IndyBar: The Story of a Latina Lawyer in Indiana

By Laura L. Herrera, Lopez Law Office PC

Welcome to Hispanic Heritage Month! This month, we celebrate the rich cultural contributions and achievements of the Hispanic Community. Among the numerous remarkable individuals is Vanessa Lopez Aguilera, a resolute family law attorney in Indiana who exemplifies the strength and resilience of Latina women in the legal profession. This is her story.

Vanessa, born in Puerto Rico, to a Puerto Rican mother and Colombian father, came to Indiana in third grade. Like many young Latinas, she came to school with little English skills and, at an early age, found she had to learn quickly to grasp a new language, make friends, and seek success in her education. This was not an easy path. Ultimately, she graduated from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and began her career. Her dreams of owning her own firm came to fruition over eighteen years ago. She and her Office Administrator planned their budget on a dinner-napkin over tapas. Through dedication and hard work, success followed, and she currently is the proud owner of a five-attorney firm.

With over fifty percent of her practice involving members of the Hispanic community, she has found communication, especially effective communication, is vital in helping clients navigate the waters of litigation. Her staff translates court orders, letters, and other important documents for clients so they have a complete understanding of their legal matters and implications of court orders. The staff take their time with clients to meet with them and ensure they have a full understanding of their cases. Language should never be a barrier to justice.

The Spanish-speaking community finds there are few choices in attorneys, Guardian Ad Litems, parenting coordinators, and mediators they can turn to and communicate in their native language. Vanessa’s staff keeps a list of community resources to pass along to clients and potential clients to assist them in their legal, financial, real estate, community resources and other needs. She seeks out other Hispanic lawyers and shares referrals with members of the community in other areas of law where she does not practice. The Hispanic community often encounters language barriers, immigration issues, and a lack of representation. As a Latina lawyer, she aims bridge these gaps and provide culturally competent legal services.

Vanessa and our team work to mentor young people who have an interest in a career in the legal field. She has partnered with Ivy Tech and Marion University to host interns, who become paralegals, who in turn may attend law school. Vanessa especially seeks out bilingual individuals who have an interest in the law. She feels strongly that the next generation must continue to help the Hispanic community in their attempts to seek justice and equitable remedies. Mentorship is crucial. Vanessa wishes to inspire the next generation of Latina lawyers to pursue their dreams and have influence in the community.

Being a Latina lawyer in Indiana is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Our heritage gives us strength and our community gives us purpose. Vanessa is a prime example, having served with several organizations who assist the Hispanic Community. She was on the Board of Directors of La Plaza. She is a past board member of the Hispanic Business Council and a past board member of the Indianapolis Bar Association. She has served on the Latino Affairs Committee of the Indiana State Bar Association and served with the Diversity Task Force. She served as a board member of the ACLU and SADCO (friends of Colombia). She is also a past-president of the Indiana Latino Expo.

The Hispanic community deserves lawyers and paralegals who can navigate their pending cases with knowledge and skill. Lopez Law Office PC reaches out to the Latino community through attendance at events and festivals to answer legal questions and provide guidance in their search for competent representation.

The story of Vanessa Lopez Aguilera is just one of many that highlight the contributions of Latina lawyers in Indiana. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us acknowledge and support the incredible work of these women who navigate the complexities of the legal system while honoring their cultural heritage.•

Laura L. Herrera, IRP serves as the Office Administrator and Senior Paralegal with Lopez Law Office PC. Over eighteen years ago, Herrera and Vanessa Lopez Aguilera embarked on a journey to establish the practice, driven by a shared vision of assisting individuals with family law issues. Together, they mentor attorneys and paralegals, fostering a team of effective and compassionate professionals dedicated to family law. Herrera is an active Paralegal Member of IndyBar.