Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Albany Rojas Carrero. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Albany, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?
My path to establishing Rojas Law Office has been one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering dedication to the law. I began my legal career in Venezuela, where I practiced for eight years. However, in 2016, I made the difficult decision to emigrate to the United States with my newborn child. This meant leaving behind my established career and facing the challenges of rebuilding my life in a new country.
My initial experiences in the US were far removed from the legal field. I worked as a cleaner, waitress, nanny, and even a children’s party entertainer. These experiences, though challenging, instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a profound understanding of the struggles many immigrants face. I never lost sight of my goal, however, and gradually transitioned back into the legal sector, starting with entry-level positions where I performed administrative tasks. Through hard work and perseverance, I advanced to become an expert paralegal, eventually leading a team.
Driven by my passion for the law, I enrolled in the Juris Doctor program at Nova Southeastern University. I was fortunate to receive both an academic scholarship and a grant recognizing my community service. I graduated ahead of schedule and, defying the odds, passed the Florida Bar Exam on my first attempt. This achievement was a testament to my dedication and the strong foundation I had built.
As a newly admitted attorney, I joined the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, working within their Medical Legal Partnership project. As an immigration attorney, I provided crucial free legal services to patients whose immigration status was a barrier to accessing necessary medical care. This experience solidified my commitment to serving the immigrant community.
Today, I am proud to lead Rojas Law Office, where we provide comprehensive legal assistance to immigrants across the United States. Our firm is built on the principles of empathy, responsibility, and efficiency. We understand the complexities of immigration law and are dedicated to guiding our clients through the process with compassion and expertise.
Beyond my practice, I am deeply committed to empowering other foreign-trained legal professionals. Recognizing the unique challenges they face, I created the “Volviendo a la Ley” (Back to the Law) program. Through this initiative, I mentor and guide foreign lawyers and professionals seeking to establish or re-establish their legal careers in the US. I share my knowledge about the various legal career paths available and provide practical advice on navigating the US legal system.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Let me introduce myself and the two businesses I’ve founded, both dedicated to empowering immigrants in the United States. My own journey as an immigrant has deeply shaped my commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of the US system and achieve their American Dream.
Rojas Law Office: Your Trusted Partner in Immigration Law
My first venture is Rojas Law Office, an immigration law practice built on the core values of empathy, responsibility, and trust. We understand that immigration is more than just a legal process; it’s a deeply personal journey, often filled with uncertainty and stress. As immigrant attorneys ourselves, we’ve walked a similar path and can relate to the challenges our clients face. This shared experience allows us to provide not only expert legal representation but also compassionate and culturally sensitive support.
We specialize in a range of immigration services, including:
Humanitarian Visas: Assisting individuals fleeing persecution or violence to find safety and legal status in the US.
Business Visas: Helping businesses bring skilled workers to the US and navigate the complexities of employment-based immigration.
Removal Defense: Providing vigorous representation to individuals facing deportation, fighting to keep families together.
Family Petitions: Guiding families through the process of sponsoring loved ones for immigration to the US.
What sets Rojas Law Office apart is our deep understanding of the Latino community. Being bilingual in Spanish and sharing the cultural background of many of our clients allows us to connect on a deeper level and provide a more personalized and effective legal experience. We strive to be more than just lawyers; we aim to be trusted advisors and advocates for our clients, guiding them through every step of the immigration process.
Volviendo a la Ley (Back to the Law): Empowering Foreign Legal Professionals
My second business, Volviendo a la Ley (Back to the Law), is a mentorship and career coaching program designed to help foreign-trained legal professionals rebuild their careers in the US. We recognize the unique challenges these individuals face, from navigating the complexities of the US legal system to understanding the different career paths available.
Through Volviendo a la Ley, we offer comprehensive support, including:
Mentorship Programs: Our flagship four-month mentorship program guides foreign attorneys through the process of applying to US law schools. We provide personalized guidance on everything from preparing for the LSAT to crafting compelling personal statements. We are incredibly proud of the success of our program, with many participants from our recent cohorts now enrolled in law school.
Career Coaching: We also assist immigrants in exploring other legal careers, such as paralegals, interpreters, and court reporters, helping them identify their strengths and develop a strategic plan for achieving their career goals.
What I am most proud of is the tangible impact both Rojas Law Office and Volviendo a la Ley have on the lives of immigrants. Whether it’s helping a family stay together, securing a life-saving visa, or empowering a foreign-trained lawyer to achieve their professional dreams, I am passionate about making a difference.
What I want you to know:
My work is driven by a deep commitment to justice and a belief in the power of second chances. I understand the challenges of starting over in a new country, and I am dedicated to using my knowledge and experience to help others succeed. Whether you are seeking legal representation or career guidance, I invite you to connect with us. At Rojas Law Office and Volviendo a la Ley, we are more than just businesses; we are communities of support, dedicated to empowering immigrants to thrive in the United States.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My journey has been marked by resilience in the face of numerous challenges, but one experience particularly stands out as a testament to my strength: navigating the complex emotions of migratory grief while simultaneously embracing motherhood. Fleeing my country unexpectedly meant leaving behind everything I knew – my home, my community, my established career. The pain of this loss was profound, and I had little time to process it before facing the daunting reality of starting over in a completely foreign land. Imagine the weight of that: the grief of losing your past compounded by the uncertainty of building a future.
This already heavy burden was further amplified by the arrival of my child. Motherhood, a joyous and transformative experience, also presented immense practical challenges. Balancing the demands of a newborn with the need to rebuild my career felt overwhelming at times. Societal expectations and, sadly, even criticism from some, suggested that I should prioritize motherhood over my professional aspirations. But I knew in my heart that I could be both a mother and a successful professional. I refused to accept the notion that these roles were mutually exclusive.
This period was a crucible. I had to learn a new language, adapt to a completely different culture, and overcome numerous legal obstacles just to begin to rebuild my career. And as a Latina woman, I also faced the added challenges of racism and sexism, particularly as I tried to break into the legal field, a profession historically dominated by white men. There were times when I felt discouraged, but I refused to give up.
Motherhood, ironically, became a source of incredible strength. It taught me that a woman’s true power lies in her ability to defy expectations and forge her own path. It reinforced my belief that being a mother and a professional are not competing identities, but rather complementary aspects of a whole person. They enrich each other. It’s time for society to fully recognize and value the incredible efforts of women who strive to balance both these vital parts of their lives.
This experience, and others like it, have solidified my commitment to creating a world where every woman has the freedom to define her own success, free from the constraints of outdated expectations and systemic barriers. I feel a deep responsibility to contribute to a future where my daughter, and all young women, can pursue their dreams without limitations. My resilience isn’t just about overcoming my own challenges; it’s about paving the way for others to do the same.
Any advice for managing a team?
As the founder of Rojas Law Office, I believe that building a strong and motivated team is absolutely essential to our success in serving the immigrant community. Here’s how I approach team management and morale, keeping our core values of empathy, responsibility, and trust at the forefront:
1. Leading with Empathy: Understanding Our Shared Humanity
At Rojas Law Office, we’re not just colleagues; we’re a team of individuals with unique stories and experiences, many of us sharing the immigrant experience ourselves. This shared understanding is the foundation of our empathy-driven approach.
Knowing My Team: I make a conscious effort to understand each team member on a personal level. I want to know their strengths, their challenges, their aspirations, and what truly motivates them. This goes beyond just knowing their job title; it’s about understanding their “why.”
Active Listening & Open Communication: I prioritize creating a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. I actively listen, not just to their words, but also to the emotions behind them. I want my team to know that their voices are heard and valued.
Compassion in Action: Life happens. I understand that personal circumstances can impact work performance. I strive to be supportive and flexible, recognizing that empathy and understanding go a long way in building loyalty and resilience.
Celebrating Our Diversity: Our team’s diversity is a strength. We embrace the unique perspectives and experiences that each member brings, recognizing that it enhances our ability to serve our diverse clientele.
2. Fostering Responsibility: Empowering Ownership
I believe in empowering my team members to take ownership of their work. This involves:
Crystal-Clear Expectations: From day one, I ensure that roles, responsibilities, and goals are clearly defined. Everyone understands how their contributions fit into the bigger picture of Rojas Law Office’s mission.
Autonomy & Trust: I trust my team to make decisions and take ownership of their projects. I provide them with the necessary resources and support, but I also give them the space to grow and learn.
Constructive Accountability: Accountability isn’t about blame; it’s about growth. I provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive, to help my team members learn and improve. I believe in addressing challenges collaboratively, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on mistakes.
Investing in Growth: I’m committed to investing in my team’s professional development. I encourage them to attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in immigration law.
3. Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Our Culture
Trust is the foundation of any successful team. At Rojas Law Office, we build trust through:
Transparency & Openness: I believe in being transparent with my team. I share information about the firm’s performance, challenges, and decisions. I want them to feel like they are part of the process.
Consistency & Fairness: I strive to be consistent in my words and actions. I follow through on my commitments and treat everyone fairly and equitably.
Mutual Respect: Respect is non-negotiable. I value each team member’s opinions and contributions, even when we disagree. I foster a culture of mutual respect where everyone feels valued and heard.
Recognition & Appreciation: I make it a point to recognize and appreciate my team’s accomplishments, both big and small. Celebrating successes together strengthens our bond and reinforces our shared purpose.
4. Maintaining High Morale: Creating a Thriving Environment
Beyond the fundamentals, I focus on creating a positive and supportive work environment:
Collaboration & Support: We foster a culture of collaboration and mutual support. We encourage teamwork and open communication, recognizing that we are stronger together.
Regular Feedback & Mentorship: I provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive. I also serve as a mentor, guiding and supporting my team members in their professional development.
Work-Life Integration: I understand the importance of work-life integration. I encourage my team to prioritize their well-being and respect their time off. Flexibility is key.
Leading by Example: I believe in leading by example. I demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, and behavior that I expect from my team. I am passionate about my work, and I strive to inspire my team to share that same passion.
Building a high-performing team takes time and effort, but it’s an investment that pays off immensely. By prioritizing empathy, responsibility, and trust, I believe we’ve created a team at Rojas Law Office that is not only highly effective but also deeply committed to our mission of serving the immigrant community with compassion and excellence.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @rojaslawoffice/@volviendoalaley
- Facebook: Rojas Law Office/Volviendo a la Ley
- Youtube: @AlbanyRojasCarrero
- Other: Threads @rojaslawoffice/@volviendoalaley
Image Credits
Andrea Cifuentes @andetaphotography on instagram