Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloria Garcia.
Hi Gloria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to become an Attorney and was often referred to as the “defender” in my family. Initially I graduated from Florida International University with a Criminal Justice degree. However, I began working for a defense worker’s compensation firm while attending St. Thomas University School of Law. It was here where I obtained a basic understanding for how insurance companies analyzed these claims and made some important professional relationships and mentors. After upon graduation, I switched sides began to represent injured workers at the Law Office of Barry A. Pemsler where I worked with amazing attorneys and friends. I was the only female lawyer at the firm and realized how valuable my bilingual communication skills were with the clients.
I remember representing a lady that used to work for a maintenance company at the building where my old firm was located and she came looking for me to represent her after having a work accident herself. I always tell my children to treat everyone with the same respect regardless of the title or job they hold. There is no greater feeling than to connect with people on a personal level and knowing that they trust you to help them in a time of need. After my former partner retired, I decided to open my own firm, Law office of Gloria M. Garcia, P.A in Miami Lakes where I can work, live and play. I truly can’t believe I have represented injured workers for over 20 years now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Representing injured workers has taught me a lot about people in general and also about myself. I always think of how hard working my parents were and how they focused on securing a better life for their children. You see, my parents were Cuban immigrants and quickly adapted by working their way to help us achieve the American dream. They always pushed us to be the better version of who we are today. I will always be grateful to them for showing me the importance of sacrifice and a strong work ethic. Nothing is handed to you; you have to be willing to do your best every day to attain your goals.. This also prepared me to relate to my clients in a way that I find is unique at our firm. I try to focus on building relationships and cultivating trust which in turn has resulted in many client referrals. I value those relationships greatly. In addition, as an attorney and mom, I think the greatest challenge is finding the time to fully excel at both. So far, I have been successful in keeping up with their busy schedules and look forward to every school or sporting event. That makes everything else worth the struggle. On a more personal note, a particular challenge that shaped me was in 2009 after we lost my sister to breast cancer, I took on a mission to be involved and joined the efforts of the Relay for Life of Miami Lakes. Through Relay we began spreading awareness and fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Early this year, I was asked to lead the State of Florida ACS Cancer Action Network and look forward to continuing my advocacy work in Florida and D.C. and impacting some positive legislation for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Turning a negative situation into a positive one is a great way to overcome any challenge. I hope to do just that one piece of legislation at a time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have spent the last 20 years, representing injured workers in workers compensation claims. You see, the majority of my clients have never encountered a legal matter in their lives. This is often the first time they even hire a lawyer. Our firm plays a significant role in their impression of our legal system and I do not take that lightly. I feel that communication is essential and rely on my wonderful staff to assist clients if I am tied in litigation, I find that clients know I can relate to their struggles and understand how genuinely concerned we are to see them achieve a great result in their case. It is this empathy that sets us apart and no greater feeling than when they refer us new clients. You see, most of these hard working folks do not have a lot of savings and rely on their monthly income to pay their bills.
After a work injury, their financial situations can struggle and it can cause a series of ancillary problems. In addition, some are facing significant medical injuries and are concerned about the cost of medical treatment. They do not always know that they are often entitled to both wage loss and medical benefits under the law. It is our strength to educate the injured worker on what we can do to facilitate things for them during these tumultuous times and ease any worries they have for the future. We are proud that they trust our firm to help them achieve a positive result from a bad situation. Like in any relationship, communication is key and I strive to make sure my clients are aware of the process and how we can help them. I am very fortunate to have an amazing team who understands this and helps me grow my firm by providing great service to each and every one of our clients.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I strongly believe that fostering relationships has greatly helped me get to where I am today. I first joined many bar associations, however, “home” for me was the Miami Lakes Bar Association where I served on the board for 15 years since its inception. Here I met many of the finest lawyers I know today and some amazing friends and I was honored to have been awarded twice for a Women of Distinction Award. I found that by being active in networking groups, I have met some of the greatest groups of lawyers whom have guided, confided, grown and even struggled together. I feel that in building these personal friendships, we have strengthened professional relationships that have resulted in wonderful results for our clients. I like to send clients to an attorney that I trust and feel that others do too. You want to make sure the attorney adequately represents your client and will work hard to do so. Therefore, I find no greater compliment than to have an attorney refer you a family member or friend. I was also very fortunate to have great mentors in my former colleagues. I worked with brilliant attorneys who were ethical and passionate about representing clients for many years. The one thing I was always grateful for was their willingness to listen and formulate ideas on a case, whenever I asked. Now I find myself answering the same questions or concerns from younger lawyers and hope to give back as much as others have done for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: gmg@ggarcialaw.com
- Website: www.ggarcialaw.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lawofficeofgloriagarcia/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ggarcialaw/
Suggest a Story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
