Ariel R. Spires is an attorney with Cobb & Gonzalez P.A. She is board certified in condominium and planned land development law by the Florida Bar.
AALM: What compelled you to seek board certification?
ARS: I sought out to become board certified after focusing the majority of my career on community association law and litigation that arises in other areas that impact community associations, such as construction or real property law. I had quite a bit of experience, but I really wanted to dive even further into the intricacies of community association law, so I set a goal and began preparing.
AALM: What was the biggest challenge you faced in becoming board certified?
ARS: It was difficult finding a solid balance between studying, working full-time, and managing my personal life. I spent a great deal of time studying and even preparing to study. Studying for board certification was a bit more challenging because there are not many resources to help in preparing you to study like we had for the Florida Bar.
AALM: Do you have any plans on seeking certification in another practice or through another organization?
ARS: I eventually would like to become a certified mediator in Florida. I have always been interested in becoming a mediator, but I think we need more mediators who are specialized in specific areas of law, such as community association law. I have mentors here at the firm who are following that same path, so I know I will have plenty of guidance in moving forward with certification when the time is right.
AALM: Tell us about a case that has stood out as significant in your career and why.
ARS: I represent a community association that had issues with developer turnover, payment of assessments, and overall development of the amenities, including a marina. Within that same association, members challenged whether they were in fact members of the association who were obligated to pay assessments. After significant litigation, I was able to obtain summary judgment on these issues and settled 17 related cases with such finding in the association’s favor. This case helped me in passing the board certification test because every possible issue you could think of with a developer turnover presented itself.
AALM: Tell us about your role and history, with the Jacksonville Women Lawyer Association?
ARS: I have been a member of Jacksonville Women Lawyer Association for the majority of my career as an attorney here in Jacksonville. I decided to get more involved about four years ago and landed a position on the board, planning numerous events to help our members and non-members get more involved with other local attorneys, our judiciary, charities, and other organizations. This year, I am a co-director responsible for planning the annual Judicial Reception, which will be held at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront on June 3, 2026. Please register to attend on JWLA’s website to help celebrate our judiciary.
AALM: Looking ahead, what are your goals or plans for your practice.
ARS: With the opening of the firm’s second location in Orlando, Florida, I am working on expanding our community association law practice group into that area. Community association law is a very niche practice area, so I am looking forward to working with the local community association managers to provide free educational lunch and learns in the Orlando area to help foster those relationships, whether new or existing.
For more information, visit cobbgonzalez.com.
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