We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Torres a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Vanessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Showing clients you appreciate them is something I think most folks want to do – but it’s not always clear how to do it in a meaningful way. What’s one of the best examples of client appreciation you can share with us?
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve shown a client I appreciate them didn’t involve legal advice at all; it involved compassion and action. A woman came to my office for a divorce consultation. She was in a dire situation; unemployed, facing the prospect of going on welfare, and emotionally overwhelmed. After our meeting, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much she was trying to hold together on her own. The next day, I tapped into my network and helped her land a job.
It wasn’t just about helping her find income; it was about restoring her dignity and giving her a foothold to regain control of her life. She cried when she found out. I believe she felt truly seen and supported—not just as a client, but as a human being. That moment reminded me that while we serve people in legal matters, the most powerful impact we can make often comes from simply caring beyond the billable hour.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Vanessa, and I’m the founder and managing attorney of a boutique law firm based in Coral Gables, Florida. We specialize in family law, matrimonial law, business and aviation law, and recently expanded to include immigration and criminal defense. Our firm is deeply rooted in Christian values—honesty, fairness, and compassion guide every aspect of our work. We’re not just a team of attorneys; we’re advocates, counselors, and problem-solvers who care deeply about the people and families we serve.
I got into law because I believe in the power of advocacy to restore justice, protect the vulnerable, and empower individuals during the most difficult seasons of their lives. Early in my career, I noticed how often clients—especially women and parents—felt powerless in legal proceedings that affected their children, their financial futures, and their dignity. That realization shaped the kind of firm I wanted to build: one where every client feels seen, heard, and fiercely protected.
Our practice spans a wide range of services. In family law, we handle complex divorce litigation, high-net-worth asset division, timesharing disputes, and post-judgment modifications. We also assist in delicate matters involving domestic violence, child endangerment, relocation, and contempt proceedings. On the business side, we help entrepreneurs and companies draft contracts, resolve disputes, and manage legal risk with a level of detail and precision akin to top-tier corporate firms. We’ve even taken on multi-layered transactions involving aviation assets and business acquisitions, offering sophisticated legal solutions without losing our personal touch.
What sets us apart is not just the breadth of our legal services but the intentional care we bring to each case. We understand that legal battles are not just technical; they’re emotional, life-altering, and often overwhelming. Our clients trust us because we offer more than sound legal advice—we offer clarity, strategy, and unwavering commitment to their goals. In an industry where price-shopping and free advice are rampant, we remain steady in our value: we do not cut corners, we do not compromise our ethics, and we do not treat cases like files. We treat them like people’s lives—because they are.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made on families—restoring safety for children, protecting clients from financial ruin, and helping people rebuild with dignity after profound loss. I’m also proud of the growing team I’ve built; attorneys and staff who share my mission and bring excellence to everything they do.
To those considering working with us, know this: we don’t take your trust lightly. Whether you’re fighting for custody, protecting your business, or navigating immigration challenges, we’re here to walk that path with you—strategically, boldly, and with compassion. Our work is personal, and we’re here to win—ethically, intelligently, and relentlessly.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped me build my reputation within my market was a combination of consistency, integrity, and results. In South Florida (where the legal market is saturated and clients often shop around for free advice or the cheapest option) I knew from the start that I needed to offer something more meaningful than just legal services. I built my practice on the belief that clients deserve both exceptional advocacy and a deeply human experience.
From the beginning, I committed to giving clients my full attention, honest counsel (even when it was difficult to hear), and a strategic plan tailored to their goals. I’ve been intentional about maintaining strong ethical standards, even when cutting corners may have been easier. That level of professionalism, paired with the ability to deliver real results in high-conflict cases, set me apart quickly.
Word of mouth has been powerful. Clients trust me, and they refer others because they know I will show up prepared, fight strategically, and treat every case with care and urgency. I also built strong relationships with court staff, opposing counsel, and professionals across different industries—which has allowed my practice to grow not just in visibility but in influence.
Ultimately, my reputation was built by showing up every day with purpose, doing excellent work, and never forgetting that behind every case is a real person with something valuable at stake.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty by treating every relationship as long-term—even after the case is over. Communication is at the heart of everything we do. Throughout a case, we maintain consistent, clear, and timely contact so clients always know where things stand and feel heard and supported. That level of responsiveness builds trust quickly.
But what truly fosters loyalty is what happens after the final judgment or settlement. I don’t disappear once the case is closed. Whether it’s a quick check-in, a helpful resource, or simply remembering a meaningful date in their life, I make a point to stay connected. I’ve had former clients return years later for new matters, and many refer their family and friends because they know they’re sending them to someone who genuinely cares.
On a broader scale, I maintain an active presence through educational content, community involvement, and thoughtful digital outreach—whether it’s through newsletters, blogs, or social media. I make sure our brand reflects who we are: principled, accessible, and committed to results. Clients don’t just remember how we performed in court—they remember how we made them feel during some of the hardest moments of their lives. That’s the kind of loyalty that can’t be bought; it’s earned through consistency, care, and excellence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vdtlaw.com
- Instagram: @divorcewithvanessa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-d-torres-barcena-esq-b4205714a/
Image Credits
Dipp photography