We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vilerka Bilbao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vilerka, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?
The journey to establishing my own firm began long before I officially opened its doors—it started in law school. I always knew that I wanted to have my own practice and would often tell my classmates that one day, I would build something of my own. That vision stayed with me throughout my career, and when the time came to take the leap, my fiancé was instrumental in supporting my decision.
After working for a nonprofit, I decided in 2020 to launch my own firm. In the beginning, I rented a small space above a garage and recorded YouTube videos to educate immigrants about their rights and the laws that could protect them. It was daunting not knowing whether I was making the right choice, but I leaned on the guidance of mentors who had walked this path before me. One of my biggest influences was a prominent immigration attorney in Jacksonville, who generously shared insights into her firm’s systems and strategies for handling complex removal defense cases.
Looking back, I don’t think I would have done things differently. The challenges were real—building a practice from the ground up without the certainty of success required resilience and trust in my mission. But today, my firm has grown to a team of 14, including three attorneys, and we have helped hundreds of individuals obtain legal status and protected countless families from deportation. We primarily serve Spanish-speaking immigrants across the United States, and our reach continues to expand.
My involvement with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has been invaluable in this journey. Their resources, courses on practice management, and network of professionals have played a significant role in my firm’s development. Taking a chance and building slowly was the right approach. Now, with two locations in Jacksonville, I couldn’t be prouder of my team and the lives we are able to impact every day.
For any young professional considering starting their own firm, my advice is this: trust yourself, seek mentorship, and stay connected to organizations that can provide support and guidance. The road may not always be easy, but the ability to create something meaningful and change lives makes it all worthwhile.
Vilerka, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Vilerka Solange Bilbao, and my journey as an immigration attorney is deeply personal. I was born in Venezuela to Dominican and Cuban parents and first arrived in the United States in 1996 on a tourist visa. Like many immigrant families, we overstayed our visa, navigating the complexities of immigration law firsthand. Thanks to the protections of the Cuban Adjustment Act, my family was eventually able to obtain green cards and later become U.S. citizens.
My parents came from humble beginnings—my father was a mechanic, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom who always had a business venture, whether selling beauty products, clothing, or running a small boutique. From them, I learned the value of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the mindset that success is in your own hands.
During my teenage years, my family lived in the Dominican Republic for a time, where I studied dance and perfected my Spanish. I later returned to the U.S. for college, earning a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from FIU in Miami. My path then led me to Jacksonville, Florida, for law school, where I established roots and met my fiancé.
One of the defining moments in my career was my experience in my law school’s immigration clinic. Over three years, I took on various roles—screening calls for relief, serving as a student legal representative, filing appeals for individuals who had unjustly lost their cases, and representing victims of crime and domestic violence. That clinic opened my eyes to the immense need for compassionate immigration attorneys, especially in a city like Jacksonville, which continues to welcome immigrants from all over the world.
Today, as the founder of Bilbao Law, I lead a dedicated team that provides legal representation to immigrants seeking a path to legal status, protection from deportation, and opportunities for a better future. We focus on family-based immigration, waivers, removal defense, asylum, and humanitarian visas, serving primarily Spanish-speaking immigrants across the United States. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to our clients—not just as legal cases but as human beings with dreams, fears, and families to protect.
I am incredibly proud of the work we do. We have helped hundreds of individuals and families achieve legal status, keeping loved ones together and ensuring that immigrants have the chance to build a stable and dignified life in the U.S. My personal journey fuels my passion for this work, and I want potential clients and followers to know that at Bilbao Law, we understand the immigrant experience because we’ve lived it. Our firm stands for resilience, advocacy, and unwavering support for those navigating the immigration system.
For anyone seeking immigration guidance, my message is simple: you are not alone. There is hope, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I started my social media presence on YouTube, creating long-form content where I would speak for an hour about different types of immigration relief and case strategies. Over time, I expanded to Facebook and Instagram, where I continued to grow my audience, and more recently, I’ve been experimenting with TikTok to reach new audiences in a fresh and engaging way. While I don’t have millions of followers, the 5,000+ engaged followers across IG, YT, and FB keep my firm extremely busy with cases—proof that quality engagement matters more than just numbers.
Social media has been instrumental in helping me identify my ideal client and effectively communicate with the immigrant community. One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is the belief that the only way to obtain a green card is by marrying a U.S. citizen. While that is one option, it is just one of many available for people both inside and outside the U.S. Through my content, I educate my audience about their real legal options, helping them understand their rights and the pathways available to them.
Beyond education, social media has allowed my personality to shine through, helping me attract clients who resonate with my approach. I am direct and honest, and my clients appreciate that I tell them exactly what to expect—and what not to expect—from the immigration process. This transparency builds trust and ensures that the people who reach out to my firm already feel connected to our mission and values.
Advice for Those Starting Out
Just start recording. Don’t let fear or perfectionism hold you back. When I look back at my old content, it wasn’t the best quality—but it was authentic, and it got me started.
Focus on providing value, not just marketing. Instead of only promoting your firm, educate, inform, and connect with your audience. Give them knowledge they can use.
Be consistent. Social media isn’t about overnight success. It’s about showing up consistently and creating content that builds trust over time.
Let your personality shine. People don’t just hire a law firm; they hire a person they trust. Your unique voice and style will attract the right clients.
Engage with your audience. Social media isn’t a one-way street. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show your audience that you are there to help.
Social media is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with our clients before they even step into our office. If you’re starting out, be bold, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to share your knowledge—your audience is out there waiting for you.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I started my law firm, I had zero initial capital—no big investment, no outside funding. What I did have was a computer from law school, a printer that could handle immigration packages, and a determination to make it work. My first office was a small space above a garage, and I paid just $300 a month for rent. That decision was crucial because it allowed me to keep my overhead low while I built my client base.
In those early months, paying clients were scarce, and I imagine that some of my first clients were hesitant—after all, I didn’t have a large office or an established reputation. But I am deeply grateful for the ones who put their trust in me. Today, many of those first clients are U.S. citizens, and they continue to refer their friends and family to my firm. Their belief in me, even when I was just starting out, was invaluable.
I still remember the first time a client paid their full legal fee upfront—$6,000. That was a turning point. I used half of that money to invest in a large printer/copier, which we still have today! In those early days, I didn’t pay myself a salary for the first year or so—I reinvested everything back into the firm. My fiancé was incredibly supportive during this time, making it possible for me to focus on growing the business.
As more clients came in, I was finally able to hire my first assistant and start paying myself a salary. It was tough to work every day, look at my accounts, and know that I couldn’t take a paycheck yet—but I knew I was building something bigger.
One of the key ways I made my services accessible—and ensured a steady cash flow—was by offering payment plans. Immigration cases often take years, and many people can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars upfront. By allowing clients to put down a deposit and make flexible payments, I was able to help more people while maintaining financial stability for my firm.
Lessons Learned About Funding a Business:
Start lean. I kept my expenses low and only invested in what was absolutely necessary.
Be patient with growth. I didn’t pay myself right away, but I knew that reinvesting in my firm would pay off in the long run.
Trust your early clients. The first clients who believe in you will help build your reputation and referral base.
Find ways to make services accessible. Payment plans allowed me to serve more clients while ensuring my business remained financially sustainable.
Today, my firm has grown beyond that small space above a garage, and we now have two offices, a full team, and a thriving practice. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—I built this firm from the ground up, and every challenge along the way made me a stronger entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bilbaolaw.com
- Instagram: @abogadavilerka
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/abogadavilerka
- Twitter: @abogadavilerka
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/abogadavilerka
