Meet Clara Salvai | Chief Operation Officer & Mentor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Clara Salvai and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Clara, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Over the years, my definition of success has evolved. Nowadays, success for me means finding contentment in every action I take. It involves making decisions with the impact on others in mind and leaving a legacy by leading with kindness. I strive to show that even in a busy life, there are still moments to spare for those who need support. Hopefully, this ignites a similar mindset in the younger generations I work with on various projects. On a personal level, success means being fully present for my loved ones whenever I can spend quality time with them.
Now, for those who may not be familiar with your business, could you provide us with more information?
Certainly! I am the Chief Operating Officer of Barakat and Bossa, a law firm based in Coral Gables, Miami. Our areas of focus include business litigation, real estate, factoring, corporate matters, and more. What sets us apart is our diverse backgrounds and nationalities, which becomes one of our greatest strengths. We are able to communicate with clients in their native languages and understand their unique cultural perspectives. At our core, we are a shield, a trusted advisor. People come to us seeking protection, and it’s our mission to provide them with a safe and supportive environment. The key lesson I’ve learned in this business is the importance of being human. Building trust with clients from different backgrounds requires authenticity, respect, and empathy. Each person is unique and deserves attention, even if it’s just a handshake. The biggest challenge in my role is managing different personalities and resolving conflicts. Rather than avoiding conflicts, I believe in mutual understanding and dialogue to find resolutions. By incorporating these elements, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of different perspectives and work towards resolving issues.
Aside from that, I am a fractional COO for Cohen Healthcare Law Group, a Healthcare Law Firm located in California and I am also a Mentor on the Legal Mentor Network, a non-profit that connects law students and recently barred lawyers with legal mentors. I try to keep myself busy!
Could you share your journey and how you got to where you are today?
After attending Law School, I realized my interest was more inclined towards the business side rather than practicing law. Luckily, I was granted opportunities in management when I expressed my concerns 12 years ago. I have an analytical and gradual approach to driving change, preferring a steady and slow pace over hasty actions that might disrupt teams. I enjoy stabilizing companies by gradually identifying areas for improvement, understanding the underlying issues, aligning people with the vision, and enhancing the client experience. These endeavors require research, observation, and a gradual approach to create lasting change. This aspect of management, coupled with my passion for continuous learning, reading, studying, and networking with like-minded professionals, fuels my drive to bring the best approaches to the table. Getting to where I am today required patience, hard work, and learning from experienced professionals. Starting under the guidance of seasoned managers, I assisted them, asked questions, and took notes to develop my own style. Recognition comes when people start noticing your involvement in projects without you even mentioning it because you have created a distinctive impact. So, for young individuals out there, my advice is to work hard, be patient, voice your concerns and goals, and be resilient. Mistakes might divert you from your chosen path, but what matters is how you bounce back and reclaim your place at the table. Give your absolute best and seize opportunities to help others succeed.
After attending Law School, I realized my interest was more inclined towards the business side rather than practicing law. Luckily, I was granted opportunities in management when I expressed my concerns 12 years ago. I have an analytical and gradual approach to driving change, preferring a steady and slow pace over hasty actions that might disrupt teams. I enjoy stabilizing companies by gradually identifying areas for improvement, understanding the underlying issues, aligning people with the vision, and enhancing the client experience. These endeavors require research, observation, and a gradual approach to create lasting change. This aspect of management, coupled with my passion for continuous learning, reading, studying, and networking with like-minded professionals, fuels my drive to bring the best approaches to the table. Getting to where I am today required patience, hard work, and learning from experienced professionals. Starting under the guidance of seasoned managers, I assisted them, asked questions, and took notes to develop my own style. Recognition comes when people start noticing your involvement in projects without you even mentioning it because you have created a distinctive impact. So, for young individuals out there, my advice is to work hard, be patient, voice your concerns and goals, and be resilient. Mistakes might divert you from your chosen path, but what matters is how you bounce back and reclaim your place at the table. Give your absolute best and seize opportunities to help others succeed.
If a friend were visiting you, what local spots would you want to take them to?
I’m usually available on Fridays after 6 pm since weekdays are quite busy for me. So, for a Friday evening, I would take my friend to stay at the Faena Hotel in South Beach. We would have an early dinner at Los Fuegos around 7:30 pm, savoring some wine – perhaps trying the Argentinian Tempranillo from the menu – and ordering appetizers to start. The ambiance would be enhanced by the music setting the mood. The DJ booth would come alive after 9 pm, adding to the fun atmosphere. Later, we would walk to the patio to enjoy the view of the beach and Damien Hirst’s beautiful art piece, “Gone but not forgotten.” It’s a must-see if you’re in Miami and haven’t done so yet. After a long week, getting a good night’s sleep is essential.Saturday morning would begin with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel, followed by indulging in a massage, facial, and sauna at Tierra Santa, the hotel’s spa. For a mind-blowing experience, we could book a healing ritual involving Palo Santo, chants, and more, providing a deep and relaxing experience. Afterward, we would have a light lunch and enjoy some pool time, accompanied by a book by the sea and a quick nap. In the evening, we would head to Coral Gables, my work neighborhood, known for its beautiful Italian places. To start, we would select a great wine at Sospiro and say hi to Fabrizio, the owner. Then, we would proceed to Porto Sole, roughly a block and a half from Sospiro on Ponce de Leon, to relish authentic Italian dishes in an elegant and classy setting.
I’m usually available on Fridays after 6 pm since weekdays are quite busy for me. So, for a Friday evening, I would take my friend to stay at the Faena Hotel in South Beach. We would have an early dinner at Los Fuegos around 7:30 pm, savoring some wine – perhaps trying the Argentinian Tempranillo from the menu – and ordering appetizers to start. The ambiance would be enhanced by the music setting the mood. The DJ booth would come alive after 9 pm, adding to the fun atmosphere. Later, we would walk to the patio to enjoy the view of the beach and Damien Hirst’s beautiful art piece, “Gone but not forgotten.” It’s a must-see if you’re in Miami and haven’t done so yet. After a long week, getting a good night’s sleep is essential.Saturday morning would begin with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel, followed by indulging in a massage, facial, and sauna at Tierra Santa, the hotel’s spa. For a mind-blowing experience, we could book a healing ritual involving Palo Santo, chants, and more, providing a deep and relaxing experience. Afterward, we would have a light lunch and enjoy some pool time, accompanied by a book by the sea and a quick nap. In the evening, we would head to Coral Gables, my work neighborhood, known for its beautiful Italian places. To start, we would select a great wine at Sospiro and say hi to Fabrizio, the owner. Then, we would proceed to Porto Sole, roughly a block and a half from Sospiro on Ponce de Leon, to relish authentic Italian dishes in an elegant and classy setting.
Sunday would be all about spending time at the beach and catching up! When friends visit, the best thing to do is talk as much as possible and give them heartfelt hugs before they leave town.
In the spirit of our shoutout series, is there someone you’d like to dedicate a shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, my high school and law school professors – especially Magali Di Crocce, all my Law School professors truly, specially Dr. Cardenas, Capalbo and Fuentes Benitez, and lastly,to my friends. They have always supported my dreams and provided the encouragement I needed to take the risks I have taken. Without all of them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Website: www.b2b.legal
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-clara-salvai-
Other: You can always write me at: csalvai@b2b.legal
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