Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorena Duarte.
Hi Lorena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Miami to a family that immigrated from Colombia. I grew up with a working mom who instilled the values of a higher education and a passion for the law, as she was a paralegal for an immigration attorney. I went to Miami Dade College and later University of Miami where I majored in History and Religious studies. I intended to apply to law school right away but began working in real estate sales through the early 2000’s real estate boom. By 2007, after the recession, I began working for Bank of America as Personal Banker. I loved working for the bank and helping people but was limited to helping people via banking services and felt frustrated and at a dead-end in my career.
At age 31, I decided to pursue my dream of being an attorney, a dream I thought was too late for me. I began law school at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, graduating as Student Bar President in 2015. During my studies in law school, I won an internship at the United Nations, which exposed me to international law and immigrant issues, as well as the wonderous Big Apple. Upon graduating, I moved to New York City and began working as an attorney representing employees in wage theft and discrimination in the workplace, predominantly Hispanic immigrants. I litigated labor-related cases in federal court winning hundreds of thousands of dollars for deserving employees. After a few years, I missed Miami, my home and my family. I moved back to Miami in 2019 and was fortunate enough to work for several legendary immigration attorneys and learn firsthand the complexities of U.S. immigration and the plight of people fleeing terrible environments in pursuit of the American dream. In 2021, I decided to open my own law firm, Lorena P. Duarte, P.A., catering to immigrants seeking asylum, defending from deportations, family immigrations, talent visas, and labor visas throughout the United States. I now represent over 50 families in their immigration proceedings guiding them through the complexities of the ever-changing U.S. immigration system.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a smooth road in practicing law and effectively helping my clients; however, I had not anticipated the work involved in running a business. Employees, marketing, billing, and the everyday issues that can pop up for a young entrepreneur have me working harder than ever before.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I offer personalized attention to immigrants coming to the U.S or already in the U.S. I specialize in asylums, deportation defense, waivers, visas for tourists, students, artists, victims of crimes, victims of domestic violence, and employment visas.
I stand out because I connect with my clients and walk them through a very scary process that directly affects their future. My clients have access to me and my staff and I am personally there for them every step of the way. I explain the process simply to help them understand and become acquainted with the U.S.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I keep up with immigration laws as a member of organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) who offers legal resources and access to a strong legal community of scholars and immigration activists. I partake in their continuing education, videos, and seminars and am a national and regional member.
Contact Info:
- Email: Lorena@LorenaDuarteLaw.com
- Website: www.lorenaduartelaw.com
- Instagram: @inmigrandoconlorena
- Facebook: Inmigrando Con Lorena
- Youtube: Inmigrando Con Lorena
