AALM: Can you give us an inside look at your law firm? How does it reflect your personal approach to practicing law?
NL: My law firm is built around what I call, the “trifecta” of overlapping legal challenges: criminal defense, domestic violence and family law. My firm thrives on handling the high-stakes processes either separately or all together with strength, empathy, and a no-judgment approach. I use my clients’ lives to tailor defenses unique to their stories, to ensure they are seen, heard and fiercely represented.
AALM: What sparked your passion for law and led you to champion criminal defense?
NL: My passion for law started early. Growing up, my mother, a paralegal, often brought me to the Bronx courthouse. By high school, my fascination with the law became personal from emotionally supporting incarcerated friends. I believed in them when others didn’t and learned the value of connection and advocacy, solidifying my passion for criminal defense and helping people rewrite their futures.
AALM: How has your vision for your legal career evolved since law school?
NL: I enrolled in law school, knowing from day one that criminal defense was my true calling. It wasn’t just a career choice—it was the choice. The unexpected and welcome twist was how intricate, and ever-evolving criminal defense truly is. Each year brings new challenges and deeper insights, making this career even more rewarding than I imagined as a law student.
AALM: Your early work at public defender offices laid the groundwork for your career. How did those experiences shape your approach to advocacy and justice?
NL: My time in public service was an invaluable crash course in the realities of the criminal justice system. In law school, I worked on a murder trial in Detroit, quickly learning what high-stakes advocacy meant. Later, as a Broward County assistant public defender, I handled felonies, managed heavy caseloads, and practically lived in my office and the jails. I became an advocate, counselor and problem-solver, mastering the courtroom while learning to understand and fight for people in need—those who could barely afford food or shelter, let alone legal representation.
AALM: Launching a law firm is no small feat. What inspired you to step out on your own? How did you overcome the challenges of building a practice from the ground up?
NL: In early 2022, I launched my firm because I needed the independence to build something of my own. I wanted the freedom to practice law on my terms, guided by my values and a client-first approach. People warned me about the challenges, but I trusted my instincts and took the leap. My reputation from the jails followed me, and South Florida showed up with overwhelming support. That support drives me as I continue to build a practice grounded in integrity and advocacy.
AALM: Looking back on your journey so far, what would you say to your younger self about missed opportunities or lessons learned from mistakes?
NL: One thing I’d tell my younger self? “Pull the trigger.” Early on, I listened to too much advice—what one business partner and I refer to as “noise.” Real growth happened when I tuned out this noise and trusted myself. Another lesson? “Find your tribe.” True friends in the legal community are invaluable for guidance and support. While attorneys often instinctively know the answers, having seasoned friends confirm you’re on the right path makes all the difference.
AALM: As a rising star in the legal world, what’s next on your horizon?
NL: I strive to dive deeper into federal practice and pursue capital defense cases. Federal court has its own energy—the cases, the culture, the intensity. With death penalty work, the stakes are unmatched. I’ll never forget sitting in on a mentor’s murder trial, where one of his cases from the ’80s was repeatedly cited as authority. It reminded me of the weight of this work and its lasting impact. Whether in federal court or death penalty cases, my goal is to conduct fair trials and grow an impactful law practice.
For more information, visit nlopezesq.com.
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