Page 24 - Miami Vol 7 No 1
P. 24

Rising Star
Kristina G. Maranges
Driven by Preparation
AALM: When did you  rst know you want- ed to become an attorney? What drew you to this career?
Maranges: As a high school senior at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Miami, I was a member of our National Champion We the People Constitution Team, a national, fed- erally funded program that gave students the opportunity to participate in mock con- gressional hearings on a variety of complex legal issues. It was the most challenging year of my education (yes, even law school), but the most in uential. I was working 15-16 hours a day, seven days a week, between my schoolwork and preparation for com- petition, tackling criminal and social issues law students do not study until their second year. I woke up every morning energized to tackle the day and I knew then I had to be- come an attorney.
AALM: How is the practice of law di erent than your expectations in law school?
Maranges:  e practice of law is a business and must be approached as one. From planting seeds throughout the years, to getting clients in the door now, to manag- ing them and their expectations, such a large part of what a lawyer does every day is building and running a business. Under- standing the business of law and learning to surround yourself with lawyers who under- stand and excel in that aspect of the practice is critical to a young lawyers success.
AALM: What drew you to your current  rm? How would you describe the culture there? How would you describe your role within the  rm?
Maranges: Initially, my draw to Broad and Cassel was its longstanding reputation for world-class lawyers. But this  rm is so much more than that. While many  rms and work- places espouse a family-like environment, Broad and Cassel truly does.  e “open- door” policy from the o ce manager to managing partner is much more than just a management tagline, and the  rm enjoys one of the most collegiate legal environments in our community without losing its competi- tive edge. I like to think I do my part in mak- ing sure that open-door policy continues
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into the next generation of attorneys at the  rm, facilitating communication amongst and participation by all of our attorneys.
AALM: Of the cases you’ve worked on or witnessed, what has stood out most in your mind?
Maranges: I have been blessed to work with and learn from some, if not, the greatest trial attorneys in our community. What has stood out preeminently amongst all of them is that there is no substitution for prepara- tion. Obviously, skill is of supreme impor- tance, but preparation cannot be faked. So much of our practice is driven by prepara- tion. Whether it is preparation for a client meeting, for a meeting with a partner in your o ce, or for an appearance before the court, coworkers, clients, judges and oppos- ing counsel alike always will be able to tell whether you are prepared. Most important- ly, the reputation as a lawyer who does not prepare is so easily earned, and near impos- sible to change.
AALM: With technology and an ever-global world, how do you see the legal profession evolving over your career? Do you believe this will be positive or negative?
Maranges: Technology’s e ect on the future of the legal profession is both exciting and
terrifying. Advancements in arti cial intel- ligence will streamline the work of attor- neys, helping us to be more cost-e cient for our clients, and alter what the day-to- day practice of law looks like.  ese changes will raise the bar for the standard of practice and require each attorney to be more spe- cialized in her area of practice to stay rel- evant and competitive on the global market.
AALM: What do you most hope to accom- plish in the future?
Maranges: In the future, I hope I come to be known and remembered as someone who is kind in all aspects of life – including pro- fessionally. Our career is adversarial by its very nature, but many of us lose sight of the fact we do not have to sacri ce civility and kindness to be e ective advocates. If I can remain an example of someone who is a zealous and tireless advocate, but is gov- erned by principles of civility and kindness, then I have truly succeeded.
Broad and Cassel LLP
2 S. Biscayne Blvd, 21st Floor Miami, FL 33131
(305) 373-9400 www.broadandcassel.com


































































































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