Caroline “CJ” Donawa

Caroline (“CJ”) Donawa is an Associate in Butler’s Miami office. Her practice is concentrated in casualty defense litigation, encompassing construction, subrogation, and recovery matters, among other areas. CJ is a dedicated trial attorney with a strong civil and criminal litigation foundation. She brings a results-driven approach to client advocacy, focusing on empowering clients through skilled representation in the courtroom. CJ has successfully litigated over 35 bench and jury trials, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for her clients.

Originally from Long Island, New York, CJ earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the highly accredited School of Business at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She also completed a certificate in Latin American Literature at Adelphi University in Long Island, New York. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Florida Coastal School of Law, where she demonstrated a deep commitment to legal scholarship and advocacy.

While in law school, CJ was awarded the Governor’s Scholarship and held several leadership roles, including President of the Entertainment Law Society. She was also an active member of the E. Robert Williams American Inns of Court, Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society, and served on the Moot Court Honor Board. She gained hands-on legal experience as a Certified Legal Extern with the 4th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office and worked on personal injury matters in private practice.

Before attending law school, CJ worked as a paralegal for multiple prominent law firms and with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, where she further honed her legal skills.

Upon becoming a member of the Florida Bar in 2016, CJ began her legal career at the 11th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office. In this role, she represented clients in criminal investigations and trials, quickly establishing herself as a tenacious and effective advocate in the courtroom. As a defense attorney, she handled a wide range of offenses, consistently demonstrating skill, diligence, and unwavering commitment to her clients’ defense. Her litigation experience also includes significant work in first-party property insurance claims, where she represented residential and commercial property owners in disputes arising from insured events. She has successfully negotiated numerous settlements, securing substantial financial recoveries for her clients.

CJ is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.

With a career marked by tireless advocacy, courtroom success, and a commitment to justice, CJ brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every case she handles.