What inspired you to pursue a law career?

Ever since I was young, I’ve always been passionate about communication and human nature. Much like language, art and music, I believe that the law has a very nuanced expression, and I believe that a lawyer’s true purpose is to be a translator for his or her clients, not just a counselor and advisor. After studying psychology and Spanish, the law became the next language in which I wanted to become fluent.

What skills do you draw upon when it comes to your specific practice areas?

In the world of asset recovery, related litigation is often happening simultaneously in multiple countries. The ability to see the forest through the trees and keep the big picture—my client’s overall goal—in mind throughout the fast-paced tribulations that span several time zones is a great skill that helps me every day. Asset recovery requires creative thinking to outsmart fraudsters who might have tried to cover their tracks and often have a head start. My ability to confront issues from angles that people often overlook is a critical advantage that elevates my practice.

Why did you choose those areas of law?

They allow me to apply so many of the skills that I’ve spent so much time cultivating—my cases are frequently international and cross-cultural, I get to employ my language skills, I get to test myself arguing in court, I get to write persuasive briefs, I get to meet (and occasionally cross-examine) interesting people, and I get to learn and explain interesting, complex business practices.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

The most rewarding feeling happens when we discover a legal strategy with a promising chance of success or when a court vehemently agrees with our argument. The gratification I get when I realize that my considerable hard work has paid off for my client is extremely satisfying. I also love working in a niche area with so many areas of law still left to be written and interpreted. The ability to work with and learn from attorneys who are pioneers in their respective fields is an incredibly rewarding experience as well.

Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.

Charlton Copeland, one of my professors from the University of Miami School of Law is a mentor who made and continues to make a significant impact on my life and career. I met Charlton on a weekend visit to the University of Miami and ended up having a long conversation about all the variables that factor into becoming a lawyer and choosing a law school. While attending law school, I took several opportunities to enroll in Charlton’s classes, and he would never discourage my tangential insights or never-ending follow-up questions. Charlton is a constant reminder that being a lawyer is infinitely more fun when navigated with an intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas and experiences.

If you weren’t practicing law, what would you be doing?

If I were not a lawyer, I would have continued with psychology or Spanish, eventually becoming a therapist or a professor.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are surprised when they hear me speak Spanish, because I have a distinct Castilian accent after my time living in Spain.

What is a good book you read recently?

I recently finished A Promised Land by former President Obama. It was an interesting recounting of the political trials and tribulations he experienced while he was in office, but I was most interested in the former President’s social insight and charisma when it came to representing the United States on a world stage.