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Patricia Hernandez

Practice Areas

  • Immigration and Nationality Law

Biography

I was born in Colombia and immigrated with my family to the United States at an early age. Experiencing first-hand the struggles faced by immigrants in coming to the U.S. shaped my life and instilled in me humility and the importance of hard work. At an early age I knew that my life calling would be to speak out against injustice, fight for equality, and help immigrants achieve the American Dream.

I obtained my Bachelors in Psychology from Florida International University. I later went on to obtain my Juris Doctor Degree and a Certificate in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University School of Law where I graduated with honors. Throughout my career, I have represented countless clients nationwide in deportation/removal proceedings. I have also represented clients seeking asylum, withholding of removal, cancellation of removal, applications for residency, applications for citizenship and family-based petitions including countless same-sex marriage and fiancé petitions.

I have spoken extensively on the importance of Collaborating with Criminal Counsel in Immigration Removal Defense Cases, Immigration as it relates to Same-Sex Marriage, on How Transgender Identity Influences an Individual’s Immigration Experience, and have conducted several “know your rights” presentations.

Through my work, memberships, and community involvement I will continue to fight for equality and justice. I envision a future where every individual can enjoy a life free from persecution, discrimination and biases no matter their sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, nationality or ethnic background. As an outspoken advocate I will continue to share my personal experiences and educate the community to break down walls that divide.

In 2018, I was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and was presented with the Visionary Award. Most recently I was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and was presented with the Community Champion Award and I was also recognized by SAVE who presented me with the People’s Luminary Award.

Education

  • St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami Gardens, Florida
    • J.D. - 2011
    • Honors: cum laude
    • Honors: Certificate in Intercultural Human Rights
    • Honors: Dean’s List
    • Honors: Book Award in U.S. Supreme Court Advocacy
  • Florida International University
    • B.A. - 2003
    • Honors: cum laude
    • Honors: Psychology Honor Society

Bar Admissions

  • Florida, 2011

Professional Associations

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
  • Vice-chair of the LGBTQ committee of the AILA South Florida Chapter
  • Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE) committee of the AILA South Florida Chapter
  • Co-Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association (GALLA)
  • Board Member of the Aqua Foundation for Women

Honors

  • Avvo Client’s Choice Award 2015
  • Top Rating on Avvo, highest rating awarded by publication
  • Human Rights Community Honoree Award Recipient 2017
  • Miami-Dade County Bar Association and was presented with the Visionary Award, 2018
  • Recognized by the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and was presented with the Community Champion Award
  • Recognized by SAVE who presented me with the People’s Luminary Award

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish