Carmen Manrara Cartaya

Carmen Manrara Cartaya is of counsel in the Miami, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Carmen represents companies in employment matters, complex commercial litigation, and international arbitration. She works closely with clients to develop practical legal strategies that address complex disputes while supporting their overall business objectives.

Drawing on experience in both the public and private sectors, Carmen advises clients in a broad range of workplace and commercial matters, including employment litigation, business disputes, and cross-border arbitration proceedings. Carmen's experience in matters before federal agencies, courts, and arbitral tribunals allows her to provide business-savvy advice throughout all stages of dispute resolution.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Carmen served as a trial attorney with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Miami District Office, where she litigated employment discrimination matters and participated in significant enforcement actions. Her experience provides valuable perspective on agency investigations, litigation strategy, and workplace compliance issues that continue to inform her representation of clients today. 

Earlier in her career, Carmen practiced international arbitration at a global law firm, representing parties in proceedings before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), JAMS, and the American Arbitration Association (AAA) involving construction and telecommunications disputes. Carmen also served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Federico A. Moreno of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Carmen is an active member of the Federal Bar Association’s South Florida Chapter. She leads FBA’s outreach including the “Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions” program, which allow high school students to visit a federal courthouse and learn to debate and have civil discourse.

Outside of her practice, Carmen is active in the South Florida community through leadership roles in educational, civic, and charitable organizations. She is the General Counsel and board director of the Economic Club of Miami, where business leaders convene and collaborate on Miami’s economic future. 

She also serves on the board of directors of The Underline Conservancy, contributing to the mission of maintaining Miami’s 10-mile urban park.  She also serves in a judicial capacity as a hearing magistrate for the City of Coral Gables. 

Carmen is fluent in Spanish and has represented Spanish speaking clients throughout her career.