< PreviousWOMEN IN LAW 2019 AALM: When did you decide to become a lawyer and why? Ortiz: I think it was something that I had in my head since I was a little girl. I was really bad at math and hat- ed any class that had to do with numbers. I was strong in the areas of language, reading comprehension and grammar. I asked my mom what occupation would al- low me to do the least math and she told me to practice law. Ironically, today the type of law that I do has me crunching numbers daily. AALM: What do you find rewarding about being an attorney? What do you find most challenging about your practice? Ortiz: I enjoy breaking the stereotype for attorneys as well. I think it’s great that clients are very educated now, due to the internet, but it also poses challenges such as client doubt and perhaps a lack of confidence in attorneys. As an attorney, I feel I have to compete against the information provided on the Internet. AALM: Tell us about the early years of your career. Ortiz: I was very scared in the beginning of my ca- reer. I went through the motions while I was a law stu- dent. I competed in the trial team competitions, applied for internships, represented children as a Guardian Ad Litem and even became a certified legal intern for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s office. However, I really had no direction, nor did I really know what I wanted to do. I graduated law school in 2008 which was right in the middle of the economic crisis. As a young and new lawyer, I was worried about my career and my future. However, I got a job right away working at a foreclo- sure and bankruptcy law firm (that type of law was very much in demand in those years!) Although it was not exactly what I wanted to do, I felt very lucky to have a job. Looking back, I had front row seats to a very his- toric time in our country and I learned a lot. There’s a movie called “The Big Short”. As I watched it, I relived the first 3-4 years of my career. AALM: How is your career different today than how you envisioned it in law school? Ortiz: My career is not that different from what I envisioned in law school. I always had an idea that I would be doing transactions. I knew I was not cut out for litigating (even though I was good at arguing, per my father). I also knew that I wanted a flexible schedule and that I wanted to work for myself. Today, I’m proud to say that I have had my own firm for six years. I have maintained my flexibility and I have been fortunate enough to grow my referral sources as well as my office staff. I love what I do because I am able to grow as a person and as a professional simultaneously. Cristina M. Ortiz OFFERING PEACE OF MIND Attorneys who are empathetic and try to place themselves in their clients’ shoes, are the most exceptional. It is because they can feel what their clients are feeling and thinking. A client needs to know that their attorney is on their side and has their back.” JULIA R O SE PHO TOAt a Glance Florida Title Exchange 8950 SW 74th Ct, Suite 2201 Miami, FL 33156 (786) 426-3303 cmolawpa.com OTHER LOCATIONS Dadeland Brickell Doral Miami Beach PRACTICE AREAS Title Escrow Real Estate Closings EDUCATION Juris Doctor, Florida International University Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Florida State University HONORS 2019 Rising Star, Super Lawyers FAVORITE QUOTE Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things- Robert Brault AALM: What experiences have taught you the most? Ortiz: I learned the most from my experience interacting with cli- ents and previous employers. I felt that I was able to provide an empa- thetic angle where as my previous employers were just focused on pay- ing the bills. Now as a business owner, I totally understand the stress that comes with paying salaries and maintaining a business. However, I also remember what it was like dealing with unhappy clients who felt taken advantage of. So I would say that my biggest teachers were my previous employers. I learned what NOT to do, I learned how to NOT treat clients and I learned how to NOT treat employees. AALM: Tell us a funny story from your practice. Ortiz: I practice real estate law and therefore I deal with buyer and seller disclosures when they are negotiating and preparing the initial contract. I had a seller call me and ask me if she had to disclose to the buyer that there was a ghost in the property and whether she was go- ing to have to lower the purchase price due to the fact that there was a ghost. AALM: How welcoming do you think the South Florida legal com- munity is to women practitioners? Ortiz: Thankfully, I actually think that the south Florida legal mar- ket for women is very welcoming. South Florida in general is very en- trepreneurial. A woman owning her own business and her own law firm is common and well accepted. From my perspective, women in the legal field are confident and respected. There are so many groups that are focused on growing women in practice. Every chamber and every civic group that I have visited, al- ways has a group focused on the growth of female membership. There are endless online communities just for female lawyers as well. I per- sonally respect and admire the female solo practitioners who are also mothers. AALM: Tell us something about yourself that people will be sur- prised to learn. Ortiz: Well on a personal level, I’m shy and I appreciate privacy (people are always surprised to learn that about me). I’ve also been working hard for the last 2 years or so on growing spiritually and be- coming the best version of myself- I dedicate a lot time towards that. I also recently started an online community dedicated to alcohol free cocktails, as a hobby. I share alcohol free recipes and other colorful info. Professionally, I am the first lawyer in my family. I enjoy my work and I feel accomplished when I accomplish something for my clients. AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of the office? Ortiz: What I really appreciate about my work is that it allows me to enjoy my life. I love to travel. Any opportunity I get to travel, I take it. I don’t care where it is, as long as it is something and somewhere new. I love witnessing, seeing and experiencing different cultures and I love observing how other people around the world live. If I’m not traveling, I love the outdoors, boating, the beach and exercising. I like trying almost anything new. I also just became an aunt for the first time. Visiting my twin nephews, Jake and Joey, has definitely become one of my top hobbies! AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney exceptional? What’s the difference between a good attorney and an outstanding one? Ortiz: Attorneys are empathetic and try to place themselves in their clients’ shoes, are the most exceptional. It is because they can feel what their clients are feeling and thinking. A client needs to know that their attorney is on their side and has their back. An attorney who can do this offers peace of mind and that is invaluable.AALM: When did you decide to become a lawyer and why? JOR: When I walked into my Constitutional Law debate class as a high school junior, I was assigned to the First Amendment panel and became hooked. I set out to obtain my JD quickly – working my way through FIU and graduating with honors in three years at 20 years old; the first in my family to graduate college. I attended law school with a full scholarship and graduated with honors after serving on the Florida Law Review and securing a position as a law clerk for a United States District Judge. My path was set, and the rest is history. AALM: Did your family ever want you to be something else? JOR: My family never attended college, but instilled in me the importance of hard work and an education. After immigrating to the United States, they focused on making ends meet to ensure my sister and I could strive for and achieve more. They never spoke about any particular career; instead teaching us to forge independent paths through an education. AALM: How supportive are fellow women practitioners? How do you try to help women? JOR: Women lawyers are some of the most supportive mentors and colleagues I’ve encountered. When I first started practicing, it was challenging to find mothers of small children who were also partners at national law firms. I struggled to reconcile those two very demanding roles. Slowly I found my way and committed myself to helping women understand you can excel at both. I recruited a new mother to join our firm while she was six weeks post- partum – something she touts to this day as exemplifying Buchanan’s culture and values. Now, it is more common to find working mothers excelling as partners in national law firms. We have an obligation to raise each other up, amplify each other’s voices and promote and celebrate each other’s successes. I benefitted from the support and encouragement of women colleagues and am committed to paying it forward. AALM: How do you balance your home and work life? JOR: It is all about my village! Without my amazing husband and big Cuban family, I could not do what I do. I tell people I won the husband lottery. My husband is also a litigator so at times our conflicting schedules require interesting logistical discussions. Extended family group texts are routine when coordinating litigation schedules, sports and extra-curricular activities, business travel, school pickups and social commitments. Our sons are blessed that grandparents, great-grandparents, tias/ tios primos, madrinas and our framily (friends who are family) play a big part in their everyday lives. AALM: How are you involved in the legal and local community? JOR: I strive to give back as much as possible. I sit on the executive board of FIU’s President’s Council. I am president of the Rosemary Barkett Appellate American Inn of Court and sit on the board of the Third District Court Historical Society. I was also appointed by the president of The Florida Bar to sit on the Appellate Court Rules Committee to provide recommendations to the Florida Supreme Court concerning the rules of appellate procedure. I am also committed to giving back to the community and finding ways to utilize the firm’s platform to make a difference whether by working with Legal Services of Greater Miami to adopt families during the holidays or securing the firm’s approval for all of the shareholders in the Miami office to travel to Texas for a week-long pro bono project where we spent 10 hours 2019 WOMEN IN LAW JENNIFER OLMEDO- RODRIGUEZ Taking Up the Helm PHOTOS BY CORPORATE HEADSHOTS USAFAVORITE QUOTE “The only true failure is when you stop trying.” – Albert Einstein At a G la nc e a day inside a detention facility working with over 50 women, fathers and children (3-16 years old), explaining the intimidating process, preparing them for credible fear interviews and providing emotional support and compassion. AALM: What first drew you to your firm? Tell us about your role there. JOR: The people and our culture. Whenever I introduce people to our firm, they comment on how special a place Buchanan is and how committed we are to each other’s success. I am privileged to have spent the majority of my career here starting as a summer associate and now practicing as a shareholder in the litigation and civil appellate practice groups. For the past two years I have also served as head of the Miami Office – tasked with leading one of Buchanan’s fastest growing offices as one of six women across the firm to hold that position. During my tenure, our office (comprised primarily of women lawyers) has more than doubled in size and includes a diverse group of fiercely talented lawyers. AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney exceptional? JOR: Practicing law can be grueling, stressful and, at times, disheartening. Good lawyers know the law, understand clients’ goals and want to win. An outstanding lawyer feels the client’s pain and is dedicated to finding the best solution. Grit, perseverance, hard work and thick skin keep you going. Confidence allows you to advocate persuasively. Humility reminds you there is always more to learn and different ways to problem-solve. Empathy helps you feel your clients’ pain. Creativity allows you to think outside the box even when the odds are stacked against your position. AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving? JOR: Of course, my family. But, beyond the easy answer, my proudest accomplishment is that with each success I validate the sacrifices my grandparents made by coming to this country in search of the American Dream. Those who know me know how much I identify as a strong, resilient first generation Cuban-American woman. I grew up keenly aware of the challenges immigrants face while chasing the American Dream. That awareness remains top of mind and motivates me every day. My close-knit immigrant family was a powerful influence in shaping the person I am and the values I strive for in my personal and professional life. For me, family honor transformed the desire to succeed from a selfish goal into a validation of my family’s sacrifices and legacy. Any success I achieve is never solely my own; I attribute it to the immensity of their sacrifices and the incredible foresight they had to flee Cuba for the United States to forge a new life. AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? JOR: Traveling! Luckily, my husband, sons and the rest of our family willingly come along on the adventures I plan. I am always “inventando” to push us outside our comfort zones and experience new foods, places and things. They call me our family’s frustrated travel agent. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, PC 2 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1500 Miami, FL 33131 www.bipc.com EDUCATION Juris Doctor, University of Florida, 2002 Bachelor of Arts, Florida International University, 1999 AWARDS Rated AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell Top Up and Comer and Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide, 2015-2017 Florida Super Lawyers, 2018 Best Lawyers in America, 2020 South Florida Litigation Department of the Year, Real Estate, Daily Business Review, 2014 South Florida Council’s Hispanic Heritage Award, Boy Scouts of America, 2019AALM: When did you decide to become a lawyer and why? Rothenberg: When I was in high school, my English teacher introduced me to debate and I competed all over the state. Interestingly, I was the only female competing at the time and the male debaters weren’t quite sure how to deal with a female debater. Instead of wilting under fire, as was expected of the “weaker sex,” as we were considered in my generation, I used my “difference” to my advantage and routinely bested the competition. The most important lesson I learned was that preparation and commitment were the great equalizers transcending gender. And I was instantly hooked. AALM: How has your practice of the law evolved over the years? Rothenberg: I have had an amazing, incredibly challenging, and rewarding career. I began my journey as a prosecutor in the Miami- Dade State Attorney’s Office where I fought for the victims of violent crimes. Although I knew I could not undo the horrible things done to those victimized, I fought to bring those who committed those crimes to justice and worked to protect others from being victimized. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, I spent 25 years serving the legal profession and the community as a judge: 11 years on the trial bench and 14 years on the Third District Court of Appeal, which included my service as Chief of the Third District Court of Appeal and President of the Florida Conference of Appellate Court Judges. I have now started a new chapter of my legal career as a partner with the Ferraro Law team, where I have been given the opportunity to work with amazing trial lawyers and to use my skills as a trial lawyer, appellate counsel, mediator, arbitrator, expert witness, and mentor, and to continue to make a difference. AALM: How are you involved in the local and legal community? Rothenberg: I have always felt that it was important to mentor young lawyers and to be involved in the community. I have served as a guardian ad litem and on Boards of various organizations committed to the health and well being of children, such as Kristi House, for abused children; the Manhood Development Council, targeting at- risk inner city children; the Police Explorers of Homestead, mentoring poor, underprivileged children; and Women and Children First, assisting victims of domestic violence. I have lectured on domestic and sexual abuse and human trafficking and have worked to encourage professionalism and high ethical standards within our profession by trying to set a good example, serving on the Judicial Ethics Advisory Commission and the Professionalism Committee, lecturing, and working with young lawyers and students. AALM: What first drew you to your firm? Rothenberg: Based on my experience and the skills I developed as a trial lawyer and as a judge for 25 years, I was offered so many choices and opportunities. However, it did not take long after meeting Jim Ferraro to ultimately choose the Ferraro Law Firm. Jim Ferraro is a great trial lawyer and a very persuasive man, and the firm is an exciting place to work and to use my skills and reputation as a trial lawyer to benefit our clients and to encourage greater accountability in the marketplace. AALM: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn. Rothenberg: Most people only know my professional persona, however, there are many dimensions to my life. There is the artistic side: I used to paint, make pottery and rugs, and knit sweaters (that no one wore!). There is the athletic side: I was a competitive runner, running 70 miles a week, with a best marathon time of 3 hours, 22 minutes, and a best 10K time of 41:30 (6 minutes, 40 seconds a mile); 2019 WOMEN IN LAW Leslie Rothenberg On the Great Equalizers PHOTOS BY CORPORATE HEADSHOTS USAI hold a black belt in Tae Kwon Do; and I currently compete in ballroom dancing. Lastly, I am fearless. I was attacked while on a training run and was able to fight off my attacker (he was injured, I was not). I also served as a volunteer on an army based in Israel during the Gulf War and worked crime scenes in the middle of the nigh as a prosecutor with a Smith & Wesson strapped to my leg. AALM: How do you balance your home life and work life? Rothenberg: Unlike many professional women, I got married at 21, had a child 9 months and 2 weeks later, had another child three years after that, and entered law school at the age of 35. I, therefore, had to learn very early and very quickly how to budget my time between family and career. Luckily, I had two terrific children, a very supportive husband, and positions that afforded me a great deal of flexibility. AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney exceptional? Rothenberg: Of course, hard work, skill, and experience are important, but excellence requires more. I believe that the lawyers who excel are those who develop a connection to their clients, believe in the merits of their case or position, and are motivated and committed to the “cause” from a personal standpoint rather than by financial reward. Lawyers are also usually much more successful when they act professionally and have the respect of their peers and the judges they appear before. The exceptional lawyers, therefore, are strong and committed, but are also respectful and cooperative with opposing counsel. AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of? Rothenberg: The criminal justice system is a difficult system to navigate, and it is especially daunting when you are a six or seven- year old child who is thrust into the system through no fault of his or her own. The children I am referring to are the victims of sexual abuse who I represented and who bravely faced a courtroom full of strangers and the men who assaulted them. Although I never lost one of these cases, and all of the sexual predators I prosecuted are serving life sentences, what I am most proud of is that I was able to protect these young children from being re-victimized by the system, help then accept that what happened to them was not their fault, made them feel safe again, and gave them the opportunity to close the door on that dark chapter of their lives and move forward. The Ferraro Law Firm 600 Brickell Avenue, Suite 3800 Miami, FL 33131 www.ferrarolaw.com PRACTICE AREAS Products Liability Toxic Torts Appeals Mediation Arbitration HONORS Appointed to the Third District Court of Appeal, 2005-2019 Elected Chief Judge, Third District Court of Appeal, 2017-2019 Elected to the Miami-Dade Circuit Court, 1992-2003 Distinguished Service Award, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency Mattie Belle Davis Award, Florida Association for Women Lawyers Honored by the Dade County Trial Lawyers Association Community Service Award, Spanish American League Against Discrimination Honored by the Israeli government for service as a volunteer on an army base Honored by the Florida Bar for contribution during the Gulf War Dedicated Service Award, Criminal Division, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Justice Award, Miami-Dade League of Prosecutors Honored by the World Federation of Tae Kwon Do PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS President, Florida Conference of Appellate Court Judges Board of Directors, Kristi House Board of Directors, Florida Association for Women Lawyers Board of Directors, The Manhood Development Council Judicial Ethics Advisory Commission Miami-Dade Professionalism Committee Commission on Capital Punishment Guardian Ad Litem FAVORITE QUOTE “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Gary PlayerAALM: What do you find reward- ing about being an attorney? What do you find challenging about your practice? How do you overcome those challenges? Ruiz: As a civil defense attorney, there are few things more rewarding than successfully executing a defen- sive strategy carefully designed to meet my client’s needs and goals. Lit- igation often presents challenges that stand in the way of achieving certain results. But despite the many hur- dles that often manifest themselves, I always aim to creatively overcome challenges whenever they arise. Do- ing so requires diligence and perse- verance, as well as commitment and dedication to always obtaining the best results for my clients. The abil- ity to counsel my clients and help them better understand the judicial process is another rewarding facet of my practice. Finally, serving as a zealous advocate on behalf of my cli- ent – serving as his or her voice – is also incredibly gratifying. AALM: Did you have any mentors or professors who helped you develop your career? What is the best lesson they taught you? Ruiz: As the first lawyer in my fam- ily, I have been blessed with many mentors along the way who have helped shape me into the lawyer that I am today. The most significant men- tor in my career has been my partner, Barry Postman. He has truly been my champion. I have been with my firm, Cole, Scott & Kissane, my entire legal career. And throughout my tenure, Barry has given me countless oppor- tunities to grow my practice and de- velop my skillset. He has always given me a seat at the table by allowing me to argue substantive motions, take difficult cases to trial, spearhead spe- cial projects within the firm, and meet with our firm clients. I am grateful for his mentorship, guidance, and friend- ship throughout my years of practice. Barry leads by example; he has taught me the importance of being a loyal team player and always demonstrat- ing professionalism. Moreover, Barry inspires me to serve as a good mentor to others. AALM: How welcoming do you think the South Florida legal commu- nity is to women practitioners? How supportive are fellow women practi- tioners? How do you personally try to help women following in your career path? Ruiz: My view of the South Flori- da legal community as it pertains to women practitioners has evolved over my years of practice. As a young fe- male litigator, I was often underesti- mated and even patronized by more seasoned attorneys—male and female alike. However, I found that my prep- aration, perseverance, and profes- sionalism (including some very direct conversations regarding unacceptable conduct) won over my detractors. Now, many of the more seasoned at- torneys that once misjudged my abili- ties are a source of referral business, as well as friends. While I find that the South Florida legal community has Jennifer V. Ruiz Moving the Needle 2019 WOMEN IN LAW PHOTOS BY CORPORATE HEADSHOTS USAbecome a more welcoming place for female practitioners than when I first started, there is still room for improvement. I try to help move the needle in that regard by men- toring younger female attorneys, participating in panel discussions on gender bias in the law, serving on the Board of Directors for the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, and serving on the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for Miami-Dade County’s Professionalism Committee. AALM: How do you balance your home life and work life? Ruiz: As a litigator with two young children, managing my daily responsibilities is a delicate balancing act (in heels). I am only able to successfully balance my home and work life because I have an amaz- ing support system. My husband is a true partner. I am blessed we are able to share the same passion for this profession. He has always sup- ported my career and, with a demanding career of his own, he finds ways to share in the daily responsibilities of our home and children. I also have the invaluable support of my family to help with pick-ups, piano lessons, etc. My working-mom-tribe also helps me by pinch hit- ting in emergency situations—like a deposition or mediation that ran late. Finally, my firm, Cole, Scott & Kissane, has been instrumental in fostering my growth as an attorney by supporting my efforts to strike a rewarding work-home balance, while still satisfying my love for the practice of law. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the in- valuable role my legal assistant of eleven years, Natalie Orellana, plays in helping me strike a work-home balance; we are a team in every respect. AALM: How are you involved in the legal community and the local community? Ruiz: In the legal community, I am a member of the Florida Bar Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee; the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County Professionalism Committee; the His- panic Heritage Commemoration Committee for the Southern District of Florida; and a Director with the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. I also regularly serve on planning committees and as a panelist covering topics regarding diversity, in- clusion, cultural sensitivity, and mentorship in the legal profession. In the local community, I volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida by leading my daughter’s Troop. I volunteer at my children’s schools and am also an active member of my parish, Church of the Little Flower. AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney exceptional? What’s the difference between a good attorney and an outstanding one? Ruiz: A good attorney is prepared, professional, persuasive, and passionate. However, to reach an exceptional level, it is critical to have a strong work ethic and always act with integrity. I believe an excep- tional attorney is a true problem solver who tackles challenges with grit and grace, and demonstrates consistent reliability and dedication. Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. 9150 S. Dadeland Blvd., Suite 1400 Miami, FL 33156 www.csklegal.com EDUCATION Juris Doctor, Shepard Broad Law Center, Nova Southeastern University, 2007 Bachelor of Science, Florida State University, 2004 AWARDS Leader in the Law, Florida Association for Women Lawyers, 2017 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2015 2015 Young Professionals Award, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers 2016-Present Dade Legal Aid, Pro Bono Ambassador, 2016 The Latino American Who’s Who, 2015- 2016 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Florida Bar, Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee 2017-Present Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County, Professionalism Committee 2017-Present Hispanic Heritage Commemoration Committee, Southern District of Florida, 2016-Present Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Miami-Dade Chapter, Director 2016-Present Dade Legal Aid, Leadership Academy, Inaugural Class 2014-2015 FAVORITE QUOTE “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” – C.S. LewisWOMEN IN LAW 2019 AALM: When did you decide to become a lawyer and why? What drove you to this career? Salehi: Ever since I can remember I was a protector. If I ever saw someone getting bullied, I would eagerly step in. Standing up for others came very natural to me. I’m not the biggest person in the world, so I learned early on to use my words to defuse difficult situations. Plus, I’ve always been very expressive, and I love to communicate. So, I suppose, if you put those things together, becoming a lawyer was the most fitting career choice for me. It was either that or become a bouncer, but the market is kind of slim for 5’3” female bouncers, even though I do have a considerable amount of bite. AALM: What do you find rewarding about being an attorney? What do you find challeng- ing about your practice? How do you overcome those challenges? Salehi: I relish solving problems. At University of Florida, I took logic courses in the phi- losophy department to have the chance to piece together riddles and logic games. I love learning the room, observing the parties, fleshing out the facts, finding the core issue, and then strategically lacing it together into a beautiful solution. Problem solving feels similar to cooking a delicious meal, all the right ingredients need to be adjusted to the situation. The reward for me is when the strategies help or change someone’s life! The challenge is to find work-life balance because I have a knack for burning the midnight oil. I find it helpful to take spontaneous trips to silent, isolated places, like New Mexico or Death Valley to recharge. AALM: How is your career different today than you envisioned in law school? Salehi: Some of my friends speak about how they went to law school to help people and change the world, and lament that the reality of being a lawyer has eroded that youthful optimism. I don’t see it that way. I was flat broke in law school. I saved every dollar, worked waitressing jobs to pay for rent, tuition and books, and tried to stay awake long enough to prepare for class. I slept in my car the first two weeks of school and had no furniture in my apartment. Given my circumstances, simply graduating was incredibly meaningful to me. It was a nod from the universe that hard work pays off; I never dreamed I would be the manag- ing shareholder of my own law firm. AALM: Did you have any mentors or professors who helped you develop your career? What is the best lesson they taught you? Salehi: Professor Amy Ronner. She was my first-year property law professor, and every- On Power and Curiosity Tanaz Salehi Given my circumstances, simply graduating was incredibly meaningful to me. It was a nod from the universe that hard work pays off; I never dreamed I would be the managing shareholder of my own law firm.” JU AN C ARL O S GALLE GO Sthing I ever wanted to be – a masterful orator and powerful advocate. Passion and strength radiated from every ounce of her 5’2” being. She taught me to believe that power emanates from within, no matter the gender, no matter the size. Halfway through the semester, she returned our midterm papers. I had worked very hard on mine, but inside, I questioned if my work was worthy of her review or compa- rable to my peers. Professor Ronner silenced my doubt. To my shock, she proceeded to read my entire midterm essay for the dura- tion of class, and proclaimed my work was “publishable.” This great woman, with all her wit, grit, and strength believed in me, and that was a turning point. I can only hope to inspire someone the way she ignited me. AALM: Do you find that as a woman you face any challenges that men don’t? Salehi: Absolutely. Most of the men I have dealt with in this profession have been up- standing and respectful. But I’m sure many of us women have come across those few who ei- ther have no idea how to interact with a wom- an, or seem to still think it’s the days of “Mad Men.” I once had a judge in West Palm Beach call me “little lady” during a hearing. I looked down at myself to make sure I wasn’t wearing a tutu and carrying a lunch box. I shook my head, let it roll off my back, and then proceed- ed with my argument. But the point is, I have never seen a man being called “little guy” or “little man” by the judge. AALM: Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn. Salehi: I was born in Iran. During the revo- lution, my family escaped to Istanbul, and from there, was able to make it to the United States. I was 5 years old when we got here. My father, a mathematics professor, and a high- level employee for the Shah, took a job waiting tables when he arrived in the United States. Eventually, through incredibly hard work, he was able to open up his own restaurant, as well as several other businesses in our community. He took special pride in being able to employ many of our neighbors. His spirit and strug- gle is embedded within me. Although he has passed away, I live to make a legacy for him; after all my family endured, they deserve to see nothing but success. AALM: What compelled you to start your own practice? Salehi: My partners, Oscar Lombana, Don- ald Lavigne, and Scott Boyer. I am blessed to have met a team of impeccable partners, who I wanted to spend the rest of my career with. At our prior law firm, we developed a mutual trust, respect, and care that transcended the “big law” culture of blood, sweat, and billing. One night, over sushi, we shared our visions of what our ideal law firm would look like – a boutique think-tank, brewing with creativity and strategy. By the time the waitress cleared the chopsticks away, we had just created the first chapter of Salehi, Boyer, Lavigne, Lomba- na. The rest of the chapters will be filled with legal victories, volunteering and community outreach, protected and satisfied clients, and many more sushi dinners. AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney exceptional? What’s the difference between a good attorney and an outstanding one? Salehi: Have you ever been treated by a doctor who is hopelessly un-curious? A doc- tor who thinks they know all the answers? It’s a miserable and wasteful experience. My cli- ents will never feel like this. A decent attorney knows strategies and case law, like a good doc- tor understands medicine. Exceptional law- yers genuinely listen. They are endlessly curi- ous, able to put themselves in the shoes of oth- ers, and capable of reading between the lines in order to understand their client’s goals. Of course, we understand the legal tools, and read up on case law daily; we will always ad- vocate with passion, but the crucial ingredient is the capacity to listen with true curiosity. SALEHI BOYER LAVIGNE LOMBANA, P.A. 1444 Biscayne Blvd Suite 304 Miami, FL 33132 (305) 330-2050 salehiboyer.com One night, over sushi, we shared our visions of what our ideal law firm would look like – a boutique think-tank, brewing with creativity and strategy.Next >