Raattama appointed new General Counsel for FIU

MIAMI – M. Kristina Raattama will join Florida International University as its new General Counsel effective July 23, 2010.

Raattama, a native of Miami and graduate of Palmetto High School, joins FIU after nine years in the General Counsel’s Office at the University of Florida. In her most recent role as Assistant Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Raattama had legal oversight of major university agreements and contracts, including the university’s first Howard Hughes Medical Institute agreement, international agreements, coaching contracts, in-licenses of software and other intellectual property, distance learning agreements and banking services agreement.

“Kristina’s experience at one of the country’s largest public universities, coupled with her knowledge of our state and our community, will bring a new level of legal expertise to FIU,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “It also will nicely complement the excellent work already occurring in our General Counsel’s Office.

“Kristina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that I know will help propel FIU’s mission forward,” President Mark B. Rosenberg said. “We welcome her to the FIU family.”

During her tenure at UF, she also served as an adviser for the Office of Technology Licensing on drafting, negotiating and interpreting out-licenses of university-invented technology and related equity agreements, and material transfer agreements. Additionally, Raattama oversaw two major patent litigations involving university-invented technology.

“I am honored to serve as the General Counsel of this fine institution,” Raattama said. “In my new capacity, I join a team of professionals dedicated to advancing FIU’s important missions. I look forward to meeting the challenges of these exciting times and working to ensure the long-term success of FIU.”

Before joining UF, Raattama served as an associate in the real estate group Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Nashville, where she performed a variety of functions related to real estate law. Prior to her entry into the legal profession, Raattama served as a legislative assistant to the late Rep. Dante B. Fascell.

Raattama holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law.

Media Contact: Jean-Paul Renaud at 305-348-2716.