Gabriela Cruz
Associate Attorney
A lawyer who supports each person with dignity, empathy, and tireless advocacy.
Gabriela Cruz is an associate attorney at James Immigration Law. Her practice is defined by client-centered representation, a trauma-informed approach, and a deep commitment to serving vulnerable immigrant communities.
Her passion for immigration law began during her second year of law school when she attended a training program to visit immigration detention centers in Louisiana. During one of her first visits, she met a detained man who, more than legal assistance, longed for something as simple as a conversation in Spanish and a genuine human connection amid profound isolation.
That experience transformed Gabriela’s professional path. She realized that many immigrants are not only navigating complex legal systems, but also facing loneliness, fear, and uncertainty. From that moment on, she committed her career to supporting and advocating for people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
As an immigrant and the daughter of immigrants, Gabriela understands firsthand the sacrifices, challenges, and hopes that are part of the immigration journey. This personal perspective allows her to connect with clients through empathy, respect, and genuine understanding.
She is fluent in Spanish and has beginner-level proficiency in French.
Education and Experience
Gabriela earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
After law school, she was selected as a fellow with the Immigrant Justice Corps, where she represented low-income immigrants and advocated for individuals facing detention and removal proceedings. She has extensive experience serving immigrant communities in both Louisiana and Florida and is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Client Approach
Listen first
Always be there
Defend with determination
For Gabriela, every client is far more than an immigration case. Her priority is getting to know the person behind the paperwork—their goals, dreams, life story, and the motivations that drive them forward.
Her approach is rooted in active listening, respect for each individual’s experiences, and representation that centers the client’s needs and decisions. Guided by empathy and informed by a trauma-sensitive perspective, she strives to create a space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their journey.
Her goal is for every client to move forward with clarity, confidence, and the reassurance that they are not facing the process alone.
Her Greatest Motivation
Standing beside people when they need a strong advocate the most.
What Gabriela finds most rewarding is the opportunity to defend her clients within a system that can often feel overwhelming and unfair.
She understands that many immigrants face life-changing situations without access to legal representation. For that reason, she considers it a privilege to stand beside them, protect their rights, and fight alongside them through every stage of their case.
Working at James Immigration Law allows her to be part of a team that shares the same values of humanity, compassion, and professional excellence. She also deeply values the firm’s culture of collaboration, support, and commitment to the growth and development of every team member.
Beyond Legal Practice
Outside of work, Gabriela enjoys spending time outdoors, an activity that helps her recharge and maintain her balance. She also loves cooking for her family, reading, dancing salsa, and sharing a good margarita with her loved ones.
Sundays have a special tradition: cleaning her home while listening to José José, Marc Anthony, and Willy Chirino—a routine that helps her start each week with energy and optimism.
She is actively involved with the South East Dignity Not Detention Coalition, where attorneys and community organizers work together to support detained individuals and families impacted by the immigration system.
Something that often surprises people is that although she was born and raised in Mexico, she cannot eat spicy food—not even Tajín.
She describes herself as passionate, determined, and kind.
A message from Gabriela
Your story matters and deserves to be heard.
My parents fled Cuba to Mexico with nothing and gave me everything. Years later, I immigrated to the United States myself. Growing up in an immigrant family and living my own immigration journey taught me that every person deserves to be welcomed with dignity and respect. My commitment is to walk alongside you with compassion, care, and strong advocacy. I want to make sure your voice is heard, your story is valued, and that you never feel alone throughout this process.
We are here to support you every step of the way.