, stay compliant, and make smart legal decisions that support your business”
— Catalina Ortiz
Memberships
Contact us
Smyrna businesses need legal partners who understand local challenges—from local licensing to complex contract negotiations or difficult employment disputes. We deliver practical solutions without unnecessary complexity. At Proactive Law Firm, we’re the straightforward employment law and business lawyers serving Smyrna and the surrounding area, serving Atlanta and Marietta small businesses with real-world solutions.
From crafting a solid business succession planning strategy to handling labor lawyer matters like compliance and disputes, we explain things in plain language, respond quickly, and charge transparently.. Our expertise in legal services for businesses keeps you focused on growth, not headaches.