Page 35 - Miami Vol 8 No 1

AALM: When did you rst know you wanted to become an attorney?
Gomez: I have always been logical and analytical by nature. ings need to make sense to me, so I was drawn to the daily intellectual sparring ses- sion that is the law. Watching Tom Cruise in “A Few Good Men” made me say, “ at’s what I want to do.” I was drawn to the idea of throwing your entire self into a case and win- ning. ere are very few jobs in this world where you have a winner and a loser – litigation can give you those highs and lows.
AALM: Do you have any mentors or professors who encouraged you?
Gomez: I have been blessed with many great professors and mentors in my life from my eighth grade civics teacher all the way up to my civil pro- cedure professor in law school. e best teachers challenge you to think di erently and stimulate you to nd answers on your own. When I look at the litigators I admire, they are people who never stop learning, never stop looking for mentors, and are not too arrogant to think that they have all the answers.
AALM: What was the greatest les- son you learned in law school?
Gomez: Lawyers are by and large smart people. It was not until I reached law school that I looked around and said, “Wow, everyone in this room is highly intelligent and
“WHEN LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE THAT IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON YOU CAN HAVE”
Oscar A. Gomez
LIVE FOR THAT FEELING MANAGER OF MIAMI, FL OFFICE
2019 SUPERSTAR
highly motivated.” Most lawyers want to do a good job, get results for their clients, and make a living doing it. Coming to that realization has always motivated me to step up my game and compete to do the very best I can for my clients.
AALM: What do you nd most rewarding about your practice?
Gomez: Getting my clients re- sults at the best value for their money motivates me and in cases where we have positive outcomes
it is very rewarding. Beyond victory, I have found keeping your promises and commitments to your clients to be the most rewarding. I always look back on the assessment I give them at that rst meeting. When the reality (six months, one year later) matches that assessment, there is no better feeling for me. I live for that feeling.
AALM: us far in your career, what are you most proud of accom- plishing?
Gomez: Running a law rm with my friend and business partner Eric Gros-Dubois, with an incredible team of attorneys and admin sta , is my proudest professional accom- plishment. It makes me thankful that I have a wife, Diana Gomez, and a family that support my dreams. I am super proud of what we have built at EPGD and I am motivated to contin- ue to make it better.
AALM: How would you describe the culture of the rm?
Gomez: Our rm’s culture is young and energetic. Our average age is 29 and my partner and I are 35 and 38, respectively. is gives us many advantages like being very tech for- ward, engaging, eager, and active in networking. We don’t take anything for granted, we work hard, and em- phasize customer service. e most important thing that Eric and I drill into the associates is communicating with and managing the client. If the
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client contacts you to ask what is go- ing on in their case that is generally your failure.
AALM: What case most de ned your practice?
Gomez: e case I am proudest of was a trial back in February 2018 where we represented a gentleman who was being sued personally by a publicly traded Fortune 500 company for a business deal gone wrong with my client’s entity. e Fortune 500 company was trying to go a er my guy personally and do an end around on the corporate shield in the process. We were going up against a respected national rm with tremendous re- sources. We were able to prevail in that case. I had researched the issues and was con dent in our position but prevailing at the end of the day and saving our client from personal bank- ruptcy was one of my proudest pro- fessional accomplishments. It helped remind me that when the law is on your side that is the most powerful weapon you can have.
AALM: What is the one piece of advice you would give to a student or young attorney?
Gomez: Be patient, nd mentors, and develop skills. e early part of your career should be focused on those things. It is great to get out of law school and make a lot of money but the most important thing you can ever do as a young attorney is to nd your cra , learn it, and own it at all costs. When you become good at something money will follow.
AALM: What events are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
Gomez: We are hosting confer- ences with other Miami professionals this year in Colombia, Ecuador, and Canada. I really enjoy when we do these events because it allows me to work and at the same time travel with my wife who always comes with me.
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PHOTO BY ROBERT KLEMM