Xiomara L. Cruz
Law Office of X.L. Cruz
9900 W. Sample Rd.
Suite 300
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Map
Phone: (954) 755-6647 | Fax: (954) 755-4255
http://www.xlcruz.com
Legal action when you need it - More than just forms.
Legal Topic
Immigration
Preferred New Clients
• Personal Injury
• Immigration
• Real Estate/Foreclosure Defense
• Other
Sub-Topics
Citizenship or Naturalization
Customs
Employer Petitions
Employer Work Visas
Family Petitions
Passports
Permanent Resident (Green Card)
Political Asylum & Refugees
Removal or Deportation
Undocumented Workers
Visas
Legal Topic
Personal Injury
Preferred New Clients
• Personal Injury
• Immigration
• Real Estate/Foreclosure Defense
• Other
Sub-Topics
Accidents & Personal Injury
- Construction Site Injuries
- Petrochemical Accidents
- Slip & Fall
- Sports Injuries
Car Accident
- Auto Accident
- Whiplash
Dangerous Property
Financial Injuries
- Frauds, Scams, Hoaxes
- Identity Theft
- Pyramid Schemes
Intentional Injuries
- Assault & Battery
- Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
- Police Misconduct
Mass Accidents
- Airplanes
- Buildings
- Mass Transit - Bus, Train, Subway
- Ships & Boats
Motorcycle Accident
Personal Injury Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Product Liability
- Design Defects
- Manufacturing Defects
Serious/Catastrophic Injuries
- Amputation
- Birth Injury
- Burn Injury
- Head/Brain Injury
- Paralysis
Toxic Tort
- Dangerous Drugs & Products
- Hazardous Waste
- Mesothelioma
- Pesticides
- Toxic Mold
Truck Accident
Wrongful Death
Bar Admissions
FL, May 2004
Bar Number: 723290
Other Court Admissions
Florida Bar
New Jersey Bar
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Association Memberships
Florida Bar
New Jersey Bar
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on litigation, real property law, immigration, and updates on changes affecting personal injury claims.
Example Cases
Within five months of retaining client, I obtained an adjustment of status under 245(i) for a case that had been stalled by INS for seven years. I have personally been involved in multiple litigation cases involving potential fraud against insurance companies. I have a strong philosophy of only representing meritorious claims.
Education
Benjamin Cardozo School Of Law, Yeshiva University
Juris Doctorate
New York
NY
2002
Dean Scholarship Recipient.
Litigation and Moot Court with a focus on business, intellectual property, and international law issues.
Rutgers University
Bachelor of Arts
New Brunswick
NJ
1997
• RU Minority Scholar
• Garden States Scholar
• National Honor Society
Political Science and Latin American Studies with Certification in International Trade and Business.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Florida and New Jersey, currently active in Florida.
Firm Focus and History
I started as a solo practitioner in 2004, focusing on assisting clients in immigration and real estate matters such as tenant-landlord disputes, sales contract negotiations, and representing buyers. After taking a family leave, I recently re-established my practice at the current location.
The focus of our firm is to aggressively and comprehensively represent our clients. Our goal is to provide the highest quality legal assistance at affordable prices. Common sense and straight talk reflect our drive for honesty and integrity.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to entering law school, I worked in the casualty claims department of Chubb & Son. After law school, I worked for various firms. Representing medical providers in insurance claims litigation, defending and representing both individuals and insurance companies in claims involving: auto insurance, health insurance, uninsured and underinsured issues. I have also represented clients in real estate litigation including evictions and foreclosure defenses. Family petitions; The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and adjustment of status issues with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and most recently, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Activities and Awards
Pro Bono work for Legal Aid.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I prefer that clients read and educate themselves on an issue because it is then easier to communicate. However, since ignorance or misunderstanding of the law holds no basis for defense in legal matters, it is best to ask the advice of an attorney before taking a legal step in a gray area. As Benjamin Franklin wrote, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am very willing to review documents prepared by clients as they are a good starting point and can serve as a reference for details as to what the client wants. However, most non-attorneys are unaware of the specific language and wording that would be needed to protect specific interests or to give certain promises a basis for enforcement.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Because of the responsibilities that I am governed by as a member of the Bar and under the rules of ethics, I do not coach clients who want to represent themselves. Coaching muddles the ethical boundaries and moral obligations of "representation" that I have as an attorney and which I take seriously. This being said, reviewing an already prepared contract or will is perfectly within my acceptable boundaries. On the other hand, I would not coach a client on what argument to present in court, mediation, arbitration, or negotiation. These types of situations are dynamic; unforeseeable questions and issues are inevitable and cannot all be pre-planned. Even if the unforeseeable could be seen, most non-attorneys do not have the formal training to interpret and state legal arguments in specific ways. No matter how much coaching they receive.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I noticed very early, as a teenager while helping my parents who were small business owners, that unless you know the law, you cannot adequately protect yourself with the law. You are at the mercy of those who do know or those who unscrupulously try to take advantage of the law for their gain.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Both my parents have always been small business owners. I have watched and then worked -side-by-side with them in dealing with accounting, insurance issues, clients, suppliers, employees, etc... That hands-on knowledge of what it means to own and run a business has helped me be a better lawyer. I consider my Hispanic heritage a benefit which enabled me to appreciate, share, and learn from the multiple cultures I experienced. I grew up in the midst of friends who were Indian, Vietnamese, German, and more. This has given me a broad view of others that helps me, as an attorney, identify with clients from all backgrounds.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I practice personal injury because I have experience in the insurance industry that began prior to my becoming a lawyer. My experience has grown significantly since then. I am confident that I can truly help my clients who have sustained injuries due to the negligence of others.
I practice immigration law more for personal reasons. My heritage and my belief that this nation is one created by immigrants from many different countries around the world that have come to seek a better life; and in doing so, have made this country the best in the world.
I practice in the area of real estate and property because I enjoyed studying property law in law school and appreciate the historical development of this area of law. Aside from my personal interests, real estate law is an extremely practical area of practice because our lives continuously take us from one physical place to another be it for leisure, business, entertainment, or otherwise. I can further help my clients by being able to address their real estate needs.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy the ability to affect positive change and to attain results that can help people in problematic situations. I have a deep appreciation for the rule of law in this country which sets it apart from many other countries in the world. Although our system isn't perfect, we can rely on our system much more than people can rely on their laws elsewhere throughout the world.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner who has some staff. My staff is extremely professional and dependable and they often go out of their way to meet the needs of my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
During the course of my representation, I make it a point to look at and consider my case as if I were the opposing party. Aside from this, I will only accept cases I think have merit. Whenever possible, I offer clients recommendations and ideas on things they can do themselves. This saves them money and in some cases can avoid the need for further legal action.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy being outdoors and having an active lifestyle. I am an avid reader. I also enjoy art exhibits and I am particularly fond of live concerts of classical or tropical music.
Office Manager/Assistant
David.
Fax
(954) 755-4255
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Consultations by appointment. Emergency after hours for Personal Injury cases only.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I am a native Spanish speaker.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Because we handle different areas of law, rates and fixed-price services are set based on: the type of work, complexity, and the area of law. Personal Injury cases are typically handled on a contingency basis so that a client will not pay unless there is a recovery. For other types of cases, fees are billed on an hourly basis. A discounted rate is available for clients that come to us through Nolo.
We accept Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Discover, or PayPal.
Hourly Rates
Are dependent on the area of law. A discounted rate is available for clients that come to us through Nolo.
Free Initial Consultation?
We have a free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Because we practice in more than one area of law we do not have one typical retainer.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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