When I look back on my legal career, one of the things I’m most proud of is helping build a law firm that not only delivers top-tier legal services but also reflects the community it serves. At SMGQ Law, we are a certified minority-owned firm. That title is not just a box we check. It’s a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and why we do the work we do. It’s also a commitment—a promise to our clients, our colleagues, and our community.

The legal profession, for all its progress, still has a long way to go when it comes to diversity. The numbers don’t lie. Minority lawyers remain underrepresented at the partner level and in leadership roles across the country. And when it comes to ownership—when it comes to controlling not just your career but your firm’s culture, priorities, and future—the gap is even wider.

That’s why minority-owned law firms matter. We aren’t just building practices. We’re building access, opportunity, and representation in spaces where those things haven’t always existed.

Representation Changes the Game

Growing up as a Cuban immigrant, I didn’t see many lawyers who looked like me. I didn’t have role models in the legal world who shared my background, my language, or my story. That didn’t discourage me—it motivated me. But I’ve never forgotten how isolating that can feel.

Today, when clients—especially minority-owned businesses or individuals from underrepresented communities—walk into our firm, they feel seen. They feel understood. That connection matters. It builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong attorney-client relationship.

Representation doesn’t just impact clients. It also shapes the next generation of lawyers. When law students and young professionals see minority attorneys in leadership positions—when they see us owning firms, advising boards, closing deals—it broadens their sense of what’s possible. It sends a clear message: You belong here. And you can lead here.

Understanding Clients Beyond the Paperwork

Being a minority-owned firm doesn’t just affect who we are. It also influences how we practice. At SMGQ Law, we bring cultural fluency, bilingual communication, and lived experience to the table. That allows us to connect with clients in ways that go beyond the transactional.

Legal issues are rarely just legal. They’re often emotional, personal, and deeply tied to a client’s values and goals. Whether we’re handling a complex merger, a real estate deal, or a tax matter, we know that understanding our clients means understanding their story. We meet people where they are. That’s something I take great pride in.

Many of our clients are first-generation business owners. Some are navigating regulatory systems for the first time. Others are seasoned professionals who want counsel they don’t have to explain themselves to. We understand the barriers they face—because many of us have faced them ourselves.

Challenging the Status Quo in the Legal Industry

For far too long, the legal profession has operated within a narrow framework of what “success” looks like. Large national firms, often dominated by a homogenous leadership structure, have been seen as the pinnacle. But success isn’t one-size-fits-all. And the value of a law firm shouldn’t be measured solely by its size or prestige.

Minority-owned firms like ours bring something vital to the legal ecosystem: a different lens. We innovate out of necessity. We build diverse teams because we’ve lived the benefits firsthand. We create work environments that support inclusion not as a slogan, but as a standard.

More and more clients—especially corporations and institutions—are recognizing that. They’re seeking out firms that reflect the diversity of their own teams and customers. They understand that a broader range of voices leads to better ideas, more creative solutions, and more effective advocacy.

Leadership as a Responsibility

Being a minority-owned firm also means understanding that leadership comes with responsibility. We’re not just here to run a business. We’re here to open doors. That means mentoring law students, supporting pipeline programs, and advocating for greater equity in the profession.

It also means giving back to the community. I’ve always believed that the law is a tool for empowerment. That’s why I’ve dedicated so much of my time to civic and nonprofit service, from chairing committees to leading organizations like the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. That service is not separate from my legal work—it’s an extension of it.

We’re not just representing clients. We’re representing possibilities.

The Road Ahead

There’s still work to do. Diversity in law can’t be solved by a few firms flying the minority-owned flag. It takes systemic change, investment in talent development, and a true cultural shift in how the industry values inclusion. But we’re making progress. And minority-owned firms are a big part of that momentum.

I’m proud of what we’ve built at SMGQ Law. I’m proud of our team, our values, and our vision. But I’m even more proud of the message our presence sends: that excellence and diversity are not separate goals—they go hand in hand. That ownership matters. And that breaking barriers is not just possible—it’s necessary.

For me, this is more than a career. It’s a mission. And we’re just getting started.