With 14 years of experience representing the community in various legal cases at the Romi Gonzalez Law Firm, attorney Gloria Lastra is a distinguished voice. Born in Spain to Puerto Rican parents, her bicultural heritage drives her dedication. Below, learn more about attorney Lastra’s trajectory and commitment.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love being able to give a voice to people who thought they didn’t have one and being able to fight so that my clients can recognize their legal rights.
Tell us about something you are proud of.
My parents are from Puerto Rico, and they always taught me to be proud of my heritage. Although I grew up in the United States, my parents always spoke to me in Spanish and made sure I was bilingual and understood my roots. I would say my greatest achievement is that I was able to use what my parents taught me—including my knowledge of the Spanish language—as a reason to educate myself in the legal profession and become a voice for the Hispanic community.
What advice do you give to young people who want to enter this field?
My position as an attorney has taught me that I can make a difference in the lives of many people, especially in the Hispanic community. Unfortunately, Hispanics are subject to discriminatory practices and labor abuses. I’m glad I can be part of fighting for their rights.
I would recommend young people join a field where they can be part of changes in our society.
What changes would you like to create or see in our community to improve it?
I would love to see more community events where Hispanic people from different regions could share their culture, such as their food and customs. This can make more people in the community appreciate differences and even change any negativity or predisposition that some people may have towards other cultures or ethnicities.
