Julia Kefalinos established her Bankruptcy and Criminal Defense law firm in 2006, after 16 years of service to the community as a Miami-Dade County Assistant Public Defender.
Trained at a Leading Law School:
Julia attended one of the most respected and highly regarded law schools in the country.At American University's Washington College of Law, she focused on Constitutional Law,Interned for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and translated complex legislation into plain English for a government agency.
"I had the opportunity to represent people like Veterans, who made the ultimate sacrifices for their country and were later denied benefits; and people like government employees struggling to support themselves and their families fighting unfair demotions and terminations...this is what served as a springboard for a career built on helping others."
Motivated by Public Defender Experience:
For almost two decades, Julia served the citizens, specifically, the underprivileged, in Miami-Dade County vigorously preparing all aspects of their cases from investigation to depositions to trials. Thousands of accused counted on Julia to stand between them and those who would trample their constitutional rights in the criminal justice system.
Julia grew more inspired to defend the right of the innocent as she continued to handle a wide range of cases including felonies, traffic cases, juvenile delinquencies and domestic violence matters. She enjoyed inspiring and training new lawyers to carry on the torch when she became a lead attorney.
"I feel privileged to have worked for such a prestigious office – one that dedicates all its resources to protecting the constitutional rights of indigent citizens…a cause I strongly believe in. My time there established a solid foundation, one that exposed me to the complex dynamics and emotions one would expect to navigate when dealing with judges, prosecutors, victims, witnesses, court personnel, the accused and their families."
Bankruptcy & Saving Homes: A New Crusade:
In 2006, it became apparent that greedy lenders, unscrupulous dealers and self absorbed brokers gouged an entire country. It also became clear that a need existed in the local community for a Bankruptcy attorney who could inspire hope among victims who had their trust betrayed or simply fell on hard times. Bankruptcy, Loan Modification, Foreclosure Defense, Predatory Lending and Mortgage Fraud Defense was an obvious choice for Julia’s evolving practice.
"When injustices occur, some folks can stand by and accept it. I can’t… I hear the stories about lenders taking advantage of hardworking people, I feel their pain…what keeps them up at night, gets me up in the morning"
Shaped by Background:
Our past defines our future, and our roots are significantly influential in determining who we become. And in Julia’s case, her father played an important role in who she is today, he was Vasilios; a Greek immigrant...an earthquake refugee…a true underdog who got a chance, an opportunity that he needed to realize his dream.
"He taught me at a very early age that even the strongest need a voice sometimes, especially in their worst, most vulnerable moments.. It is my life’s work to be that voice, to fight for anyone who needs help in these most difficult times."