Helena Tetzeli graduated with honors from Florida International University in 1984 with a B.A. in International Relations. In 1987 she obtained her J.D. at the University of California, Hastings College of Law. While at Hastings, Ms. Tetzeli was a Note Editor for the Hastings International and Comparative Law Review.

Ms. Tetzeli is currently a partner with the law firm of KURZBAN KURZBAN WEINGER AND TETZELI, P.A. practicing in the areas of Immigration and Commercial Law. She has lectured and written articles on immigration law for the Florida Bar. She is recognized by Who's Who in American Law for her Immigration work and is listed as one of the country's best lawyers in the publication "The Best Lawyers in America" in the field of Immigration Law. In 2001 she was named by Miami Metro Magazine's South Florida Legal Guide as one of South Florida's top attorneys in the field of immigration.