Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney?
MC: I was 13. 

Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in?
MC: Family & Matrimonial Law as well as Business Law, helping small and medium sized businesses with their legal needs.

Q: What types of cases do you handle?
MC: Family: Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Father’s Rights, Paternity, Relocations and drafting Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements, as well as Family Law Appeals. I also serve as a Guardian Ad Litem for children when appointed by a Court.

Business Law: I help small and medium sized businesses by helping them set up their business entities, drafting their Operational Agreements, Contracts such as employment, confidentiality, non-disclosures, and service agreements. Additionally, I draft buy/sell agreements and buy-out agreements. Essentially, I can draft most types of contracts that a business needs.

Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most?
MC: It’s multifaceted. I love research & writing and could do it all day. But the personal connections I make with my clients is incredible because I know that in doing what I love, I’m making a difference in their lives. 

Q: Why did you decide to attend law school?
MC: My parents were working class and accessibility to lawyers was difficult. I still remember when as a young teen I sat with them and their lawyer interpreting from English to Spanish so they could better understand what was happening. The feeling of helping them with something so important was exhilarating. That’s when I knew that one day I’d be a lawyer and that I would make myself accessible to people like my parents.

Q: Can you share with our audience the type of pro-bono work you do?
MC: I take pro-bono cases to serve as Guardian Ad Litem. I usually also have at least one divorce/custody case on a pro-bono basis as well. 

Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm? 
MC: Compassionate

Q: What was the most challenging part of law school for you?
MC: I attended law school at night while also working full time. The most difficult thing for me was finding enough time to work, study, and care for myself. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney?
MC: Pursue your passion—if that’s law, then follow it. When you do what you love, you excel at it. 

Q: What expectations did you have after graduating and receiving your law degree?
MC: Having worked as a paralegal for several years prior to starting law school, I had an idea of what was ahead of me—hard work and dedication to create and grow my law practice.

Q: What are the best practices you have employed to build a successful career? 
MC: Work-life balance. I’ve learned that burn-out is real. If I don’t care for myself and put my health and well-being at the top of my priority list, nothing else matters because none of it is possible if I’m not healthy in mind and body. 

Q: What has been the most interesting legal issue you’ve dealt with in your legal career?
MC: There have been several – but one that I enjoy the most (from a legal standpoint) and see regularly is the intersection of business and divorce (when marital businesses become a party to a divorce case). 

Q: What is it about your job that most excites you?
MC: The types of cases may be the same, but the legal issues within the cases vary and each case creates nuances, which keeps it interesting. 

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
MC: Always have confidence in yourself and in your ability. You know you’re capable, intelligent, and strong – don’t let anyone make you feel inferior with their words or actions because those are their fears, not yours.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments in your career?
MC: My first divorce trial my client was able to obtain 50/50 time-sharing (visitation) with his children, who up until that moment were being kept from him by the mother. He cried as the Judge announced her verdict and when we were leaving, he hugged me. Years later, he still sends me pictures of him and his children and always thanks me for giving him the gift of time with his kids.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
MC: My mother. She came from humble beginnings in a small town in Argentina and moved to the United States to start over—to give my sister (her only daughter at the time) the opportunity for a better life. After marrying my father, she worked hard six days a week and taught me the value in hard work and not taking anything for granted. Watching her (and my father) sacrifice so much for her children to have a better life instilled those same values in me. Every day I strive to be like the incredible woman my mother is. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
MC: Be confident in yourself and in your abilities and never underestimate your capabilities—you’re capable of anything you set your mind to. 

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you? 
MC: I had become fluent in Italian and after finishing my undergraduate degree, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Italian with the idea to become a Professor of Italian. However, my passion for the law always nagged at me, which is why I ultimately followed my dream to study law.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
MC: I work out regularly (4-5 times per week) and write my workout time on my schedule. If it’s on my calendar, I’m committed. I also like to schedule a massage once a month to help keep myself relaxed. My husband and I ride the motorcycle regularly as well. Being on the back of the Harley helps me clear my head. Finally, I have a three-year old rescue dog named Dalia. She gets a long walk every evening and that walk is usually how I end my workday. 

Q: What would be the title of your autobiography?
MC: Where the Ocean & Sun Cross

Six Things About Attorney Marisol Cruz

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Read

2. What was the last book you really got into? 
The Song Book of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon

3. Who is your favorite author? 
Tarryn Fisher

4. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
Mute & Live

5. Are you a morning person or a night owl? 
Night Owl

6. Favorite City? 
Rome, Italy