Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney?
LH: I was a certified paralegal working in the area of family law for several years and I truly loved what I did for work every day. I always thought about pursuing a career as an attorney, however, I knew that law school and the bar exam are a very grueling, difficult, and time-consuming process so I remained working as a paralegal for years. However, I knew I wanted to pursue a career as an attorney when I had my son. Becoming a mom motivated me to be the best version of myself that I could possibly be. Luckily, I already had some of the pre-requisites for law school acceptance such as a bachelor’s degree and a decent GPA and LSAT score, so I applied, and I was accepted. My son was only one year old when I started law school, so it was definitely a challenge, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  

Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in?
LH: My practice focuses primarily on family law. It’s important to me to concentrate on one particular area, in my case family law, and be the best at it, rather than practice multiple areas of law and never truly gain expertise on any of them. I handle child custody (timesharing) matters, divorce, child support, paternity, name changes, adoption, and many other legal issues within the umbrella of family law.  

Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?
LH: I always try to get my clients the best possible outcome. Of course, as a family law attorney, when it’s a case with children my focus is always the best interest of the child, but I put a lot of effort in mending broken bonds within families and doing everything I can to reach a fair and favorable outcome for my client. So, to me, winning a case means that I have obtained an outcome for my client that will bring them peace of mind and a sense that they have received the best possible legal representation. 

Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm? 
LH: Empathy. I do not treat my clients as a number, I treat them as human beings who are going through difficult times and have trusted me to help them through it. I will never take that for granted. 

Q: What was the most challenging part of law school for you?
LH: It was definitely missing out on many experiences with my son who was only one year old at the time. I was a brand-new mom back then, looking forward to all the new experiences of motherhood while also trying to juggle a million things at once with law school, exams, internships, trial team, assignments, parenthood, housework, long commutes, etc. I constantly questioned whether I was doing the right thing and worried about whether I was being good or bad mother. The emotional struggle and feelings of guilt were by far more challenging than anything I experienced in law school. However, in the end, I made sure he knew I did it all for him (and of course, now for my daughter as well)!

Q: What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney?
LH: I would advise them to never stop learning. The more you know, the more you will grow. Studying and learning should not end after law school. I am constantly learning new ways to help my clients, always studying the ever-evolving laws, and acquiring new skills that will help me be a better advocate for them. The more expertise you can gain in your field the more you can help your clients. 

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
LH: Do not be intimidated. Women go through the same process men do to become attorneys, and some of us do it while having babies, raising children, and upholding a household. That says a lot about our perseverance. There is nothing we cannot do if we are dedicated and committed. Women can have families and successful careers. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. 

Q: What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today? 
LH: The fear of the unknown. I am a person who needs structure and organization. I always have a plan B and C in everything that I do, including my legal cases. I never just “wing it” in anything. However, at times you must take leaps of faith and by doing so I overcame the fear of the unknown and learned that taking calculated risks, trusting yourself, and ignoring negativity are necessary to achieve success. 

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
LH: I believe a challenge women face is living up to society’s unrealistic expectations. We have come a long way, but we are still often put in a box. For example, for women with families, some are expected to work as if they don’t have children yet raise their children as if they don’t work. Many women feel as if it would be too much a challenge to also pursue a career and add yet another responsibility to their list. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many women have to choose between starting or expanding their families and advancing their careers due to time constraints, issues with maternity leave, and lack of flexibility. Of course, I’m sure there are men who face similar challenges. 

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
LH: It’s hard, so at times you have to force a work/life balance. I am always working, but I always try take time to enjoy life as well. Remember, don’t be so caught up making a living that you forget to live your life. 

Seven Things About Attorney Lace Hernandez

1. What's your favorite family tradition? 
Every year, my family and I go to the mountains in Tennessee and making wonderful memories. I look forward to our yearly trips because it’s something I truly cherish. 

2. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? 
Warren Buffet 

3. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Spend time with my family.

4. What was the last book you really got into? 
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

5. What’s your favorite international food? 
Indian Food

6. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
“Grow through what you go through”

7. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 
Night owl. I’m known to file pleadings in cases at 1:00 a.m. (sorry!)