Meet Carlos C. Aguila | Father, Husband & Attorney

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos C. Aguila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos C., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Opening my own business was the natural next step in my career. I had been practicing law seven years and had developed a large book of business with consistent referral sources. This point in an attorney’s career is a pivotal moment where you must ask yourself if you want to go the partner track or entrepreneur route. It was time for a new phase in my life, and I chose the entrepreneur path. I opened my business in 2021 with my second daughter on the way. My wife and I always compare the growth of my business with my daughter’s: premature birth, to crawling, to walking, to running, and now jumping from couch to couch. As it is with most endeavors, you begin thinking you’ll be doing one thing and quickly it turns into something completely different. In late 2022, legal reform and a higher power had different plans for my business. Virtually overnight, the business I had worked so hard to build came to a halt. It was at that time, I had to truly self-reflect on why I became an entrepreneur and why I became an attorney. With God, my wife and my family’s help, I was able to re-ignite why I became a business owner and lawyer – to help people. I have been surrounded for over 15 years by incredible individuals who have dedicated their lives to the special needs community which inspired the growth of my practice. As an autism uncle and godfather, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges and graces that come with caring for a loved one with special needs. My wife, a speech therapist, who works with me now, provided years of therapy services to children and adults with speech, language, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing impairments. My youngest sister, a behavioral analyst, continues to provide care to individuals with unique abilities. My eldest sister, a school administrator, is also the mom to a beautiful and joy filled teenager who has autism. This was my opportunity to give back to the special needs community by sharing my knowledge as well as an empathetic perspective in the areas of guardianship and special needs planning. I’ve never been happier in my career or as a business owner. What seemed to be a great challenge following the law reform was actually a blessing in disguise. This pressure to decide how to navigate my practice soon became a priviledge which is to assist families with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities plan for their loved one’s future while preserving their dignity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are a South Florida law firm that helps bring peace of mind to families by safeguarding their loved ones with special needs. My office is dedicated to assisting families with special needs individuals transition into adulthood. We help with guardianship, less restrictive alternatives and special needs planning to qualify and maintain eligibility for public benefits such as SSI. This passion stems from my personal experience as an autism uncle, and witnessing the stress parents undergo when making decisions for their loved ones’ care. My wife, a speech pathologist, now works at Aguila Law, brings her experience and empathetic perspective after providing years of therapy services. At Aguila Law we believe in preservation of rights and human dignity despite varied exceptionalities. We value the importance of an individualized plan in order to meet family’s specific needs. Our goal is to help reduce the mental load by continuing to put your loved one’s best interest and safety first through future planning.

I began working at the age of thirteen with my grandmother packing cigars for a family business. I then moved to bagging groceries at a local supermarket where I could walk to work since I wasn’t old enough to have a driver’s license. As a first generation American, my parents and grandparents instilled a strong work ethic from an early age. I began working at law firms at the age of eighteen and never looked back. The road to becoming a lawyer was not easy, but has prepared me to also be a business owner. Fatherhood and my faith has also contributed to my successes in life and business.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my complete surrender to God’s will and plan for my life. He has provided me with richness that money cannot replace in the form of a grateful heart and a childlike perspective. There is no challenge I cannot overcome without turning to Him despite how difficult or impossible things may seem.

With this belief, I have been able to essentially build two businesses and a family in the span of a few years. I am still working on a healthy work-life balance, but my goal is to be able to develop ironclad policies, systems and procedures so my business can run on its own.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a difficult one as my wife is the planner. If it were me, I would take them to at least one (if not 2) sporting events whoever is in season – my preference is the Marlins, but enjoy the Heat as well as the Panthers. I’d have them over my house at least one day for a BBQ and cook for them (I enjoy using my smoker). I would take them to Key Biscayne and to El Farito for the beach. Depending on their preference, I would schedule a boat charter to Miami Beach/Biscayne Bay for the views and stop to eat at Garcias. If they prefer fishing, a fishing charter out of the Keys and take them to some eateries in the Keys (i.e. Square Grouper, Keys Fisheries). I’d take them golfing at the Biltmore and stop by miracle mile. It wouldn’t be a Miami visit without going to Versalles for a cafecito, croquettes with cilantro and a media noche. Lastly, For an adult dinner take them to a nice steakhouse then to a cigar bar where we can enjoy a cigar and drink (i.e. smoked old fashion and a Liga Privada Cigar).

My wife would probably help me in planning the itinerary and she’d probably look up local events that are family friendly (i.e. farmer’s markets, festivals, parks, museums etc.).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my goddaughter and niece Ana-Gabi. Thank you for being a constant reminder of God’s love and an inspiration to laugh, smile, love and simply live like you. Your smile is endless piercing the hearts of those around you so deeply. Your laugh is contagious and full of pureness. Thank you for opening my eyes to see how important it is to live with a pure, joyful and innocent heart. I love you very much! Your Tio.

Website: https://www.aguilalawfirm.com

Instagram: @aguila_law

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AguilaLaw