TAMPA, Fla., March 3, 2020–Robert Sparks Attorneys lead trial attorney, Victoria Cruz-Garcia, will host Jenay Iurato, advocate against human trafficking and recipient of The Florida Bar President’s 2020 Pro Bono Service Award, on March 5 at the firm’s office downtown for a lunch and learn mentorship session with law students from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.
Serving as trial/co-counsel of the nonprofit Justice Restoration Center (JRC), Iurato has dedicated herself to assisting human trafficking survivors by serving close to 200 clients, all on a pro bono basis, with expungement of their criminal records and other legal services. As her involvement with the JRC has grown, so too has her passion for raising awareness of this issue and she has consequently served as a guest lecturer on and organizer of various panels relating to human trafficking. Iurato was also an integral part of the push to encourage the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit to implement a human trafficking court, which is in the process of being established.
“Jenay is a rock star role model,” said Cruz-Garcia. “Her work in the State of Florida on human trafficking alone is incredible and has resulted in positive legislative changes. Plus, she is an extraordinary example of how a professional can balance her passion for advocacy, her own law practice and her family.”
While teaching at the Cooley School of Law, Cruz-Garcia became dedicated to supporting the next generation of legal professionals and formed a mentorship program for students enabling them to meet and interact with role models within both the legal and local community. Currently a board member on the Tampa Hispanic Board Foundation and an active member of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association, Cruz-Garcia chairs various committees and events in support of the organizations and their philanthropies. Over the last 16 years, she has served her family law clients with a serious dedication that goes above and beyond, earning her a designation as a Super LawyerÒ (2017-2020, Rising Star 2012-2014).
Cruz-Garcia and the entire team of trial attorneys at Robert Sparks Attorneys have also been recognized by several organizations, including: ‘Best Lawyers in America’, Super Lawyers®, “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers & Top 40 Under 40, National Black Trial Lawyers Top 100, Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Firms®, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorney’s – 10 Best Attorneys -Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorney’s – 10 Best Attorneys -Client Satisfaction, Expertise’s Best Personal Injury Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, “Lawyer of the Year” 2016 – Best Lawyers, Family Law, Tampa AV® Preeminent™ on Martindale-Hubbell®, “Best Lawyers in America” since 1998 – Woodward/White lawyer rating, and “Legal Elite” by Florida Trend magazine.
The firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of their clients in both state and federal courts, including a brain injury case that resulted in the highest single accident award in Hillsborough County history and the 62nd highest jury verdict nationwide in 2017.
Robert Sparks Attorneys is comprised of former prosecutors, former insurance defense attorneys, former public defenders and former law enforcement with over 100 years of combined experience as trial lawyers. Their background and experience is put to work against powerful insurance companies and leveraged to protect families during the most serious of times of divorce and child custody disputes. The award-winning team of trial attorneys is serious about the cases they represent and they are dedicated to getting serious results.
When it’s time to get serious, www.getserious.com.