We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Soler Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miriam, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
While often seen as unattainable, I think obtaining work life balance is possible but only comes with an understanding that part of the balance is in knowing that all balls cannot be juggled at once. In other words, you can do it all, but not at the same time.

True, life is short, but it also provides various stages during which one can focus on different aspects of life. A young professional, without a family, can accomplish career driven goals without balancing the demands of family. A professional balancing the demands of being a present parent, while remaining at the top of his/her career game, needs to choose wisely so as to maximize the time spent on career development while minimizing time away from family. A person who wants to be part of or lead a professional organization should think about what may be going on in their personal life or on the job front, when deciding the best time to take that goal on.

In short, we CAN do it all, but we will only be both balanced and successful if we time our decisions thoughtfully and with the full picture of our life, at that moment, in mind.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For the first time in my 20-year plus legal career, I am in private practice and using the skills I learned as a prosecutor, local government ethics expert, and City Attorney to help my varied clients advance their goals. A majority of my practice is in the land use and zoning space. However, I also assist clients in the area of government procurement and government ethics. My story, like that of many others, is one of dedication and perseverance. I am a firm believer in hard work. For me, staying laser focused on work ethic has helped me excel, has helped others see my value, and has consequently opened the door for each opportunity I have ever been afforded. One important lesson I have learned, is that success requires flexibility and a willingness to rise up when an opportunity presents itself, even if it results in a deviation from your original plan.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is such a fun and diverse place to visit, making it hard to show my friend everything in one week! I would certainly take my friend to see Miami Beach, Wynwood and Midtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and Coral Gables. Each of these areas is unique and showcases varied architecture, culture, and community. I would take him/her to one of Miami’s many Michelin star-rated restaurants, to experience some waterfront dining, and, of course, have some great Cuban food. I would also take my friend to visit The Everglades, The Upper Florida Keys, Fairchild Tropical Gardns, Zoo Miami, the Perez Art Museum, and the Frost Science Museum. If time permits, I would take them out on a boat ride through Biscayne Bay and visit Key Biscayne by water. Finally, I would want to take my friend to a show at the Arsht Center to highlight Miami’s theater/music scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As I finish my term as Immediate Past President of the Cuban American Bar Association (“CABA”) and, as such, step off of the board of an organization that has been a huge part of my life for many years, I credit much of my professional success to this organization, to its leadership, and most especially, to its past presidents. Many of these past presidents have served as my mentors, confidants, and supporters. They have provided me with invaluable advice and have opened doors of opportunity for me during various stages of my career. For this and for them, I will be forever grateful.

Website: http://www.hklaw.com/

Image Credits
For the headshot, I need to ask the firm whether credit needs to be given to anyone. Please do not use until I am able to confirm that. Thank you. No credit required.

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