Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Lopez.
Julia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Mexico and raised in Austin, Texas, which gave me a unique perspective on both the struggles and the resilience of immigrant families. That background inspired me to pursue a degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and eventually to dedicate my career to the legal field.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the opportunity to work in several areas of law—immigration, criminal defense, family, and estate planning. Each role not only deepened my knowledge but also strengthened my belief that the law is about more than just cases; it’s about people, their stories, and their futures.
In May 2023, I joined Cardenas Witt Law as a Paralegal, and it’s been an incredible journey. Now, as our COO, I’ve been focused on building efficient systems, mentoring our team, and helping shape the firm’s vision as we grow. The hardships my family and I have faced personally also fuel me to fight for people’s rights and to make our office as efficient as possible, so our attorneys have every opportunity to provide the best representation to each client.
Outside the office, I’ve always been passionate about community work—whether through Church Under the Bridge, the Women’s Shelter, Shoreline Church, or simply translating and helping the community in general—because service has always been at the core of who I am. Today, that same heart for advocacy is what drives me at the firm: not just to meet legal needs, but to help clients build stronger, more stable lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road—in fact, quite the opposite. Some of the hardest challenges I’ve faced include navigating the immigration system, being the first in my family to attend college while coming from a home where my father believed women going to college only meant getting pregnant or married, and later becoming a single mother after experiencing family violence while also raising my two younger sisters. Balancing all of that while trying to build a career was overwhelming at times.
But if I’m honest, I know I didn’t make it through on my own. It was only with God’s help and strength that I was able to keep pushing forward when I felt like giving up. Looking back, I can see that even in the hardest seasons, I was being prepared for the work I do today.
So while it has been far from smooth, I also see it as the most blessed road. Every hardship has shaped me, given me a deeper empathy for others, and fuels the way I fight for people’s rights now. It’s also why I pour myself into making our office as efficient and supportive as possible—so our attorneys have every opportunity to provide the best representation to every client. For me, this isn’t just a career; it’s a calling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Cardenas Witt Law, I serve as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Paralegals. My work focuses on building and maintaining the systems that keep our firm running smoothly—everything from streamlining case management to mentoring our team and ensuring that our attorneys have the support they need to deliver the best possible representation to our clients.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built as a team. We don’t just look at cases as files—we see the people behind them, their families, and their futures. My background in immigration, criminal defense, family, and estate planning has taught me that the law isn’t just about statutes and procedures; it’s about standing with people in some of the most difficult moments of their lives and giving them hope.
What sets me apart is the lens through which I approach my work. Having faced my own hardships—navigating the immigration system, being a first-generation college graduate, becoming a single mother while raising my younger sisters—I understand firsthand the weight of injustice and the importance of having someone truly fight for you. That perspective fuels me to not only give my best, but to ensure our firm is equipped to give every client the strongest defense possible.
For me, this work isn’t just about leadership or legal strategy; it’s about service. And I think that’s what people come to know me for—the combination of efficiency and heart. I’m deeply invested in both our team and our clients, and I want everyone who interacts with our office to feel supported, heard, and valued.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes—I would say the most important thing is to be you. Authentically be yourself in your work and in everything you do, and you’ll naturally attract people who want to guide you and help you grow.
I do understand that if you work from home, it can feel harder to connect, but there are so many great networking groups out there. For example, Mindy Hofman founded a group called Women of Austin that brings together incredible women leaders.
Some of the best advice I’ve received from my mentors has shaped how I approach networking. One of my biggest mentors, Tayrin Cardenas, always reminds me that it only takes 10 seconds of courage to open a door. And another mentor, Griselda Ponce, taught me not to let fear stop me—most people act out of their own perspective and rarely about you. That really freed me from overthinking.
So my advice is simple: be authentic, be courageous, and don’t be afraid to seize the moment.
