In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
I originally chose litigation, because I’ve always been in awe of the skills needed to be successful in this area. As I experienced more, I realized working towards and reaching a resolution of disputes to be just as rewarding.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Ever since Mr. Wollin rolled in a TV to my high school class to watch Law & Order, I’ve wanted to be an attorney.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
See above. 🙂
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
Maybe a judge. Honestly, I’ve only ever considered being a lawyer.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
Kathleen Loucks was a senior associate to me before she left. She taught me that I do not need to lose who I am in order to succeed in this male-dominated profession.
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
I love working with so many different types of people who have a plethora of experience and insight. Every time I have a sticky situation, I can find someone who has experienced something similar and allows me to pick their brain.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Don’t limit yourself as where you work or what you do when you get out of law school. You won’t know what new passions you may find.
What is the strangest legal question you have ever been asked?
Can you help me sue someone in Brazil who stole all of the virtual shields I have been collecting in my on-line knight and dragon game?
What is an item on your bucket list?
Visiting the spot in Mexico where monarch butterflies migrate to each winter.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I just came back from a vacation in Colombia and could not recommend it more.
What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?
Trestle Lake in northern Minnesota – the lake my dad lives on. There’s no public access ,and there’s very rarely anyone else on the lake besides us.
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
Pig Ate My Pizza in Robbinsdale.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
Probably watering my houseplant collection.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
As corny as it sounds, I view the practice of law as having a vital role in our functioning society and economy. Businesses can’t function if their disputes don’t get resolved, and individual clients need advocates to assist them through murky legal waters. And if I can represent a David against a Goliath, even better.
What is a recent good book you read?
Ready Player One – which is not the type of book I typically enjoy. But the constant references to ’80s pop culture made it so fun. (Per usual, the book is way better than the movie).
What advice would you give the young version of yourself who is just entering law school?
Law school will teach you how to analyze and view both sides of a situation. You will rarely see things as black and white again, which can be frustrating but it allows you to be more empathic to other people’s situation. Embrace it.
Also, nobody is ever going to ask you what grade you got in Family Law, so don’t sweat it.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a Mexican citizen, and I own a home a home in Juarez that I have never seen in person.
What is your strongest asset?
I pride myself in my problem-solving abilities. When it comes to my job, I listen carefully to my client to understand the end goal and work to reach that goal.
If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?
Every visitor must go to a Twins game and eat peanuts with cheap beer in a plastic cup while sitting in the sun. Heaven.
