Professional Experience

We at the Law Office of Ben Protano take pride in our ability to effectively communicate with our clients. We give you a thorough understanding of our approach to your situation and the intended results. By thoroughly understanding the rules and regulations that govern everyday business situations, we prepare you for success in all aspects. Our comprehensive planning experience includes tailored solutions designed to deliver superior results for our clients.

The youngest of 6, attorney Bernardo “Ben” Protano was born and raised in a family of entrepreneurs dating back to the early 1900s. Ben literally grew up in his family’s wholesale food manufacturing operation where, throughout the years he was able to learn every facet of the company by performing duties in every position within the company. Throughout the years, Ben was able to gain knowledge of other types of businesses throughout food manufacturing, restaurant, retail sales, automotive repair, towing, and automotive sales, retail and wholesale. This knowledge has grown throughout the years of representing dozens of corporate entities as outside counsel in fields as varied as software engineering and development, manufacturing, distribution, automotive and representing individuals in business creation, infrastructure, finance. Throughout the years, Ben has also represented individuals in serious injury claims and criminal matters.

At a recent seminar updating attorneys on Judicial and statewide Legislative events, Ben shared a story with a state of Florida, Eleventh Circuit County Judge about Ben’s early appearances in her Courtroom as a Records Custodian on behalf of family corporate ventures and the success gained in the several of such appearances 10 years prior to becoming an attorney. In short, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs which was a structured family and business environment, the path to becoming an attorney and advancing the goals of all entrepreneurs was clear; the dedication and perseverance in achieving these goals is ongoing.

Ben’s formal secondary education started as a team member of the Valdosta State University Blazers football team. After a year at Valdosta State, Ben decided to return to Florida and attend Barry University’s Andreas School of Business, Miami Shores, Florida graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. After graduation from Barry, Ben immediately enrolled at Nova Southeastern University Huizenga School of Business where he graduated with a degree of Master of International Business Administration.

While enrolled in undergraduate at Barry and graduate school at Nova, Ben was continuously employed full time with positions in family enterprises and Law Firms. Upon earning his Master degree in International Business, Ben became a licensed securities broker where he was able to manage retirement plans for corporate clients which continued through 1999.

In 1997, Ben was able to realize his dream of attending Law School at Saint Thomas University School of Law where he graduated with the degree of Juris Doctor in 1999.

While a student at Barry University, during the 1990 academic year, Ben participated in the Study Abroad Program through the Andreas School of Business. The focus of the program involved travel to several European Union (formerly European Economic Community) Countries studying Economics, Socio-Economics and the impact of the European Union on Business and culture. The curriculum of the program included classes held at various conference centers and businesses throughout the European Union. There were several governmental and business lectures at many of Europe’s largest European companies and the central governing body for the European Union.

Ben recently held a position with the Barry University, Andreas School of Business and the Executive Advisory Council. The Board consists of an esteemed group of business professionals from the community. The Advisory Council was focused on current trends and topics within the business community relative to the Andreas School of Business, its curriculum and the student body. A lasting result of the Advisory Council was further accreditation of the Andreas School of Business.

Ben holds a position with the Saint Thomas University Athletic and Sports Administration Board convened to enhance and develop the student body and the physical campus through intense professional participation.

Ben is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar, Broward County Bar Association and South Broward Bar Association and is admitted to practice in all State and County Courts within the State of Florida and the Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida. Ben also has experience representing entities and individuals in Administrative hearings such as Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Municipal Magistrate Hearings, Mediation and Arbitration. Ben is a former licensee through National Association of Securities Dealers as a Series No. 7 and Series No. 63 Licensed Securities Broker.

Representing several domestic and international corporations (as outside counsel) and individuals, Ben has conducted business and assisted with transactions within the United States, Italy, Turkey, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and throughout the Caribbean. Many of the business structures, agreements and relationships created by Ben remain in effect and create revenue and employment opportunities to this day.

In addition to the many qualifications referenced above, Ben is a current member of the Saint Thomas University Athletic and Sports Administration Board, Business Brokers of Florida, Professional Wreckers of Florida, International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum (also Survivor Funds Donor), a former member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of America, Hollywood Chapter, former Rotary International and The National Italian-American Foundation, Miami Chapter. In addition to the above, Ben devotes most of his spare time to the betterment of the community through participation and various charitable Organizations.