Influential Woman · Legal
Jessica Saiontz
Attorney
Attorney, Pilka Adams & Reed, P.A.
Brandon, FL 33511
Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Saiontz is an attorney specializing in civil and business litigation, with additional experience in real estate, client coordination, and case strategy. She began her legal career in 2004 as a litigation paralegal before becoming an attorney in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Miami and her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law. She is admitted to practice in Florida and was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024.
Jessica currently practices with Pilka Adams & Reed, P.A., where she focuses on civil and business litigation and related legal matters. Alongside her legal practice, she has developed a substantial record of professional leadership and service. She currently serves as President of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), having previously served the organization as President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and Public Relations Director. She is also involved with the Hillsborough County Bar Association, Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and other legal leadership organizations.
Beyond her legal practice, Jessica is committed to advancing women in the legal profession and contributing to her community. She is a board member of National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), an organization focused on anti-bullying and teen suicide prevention, and has participated in multiple leadership academies and professional development programs. Her professional recognitions include six consecutive years as a Super Lawyers "Rising Star," the HAWL President's Award, the MDFAWL President's Award, the MDFAWL Lynn Futch Rising Star Award, and the FAWL Leader in Law Award. She attributes her professional development to family, friendships, professional networks, and mentorship, while emphasizing collaboration, connection, service, and community involvement throughout her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from the support of my family, the professional networks and friendships I have built throughout my career, and the many mentors who have influenced my path. I have found that even small interactions with mentors can have a meaningful and lasting impact on professional development and direction.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have been fortunate to have two key mentors who significantly influenced my career: Iris Elijah, General Counsel at FIU College of Law, and Johara Sanders, founder of Envy. Their guidance helped shape my professional path and inspired me to become more involved in service, leadership, and community initiatives. Johara and I met during university rush activities, and our connection eventually led us to collaborate in founding Envy in 2009, an organization focused on addressing issues affecting young people, including bullying and suicide prevention. Their mentorship showed me the importance of using my career not only for professional growth but also as an opportunity to serve others and make a meaningful difference in the community.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to build the professional network they want early in their careers. Reach out to people for mentorship, seek opportunities to serve, and look for meaningful ways to give back to the profession and community. I believe that contributing to others often creates some of the greatest professional and personal rewards.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One significant opportunity and challenge is integrating artificial intelligence into the legal profession while ensuring that technology supports rather than replaces sound professional judgment and human connection. I also see continued challenges in rebuilding professional networking and community involvement following COVID-19, which has affected membership and donor participation in professional organizations. In addition, attorney burnout and mental-health concerns, including alcoholism and depression, remain important issues within the profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Collaboration and connection are central to my work and personal life. I value maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and professional networks while finding balance between my career and personal commitments. I also believe in making a meaningful difference beyond traditional desk work by contributing to the legal community, participating in panels and clinics, and helping community members.
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