Maritza Gomez

Partner

Fisher Phillips

 

Law School & Year: Tulane University Law School, LLM (2004) and Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, JD (2001)

 

LinkedIn: Maritza Gomez | LinkedIn

 

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

Being a member of the Board of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group has had a tremendous impact on both my professional and personal life. When I was working In-house for Gap, Inc. in a remote environment, I often missed the connection and support that come from being part of a strong professional community. Through this group, I found not only valuable professional guidance and networking opportunities, but also genuine emotional support from women who understood the unique challenges of our roles.

 

The friendships and relationships I built through the group have been incredibly meaningful. We celebrate each other's successes, offer advice during challenges, and support one another through career transitions. That support has played an important role in my growth and confidence as a leader. The encouragement, mentorship, and sense of community I gained through this organization have been invaluable, and I am grateful to be part of a group that truly lifts one another up.

 

What is your current role, and can you describe a typical day in your position?

As a Partner at Fisher Phillips, I advise international, national, and local employers on a broad range of labor and employment matters, including compliance, employee relations, workplace investigations, litigation, and strategic counseling. I also represent clients in employment disputes, helping them navigate complex legal challenges while minimizing business disruption. A typical day may involve counseling clients, litigating employment claims, preparing for hearings, depositions, mediations, or trials, conducting workplace investigations, and collaborating with colleagues to address workplace risks and achieve business objectives.

 

What area(s) of law do you specialize in, and what drew you to this particular field?

I handle labor and employment law matters. I have always been interested in civil rights and the impact that workplace policies and practices can have on people's lives. What drew me to this field is the opportunity to help employers create compliant, respectful, and productive workplaces while minimizing legal risk. I believe many workplace issues can be prevented through proactive counseling, education, and training. I enjoy partnering with employers to provide the tools, guidance, and knowledge they need to navigate complex employment laws, avoid potential violations, and foster positive work environments. Helping clients address challenges before they become disputes is one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice.  And when disputes do arise and litigation becomes necessary, I help clients navigate the process as efficiently and strategically as possible. Drawing on my in-house experience, I understand that litigation is rarely a business objective. My goal is to help clients resolve matters in a practical, business-minded way so they can focus their time and resources on running and growing their organizations.

 

Outside of your career, what are some of your hobbies or interests?

I love learning about wines.  I obtained the Step I Wines Certification from the Spirits and Wine Education Trust Fund, London, in 2021.   I also love watching movies and good tv, including crime documentaries.  And, of course, I love going to Disney with my family and friends.

 

(June 2026 Member Spotlight)

Ana C. Velez

Senior Counsel

Verizon

 

Law School & Year: Cornell Law School, 2006

 

LinkedIn: Ana C. Velez | LinkedIn

 

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

Being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group has been a deeply enriching experience as it has provided me with a space to connect with like-minded women lawyers who navigate similar professional landscapes and share common life experiences. One of the highlights was to serve as the Event Committee Chair which provided a rewarding leadership opportunity. Beyond the opportunities for leadership and networking, the true value of this group lies in the genuine friendships that I have made and in the sense of camaraderie that the group has which is very special. We are invested in each other’s growth and consistently show up for one another both professionally and personally.

 

What is your current role, and can you describe a typical day in your position?

As Lead Counsel for Verizon’s Straight Talk, Tracfone, and Walmart Family Mobile prepaid brands, I support the delivery of wireless services to over 11 million subscribers. My role is deeply integrated with our commercial teams, where I provide strategic guidance on everything from complex advertising law and contract matters to regulatory compliance and the ethical use of AI. There is rarely a “typical” day, as my priorities shift alongside the immediate needs of the business. On any given day, I might be attending a project kick-off for a major product launch, drafting comprehensive terms and conditions for a new service or plan feature, or reviewing television and social media assets to ensure compliance with FTC and state consumer protection laws. I often spend my time meeting with cross-functional partners to navigate the legal nuances of new service features or promotions, ensuring that our marketing claims are substantiated and our customer communications are transparent. Ultimately, my goal is to balance risk mitigation with a seamless customer experience for our prepaid subscribers.

 

What area(s) of law do you specialize in, and what drew you to this particular field?

I currently specialize in advertising and privacy law which has been an exciting “reinvention” of my legal career. After starting in commercial litigation and later serving as an inhouse legal generalist, I transitioned into a business line attorney role following Verizon’s acquisition of my prior company. As part of the team that supports the Chief Revenue Officer of our prepaid brands, I was able to lean heavily into my CIPP/US privacy certification as many advertising issues involve the use and sharing of data, including customers data. While I initially “fell into” this niche, I was fortunate to have a mentor earlier in my career who had trained me in advertising law, giving me a foundation I could build upon in this new chapter. Today, I find it incredibly rewarding to work so closely with our commercial teams and to be a strategic partner to the business rather than just a legal reviewer. I’ve learned that specializing not only provides deep professional satisfaction, but also creates a portable, high-value skill set that opens doors. I never imagined this path at the start of my career, but I couldn’t be happier with where it has led.

 

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal field?

My first piece of advice is to spend time thoroughly researching the areas of the law that you are interested in and to speak with practicing attorneys before law school. It is difficult to gauge the reality of legal work from TV or from law school classrooms. While I knew I wanted to be an advocate from a young age, my time as a paralegal in a small firm still didn't fully prepare me for the realities of big-law commercial litigation as the way the smaller firm attorneys practiced was completely different from what I ended up doing. 

Second, treat your career like a business. Even as a junior attorney, always look for ways to add tangible value to your organization. Finally – and most importantly – trust your intuition. If you feel that a work environment isn't the right fit, listen to that gut feeling. You shouldn't have to cut off a toe to make the shoe fit. Have the confidence to know when it’s time to move on to a place where you can truly thrive.

 

 

(May 2026 Member Spotlight)

Edna Falla-Quintanilla  
Head of Corporate Legal
FIFA

Law School & Year: Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, 1999, post-graduate degree in Commercial Law at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia, 2001, and LL.M. degree from Harvard Law School in 2005

LinkedIn: Edna Falla-Quintanilla | LinkedIn

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

It has been a privilege to be a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group for many years, and to witness its growth and impact in our community. Personally, this group has taught me the importance of building a strong professional network. As a foreign attorney, practicing law in a new country can be daunting. When you practice in-house, this is even more critical as you may not be surrounded by many other attorneys, and it can be difficult to fit in. When I found the SFWIHCG, it felt like a breath of fresh air. I met many talented colleagues ready to offer a helping hand, share experiences and build a community. Over the years, this community has grown stronger, and it is now a solid professional network that has opened doors for me and for many others. Whether you need help with referrals, job searches, the latest on data privacy regulations, how to use AI in your work or where to find the best legal software, this group is ready to lend a hand. And to top it all off, you will make lifelong friendships along the way!

 

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal field?

One of the most rewarding parts of being in this group is the opportunity to meet younger attorneys and share some (hopefully) helpful advice. Something I always like to say is that you should not begin building a network only when you need it, because by then it will be too late. Building a professional network needs to be part of your daily life, and you can rest assured that those connections you have built over the years will be there for you when you need them.

Secondly, I urge younger lawyers to get out of their comfort zone, to raise their hands and volunteer to learn something new and expose themselves to different professional opportunities. This helps them build a stronger profile and can open doors for them in the future.

Finally, you should make it your job to learn the business of your organization. In-house attorneys are no longer confined to the four walls of the Legal Department. We need to become strategic business advisors and for that, we need to know how our organizations work, what are the top goals and challenges for the business, understand the industry and look beyond the legal world.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

At 10 years old, I already knew that I wanted to be a lawyer and I never changed my mind. I owe this to my dad, who had started Law School before I was born but had to suspend his studies to work full time to support our family. When I was in elementary school, he decided to go back to school, studying at night and working during the day. We engaged in lively debates over dinner about politics and legal issues and I loved going through his books. I was also intrigued by how most of the main characters in my history books were lawyers, from Generals to Presidents, and that relationship between law and power was fascinating to me. Over the years, my mom and teachers encouraged me to explore other career paths because I excelled in math — but who says lawyers can’t be great at math too?

Can you share a memorable or funny story from your time practicing law?

I recently went through a very drastic change of industries. After 14 years in the transportation and logistics sector with FedEx, I decided to join the sports and entertainment arena with FIFA. Doing this when I have over 20 years of experience practicing law has been humbling! I have always loved football and thought I knew a lot about the game, but I quickly found that I was entering a whole new world. When I met my new team, I wanted to share the things I had learned during orientation, like how a football field was called a “pitch” (who knew, right?) and they kindly just nodded. After a few days working together, I realized that everyone in my team was a football expert and they just did not want to make me feel bad! I have made the best out of acknowledging that there are many things I don’t know. Learning keeps you young!

 

(April 2026 Member Spotlight)

Cindy Jacobs
Attorney
Salesforce

Law School & Year: University of Miami, School of Law, J.D. 1994

LinkedIn: Cindy Jacobs | LinkedIn

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

As a founding member of this Group with Sira, I am honored to be part of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel. For me it is always important to “give back” as I have been so lucky in my several decade legal career to receive coaching and mentoring from several lawyers along the way. So, the impact for me is to “stop and be grateful” for all that I have learned and accomplished being an in-house attorney, and to meet and mentor the younger attorneys coming behind me. I love the camaraderie and collegiality of this group. We do a combo of fun and learning activities but all within a great group of women.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

My inspiration for pursuing a legal career actually came from my career in banking as a corporate loan officer for several years. After earning a Liberal Arts degree from Vanderbilt and spending several years living in Madrid, I pursued an MBA at the University of Miami to deepen my involvement in the business world. Following graduation, I joined Bank of America’s corporate lending program and advanced to an AVP/Commercial Lending Officer role.

In that capacity, I worked closely with outside counsel to structure and document complex lending transactions for corporate clients. Through that collaboration, I discovered a strong interest in the legal side of deal-making—particularly in crafting and negotiating the agreements that bring transactions to life. Encouraged by one of the attorneys I worked with, I made the decision to attend law school at the University of Miami.

From the outset, my motivation for entering the legal profession was grounded in transactions, rather than litigation. More than three decades after graduating from law school, I continue to find deep satisfaction in practicing law—on my own terms within a corporation and in the way that best aligns with my strengths and interests.


How do you align legal strategies with the overall business goals in your company?
In order to align legal strategies to the overall business goals of the company, your first step is to learn as much as you can about the company, its people, its products and services, its history, and its risk tolerance. I would recommend that when you start a new role it is a good idea to meet with persons from the various business areas to obtain background information about the company and its business and goals. Once you have spent a lot of time doing “due diligence” on the company and its people, you can then consider the legal strategies that you would consider important, and you will be more prepared to give solid guidance. To me, the most important skill you can work on is getting invited to the meetings all over the company, building trust with the business so that they come to get your advice and input early on and then make sure to publicize your “wins” when you are able to successfully support the business. End goal is to be invited to the meetings where your advice is sought after and not having to be brought in as an “after thought”. You always want to be top of mind to the business leaders. So, a coffee every few months with the leaders is important. It doesn’t have to be so formal, it could be grabbing a lunch or just a check in session of some kind.

(March 2026 Member Spotlight)

Lauren Brunswick
General Counsel
Celdara Medical, LLC

Law School & Year: University of Pennsylvania School of Law 2004

LinkedIn: Lauren Brunswick | LinkedIn

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

Because I work remotely, building and sustaining a sense of professional community has been especially important to me. Through the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group, I’ve been fortunate to connect with incredible women who have made a meaningful impact on both my professional and personal life. The organization’s diverse programming, including learning opportunities and networking, has allowed me to be creative, step into leadership roles, and grow in ways that have been truly beneficial. 

 

How do you see the role of women in the legal profession evolving in the coming years?

I see women continuing to take on greater leadership and influence across the legal profession, particularly in roles that shape strategy and culture. Women bring a unique voice and skill set, and that perspective is a key reason we will continue to move into senior leadership positions. As more women advance, there is an opportunity to redefine leadership in ways that value collaboration, authenticity, and long-term thinking. Mentorship and sponsorship have shaped my own path, and by continuing to support one another, we can strengthen the profession and help open doors for the next generation.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal field?
Be yourself, work hard, and trust that your voice belongs in the room. Early in my career, I tried to emulate others and what I thought a successful lawyer was supposed to look or sound like, but I found I was far more effective and fulfilled once I leaned into my own strengths and style. Authenticity builds confidence and credibility, and consistent effort over time really does add up. I would also encourage young women to seek out mentors and sponsors who support their growth and to invest in community, especially in a profession that can sometimes feel isolating.

What are some daily habits you’ve incorporated to stay focused, grounded, motivated, and manage stress?

Daily movement is one of the most important ways I stay grounded, focused, and energized. Whether it’s running, taking an exercise class, or getting outside for a quick walk, it helps me manage stress and maintain perspective. I often work out with friends, which adds a fun, social element and keeps me connected. Making time for my daughters also keeps me centered and reminds me why balance and community matter so much, both at work and at home.

(February 2026 Member Spotlight)

Amirah Mohammed 
Associate General Counsel
Banesco USA

Law School & Year: FIU 2019

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirah-mohammad-29a56461/

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?
It has allowed me to meet and be inspired by many amazing and accomplished women in the legal field. It has also given me an opportunity to attend and learn from countless informative and engaging events. Additionally, several months ago I met the General Counsel of Banesco USA at a SFWIHCG event, and I now report to her. SFWIHCG events are an excellent way to meet people and build relationships within the industry, and you never know who you may end up working with.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal field?
Never allow discomfort to deter you. Discomfort is a sign of growth. Many of us have been conditioned to stay small. But the magic happens in owning up to who you are and not being afraid of taking up space.

Outside of your career, what are some of your hobbies or interests? 
I love spending time outdoors, anything nature related, and all animals (especially cats!). I love traveling and I enjoy staying active and working out, reading, and reflecting on the world around us.

What book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading both 40 Rules of Love by Elif Shafak and the Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga.

(January 2026 Member Spotlight)

Delia C. Reyes
VP, Associate Counsel, Compliance & Ethics
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Law School & Year: Universidad Catolica Andres Bello (JD, 2001); University of Miami (LL.M, 2003)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliacreyes/

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?
This group is an amazing group including some of the most inspiring women I have met in my career and my life. Being part of this group has significantly expanded my professional network, allowing me to forge truly meaningful relationships. These connections have blossomed beyond the professional realm, evolving into cherished friendships that enrich my personal life as well. Our group offers a safe haven where we can freely share our experiences, opinions, and ideas. It’s a nurturing environment that fosters the development of our leadership skills, not just as professionals, but as women, mothers, and attorneys. The support we provide each other is invaluable. We discuss relevant legal topics and openly share personal experiences from both our professional and home lives, which shape us into the leaders and professionals we are today. And let's not forget, we know how to have fun while doing all of this!

 

What is your current role, and can you describe a typical day in your position?
After spending several years working in contract review for some of the biggest corporations in SFL, I made a significant change in 2020 by entering the compliance world for the largest wine and spirits distributor in the US. In my current role, I am responsible for providing legal support in connection with alcohol beverage trade practice compliance and regulatory matters. This support enables our sales and other business teams to execute the company's business strategy and achieve our goals while ensuring compliance with both federal and state regulations. Given the highly regulated nature of the alcohol beverage industry at both the federal and state levels, I dedicate a substantial portion of my time to this area of compliance.

My responsibilities include developing and providing trade practice compliance training for all personnel in our selling divisions, drafting and creating policies, procedures, and guidelines, and offering ad hoc advice related to alcohol beverage trade practices within 15 states in the US. Additionally, I spend about 40% of my time reviewing and approving supplier and/or our participation in event sponsorships in those 15 states.

In the past year, our team has broadened its scope, and we are now working on developing a more comprehensive ethics and compliance program to address additional risk areas for the company.

How do you align legal strategies with the overall business goals in your company?
I firmly believe that for us to succeed, we must act as true business partners. While our primary role is to protect the company, it's crucial that we understand how to assess and balance risk with the company's needs and goals. I strive not to be seen as the department of NO. Instead, my approach is to always look for creative solutions that allow the business to achieve its objectives while remaining compliant with the rules and laws or assuming minimal risk. It's a delicate balance, but I am committed to finding ways to support our business endeavors in a compliant and innovative manner.

What book or magazine do you have on your nightstand right now? What book are you currently reading?
Confidence Creator by Heather Monhan
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

(December 2025 Member Spotlight)

Lucretia Pitts Barrett

In Transition, former General Counsel of Operations

Law School & Year: University of Miami School of Law, JD 2000

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lpittsbarrett

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

SFWICHG has given me the chance to collaborate and connect with local in-house women, which has positively impacted my career. The organization is designed to foster personal connections and mutual support among its members. The events are well-planned, offering valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and building strong relationships. I truly believe this group will continue to grow and strengthen its presence in the Florida legal community.

What area(s) of law do you specialize in, and what drew you to this particular field?
I practice in insurance, litigation, legal operations and technology, and artificial intelligence. My career choice reflects a deliberate blend of law, strategic legal thinking, and innovation. With 21 years’ experience in insurance defense and litigation, I bring a broad background in fidelity, financial institution crime policies, surety, homeowners insurance, personal and commercial liability, errors and omissions, and directors and officers coverage. My commitment to legal operations and technology began with contributions to the early Florida EPortal Filing System and continued with enhancements to filing systems and workflow automation throughout my roles. In recent years, I have enjoyed advancing workflow automation through artificial intelligence and expanding my practice to include emerging AI laws and the development of internal governance policies.

What are some daily habits you’ve incorporated to stay focused, grounded, motivated and manage stress?

My daily habit to stay focused, grounded, motivated, and manage stress is my morning prayer where I thank God for the life that he has given me and pray that each day others can see His light in me. These prayers keep me focused on the real importance in life - family and community.

My second habit is an early morning review of my calendar and my To Dos for today and tomorrow. This knowledge provides me a smooth directive for each day. I closely follow my schedule, rescheduling tasks when critically necessary only.

What is your top 3 personal achievements that you are proud of?

1.    Continuing my family's baking tradition, I learned to make my maternal grandmother's German chocolate cake to perfection, earning special praise from my uncle.

2.    I went to law school to become an appellate attorney to argue the law for multiple judges at once. I had the privilege of arguing a case of first impression twice before the District Court and once before the Florida Supreme Court, resulting in a new interpretation of the resisting arrest with violence statute that protected undercover police officers.

Growing up on Chicago’s southside, I’m proud to have experienced different countries, cultures, and people during my travels. I’ve been blessed to study in the U.S., Japan, and Wales and visit England, France, the Netherlands, Central America, Canada, and many states in the U.S., including Alaska.

(October 2025 Member Spotlight)

Eve Perez-Torres

Senior Counsel

FedEx Corporation

 

Law School & Year: Florida International University College of Law JD 2019, Universidad de Cartagena LL.B. 2004

 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/evepereztorres

 

What impact has being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?

Being a member of the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group has been both a professionally enriching and a personally empowering experience. It’s more than just a network of women lawyers. It is a community of women from different backgrounds and experiences that makes us all unique and similar at the same time. We share and understand the unique challenges and joy of being not only in-house counsel, but women as well. The sense of solidarity within the group is monumental. It is very powerful and inspiring being surrounded by accomplished women that also advocate for each other’s growth. In this group we are growing together.

 

 

How do you align legal strategies with the overall business goals in your company?

Transforming the perception of the legal department—from the so-called “Department of No” to a trusted strategic partner—requires a shift in mindset. It begins with a deep understanding of the company’s objectives at a granular level and a commitment to ensuring that legal guidance supports those goals ethically and effectively. My approach is straightforward and business-focused:

• Business Alignment: I prioritize collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure that legal strategies are fully aligned with the company’s broader objectives. Legal should be seen as an enabler, not a barrier.
• Adaptability & Risk-Calibrated Decision Making: I apply a flexible, pragmatic lens to legal issues, helping the business navigate risk intelligently without compromising compliance or integrity.
• Forward-Thinking Counsel: I stay ahead of regulatory developments and legal trends—both in the market and from a judicial perspective—to proactively position the company for success.
• Clear Communication: I translate complex legal concepts into practical, “short and sweet” business-friendly language, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

 

Can you share a memorable or funny story from your time practicing law?

During Covid, when we were using masks in the office, a woman came to me asking me in English if a was “Yerlen” the paralegal. I couldn’t hear her well, but I answered: “No, I’m not German, I’m Colombian”. After that exchange, I could see her confusion in her eyes; then, it was like a flash in my brain when I realized that she asked me something different; so, I yelled at her laughing: "Nooo, I’m Eve!" LOL

 

If you could have dinner with any historical figure (whether alive or dead), who would it be and why/what would you want to ask them/speak to them about?

I would love to sit with God like the bible says that Abraham did. I would ask him so many things about his nature, his hobbies (he should have some), his character, and about the future 😊.  And if I could travel to the past, I would like to go back to Central America during the time of the Aztecs and Mayans. I would like to ask them how they developed the knowledge they had about the time, space, and astronomy.

(September 2025 Member Spotlight)