Meet Ms. Freddie Menard | Attorney, Mentor & Travel Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ms. Freddie Menard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ms. Freddie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
God. He is not only the most important, but also the most consistent factor behind my success. During the most trying times in my life, both personally and professionally, God never left my side. Even when I abandoned Him if I felt like I wasn’t getting “my” way or progressing quick enough, He never allowed me to fail. It is God who gave me the drive and talent that I possess and that I use daily in my profession so I owe my current and continuous success all to Him.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Wearing the “white hat” is not an easy job and often times, within the Black community, you are looked at as a traitor. However, what people often fail to realize is that in my role as a prosecutor, I don’t only represent the State, I represent victims. I grew up in a neighborhood where people were constantly victimized but felt that they never really received justice. I made the determination to be the change that I wanted to see in the world so I became the lawyer that I longed to see fight for my community. By prosecuting people who victimize others, I make my community safer and I make people (including those who look like me) understand that there is someone on their side rooting for them. My job allows me to be a voice for the voiceless.

Another way that I help my community is by dropping charges that I determine should not be prosecuted. Just because someone is arrested, does not mean that they are guilty of a crime and police officers are human so they can make mistakes. Prosecutors are the gatekeepers of the criminal justice system and one of the biggest powers that we possess is deciding whether to prosecute a person and what to charge them with. I thoroughly review every single case that I receive and if I have a reasonable doubt that the person committed the crime, I drop the case. If I think that the person was charged for the wrong crime or charged too harshly, then I can amend the charge. I also take the time to listen and learn about people’s stories and the circumstances surrounding why they committed the crimes – that plays a large role in offering a lesser charge and/or what plea offer or sentencing recommendation I make.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, that’s tough because there are so many great choices in South Florida but these are my top picks:

Eating:
– Barton G’s in Miami
– Jaya at the Setai in Miami
– Il Bellagio in West Palm Beach
– Sourbon in West Palm Beach
– Meat Market in West Palm Beach

Drinks and Vibes:
– Velvet Lounge in Fort Lauderdale (Ladies Night and Sunday Brunch is a must!)
– Chwa in Hollywood (Classy Haitian based lounge with amazing food and a mix of American and Haitian music)
– Throw Social in Delray (play darts, throw axes, great drinks and live bands with sooo many IG pic opportunities)
– Esotico Miami (Hawaiian themed decor and pretty drinks!)
– OVO in West Palm Beach (Sports bar with trap/hood music and very good food and drinks with large portions)

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?
My mother. Without her, I truly believe that I could not have been where I am today. My mother has believed in me in times where I did not believe in myself. Since a young age, she continuously pushed me to excel in school and follow my dreams. Growing up, I watched my mom work hard to provide for our family and she never complained even when I saw how difficult life was for her. She is a survivor of many forms of abuse but yet still smiles brightly and never became bitter. She is courage, strength, genuineness, and valor in human form. Whenever I told her that I wanted to do something, she never discouraged me – her first point of action was always figuring out how I could achieve what I wanted. If I ever have a bad day, she is there for me to vent to and she prays for me during my weakest moments. She is truly a phenomenal woman and my anchor.

Instagram: esquirechronicles

Image Credits
professional headshot and graduation robe photos taken by Delmontae Roberts @luxlvrs on IG