Cortez focuses his practice on private equity and M&A, representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, strategic companies and institutional investors in connection with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other general corporate matters. He advises both public and private companies across a broad range of industries, including energy and infrastructure, telecom, media and technology.

Earlier in his career, Cortez was an M&A tax advisor at two Big Four public accounting firms, where he advised private equity and corporate clients on transaction structuring and tax due diligence for M&A transactions.

Before entering the legal profession, Cortez was a high school teacher, Teach For America (TFA) Corps Member and two-sport Division I collegiate athlete. Those experiences continue to shape his approach to client service.