Martiza is the Managing Attorney of our Medical-Legal Partnership. She has worked for Lone Star Legal Aid in Houston for 7 years.
“To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.” The Alchemist
Q: You recently transitioned into a Managing Attorney after seven years in the Bryan Branch Office. What has this career journey meant to you?
A: My Bryan Branch Office experience allowed me to learn different areas of law and to become more confident in my preferred areas of law. I hope to become a great managing attorney and continue to help as many clients as possible. Overall, this career journey has reminded me that there is always room to grow and challenge yourself.
Q: What makes working in the Medical Legal Partnership meaningful to you?
A: Working in Medical Legal Partnership is meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to connect directly with the community and help identify legal issues that clients may not even realize they have. By providing legal guidance and resources, we can help address barriers that may impact their health, improve their overall well-being, and even prevent future challenges. It’s especially rewarding to know that our work can reduce stress for clients and their families while helping them move toward a more stable future.
Q: What is one lesson you’ve learned throughout your career at LSLA that has helped you become a stronger advocate?
A: One lesson I’ve learned throughout my career at LSLA is the importance of continuously learning from those around me. Learn as much as possible from judges’ rulings from the bench. Ask as many questions as possible of other LSLA attorneys.
Q: What is one thing you learned while working in the Bryan Branch Office that you carry with you today?
A: Explaining the legal process (even briefly) is beneficial to the client. The more an applicant/client knows about the filing process, elements of the law, or even a judge’s preference, the more it can help an applicant/client feel empowered.
Q: What motivates you to come to work each day?
A: The client’s reaction when they win a case and the moment a client understands that they can avoid a possible outcome that they feared.