Cynthia Canales, Associate AttorneySince its inception, the firm has established its reputation as a better alternative to the more traditional local and regional firms, embracing innovative strategies to obtain successful results. With an added focus on business transactions and business-related litigation, their practice areas include business and corporate law, real estate, litigation, tax, government law, and land use planning, mediation, and a strong international-based transactional practice.
In an interview with Manage HR, Carla Canales and Cynthia Canales, Attorneys, Gordon Davis Johnson & Shane P.C. talk about the company’s client-centric approach and what keeps them apart from their competitors.
What are some of the challenges observed within the industry?
Cynthia :The primary challenge we face now is the delays due to the pandemic that have impacted our clients on a global basis. In addition to the work we do within the United States, we are dependent on consulates and embassies across the world for immigration-related undertakings like processing certain types of visas. Processes like these have now taken longer timelines and have been very challenging.
The change in the administration and the subsequent changes in the policies have also delayed the immigration processes.
What does your clientele look like?
Carla: We have a wide array of clients. We like to remain active within the immigration community and be aware of the trends so that we can give assistance to people without a second thought. We are involved in removal defense, which involves litigating immigration cases. We have clients that are business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, engineers, accountants, physicians, and also represent minors. We take on pro bono cases and participate with nonprofits as well.
Could you elaborate on your practice areas and the approach you undertake in these processes?
Carla: We always start with an initial consultation where we gather the idea on the client’s current situation, their needs, and the intended outcome they are trying to accomplish. So as the first step, we sort out and gauge if it is a family-based, employment-based, removal, or affirmative relif case. This is followed by analyzing and figuring out the most appropriate plan for the client.
Cynthia :Every immigration client has a story. As we are all individuals owning a different history, no case is essentially the same. Only a detailed consultation into the specifics of the case can help us choose the best course of action.
Could you brief on a client story where you helped the client solve a problem?
Cynthia :We litigate for people who have been here in the US for an extended amount of time and get placed in removal proceedings. When people are detained, they are held in immigration detention centers. It is a very stressful and difficult time for the family and their loved ones. In cases like these, we have been very successful at attaining bonds for clients, by figuring out a way for them to remain in the United States lawfully or under a temporary status.
We have also helped crime victims. Our law firm has represented many entrepreneurs who have invested in businesses to pursue their dream in the United States.
Carla: Most part of our job entails navigating, simplifying, and streamlining processes like these for people. The approach taken due to laws is constantly changing, and oftentimes, people are unaware of it and, as a result, clients can get into a tough situation. That is where we come in.
What do you think sets you apart from the market competition?
CynthiaW: e do the best we can in areas of law that are very difficult and complicated for ordinary people. The outcomes of each case have a huge impact on the lives of many people. We understand the situation and do not take our jobs lightly. We are customer-centric and put our clients first. The firm’s diverse team of seasoned professionals is equipped with options to serve the clients in a well-rounded manner. The relaxed atmosphere of the firm encourages collaboration among attorneys from the various practice areas to develop effective legal strategies for clients.
What does the future look like for your company?
Carla: We cover a lot of areas of immigration, and close to 95 percent of the work we do is related to it. The hardest thing with respect to immigration is to stay current. The United States is divided by specific circuits which makes it difficult. We keep updating ourselves with the new decisions that come in almost every day to offer our clients the most up-to-date solutions.
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The Relaxed Atmosphere Of The Firm Encourages Collaboration Among Attorneys From The Various Practice Areas To Develop Effective Legal Strategies For Clients
As a result of the pandemic, we have been able to make use of the different platforms of communication and not remain geographically restricted. We have great relationships with attorneys across the company that we collaborate with. The strong ties we have developed with them over the years have helped us to assist our clients in the best manner possible.
Interaction with other professionals has broadened our approach regarding different areas. This has proved valuable for individual growth and has pushed us to change the way we practice or take on cases we were hesitant in the past. We hope to maintain this growth model in the future as well.
