Meet Ricardo “Rick” Arce | Business Litigation Lawyer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricardo “Rick” Arce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricardo “Rick”, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from the vibrant city of Miami, Florida — specifically unincorporated Miami-Dade County, nestled just west of Tamiami Park. My childhood epitomized the quintessential 80s experience, filled with carefree days playing baseball, navigating the neighborhood streets on my BMX bike, skateboarding and constructing makeshift ramps, and adventuring beyond. I have wonderful memories of growing up during my elementary school days at Saint Kevin Catholic School. I excelled as a cross-country runner, and showcased my talent on the baseball diamond as part of the Khoury League at Tamiami Park. These achievements nurtured my confidence and instilled in me a sense of pride.
However, as I got closer to eighth grade and into high school, things became tumultuous for me at home. My father’s relentless toil and mounting stress strained our relationship. We constantly butted heads and my relationship with him became extremely toxic. I went from being a happy child into a troubled kid —running away from home and getting into physical altercations with my father and students at school. I was angry, confused and full of resentment.
The impact was so profound that I made the decision to drop out of high school, desperate to escape the turmoil of my home life. Despite this setback, I was determined to pursue my education, and I obtained my GED diploma before enrolling in classes at Miami Dade Community College, now Miami-Dade College. Thankfully, my proficiency with computers allowed me to secure a job and afford rent, granting me a taste of independence. However, in retrospect, my decision was rash, and I soon grappled with the harsh reality of juggling work and school simultaneously.
The pursuit of independence became my primary focus, leading me to prioritize work over my education, resulting in a decline in my academic performance. I found myself bouncing from job to job, haunted by the magnitude of my limited educational background. Happiness eluded me as I struggled to reconcile my choices, placing blame on my father and my own actions for my hardships. Lost in a haze of self-pity, I allowed my strained relationship with my father to define my future, which seemed bleak at the time.
Finally, I had a lightbulb moment, where I realized that I needed to embrace forgiveness, move beyond my past and accept the limitations of my relationship with my father. Taking ownership of my destiny became imperative — I needed to use my resilience to forge a path to success, despite the odds. Fueled by determination, I quit my job, severed unhealthy relationships, and decided to go back to school and turn my life around.
I was ultimately able to obtain my Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance and Economics from the University of Florida. Following this accomplishment, I pursued further education at St. Thomas University, where I earned my Juris Doctor degree in 2008. Subsequently, in 2010, I earned an LLM (Master’s Degree) in Taxation from the University of Miami.

Throughout my professional journey, I have remained dedicated to growth and specialization, maintaining a tenure at the same esteemed law firm since graduating from law school. Serendipitously, during my career, I had the pleasure of meeting my wife, who coincidentally worked (and continues to work) in the same office building as my law firm.
For many years, the shadow of dropping out of high school weighed heavily on me, a source of shame and self-doubt. However, with time and life experiences, I view it as a significant badge of honor and resilience. Upon enrolling at the University of Florida, I felt so privileged and lucky to have the opportunity for redemption, and nothing was going to stop me from graduating and pursuing my goals.
During the period of uncertainty about my future, when job rejections seemed to outnumber opportunities, the notion of becoming a lawyer was inconceivable. However, once I got back on track to pursue my full-time education, my ambition crystalized and I set my sights on becoming a lawyer. This was not something I was destined to become, but a hard-fought aspiration.
Today, as one of the managers and equity partners at my firm, I reflect on the tumultuous journey that led me here with pride. I specialize in navigating complex business litigation, a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and dedication.
My life’s journey has instilled in me a fundamental truth: nothing in life is given, instead, it is earned. This principle guides not only my actions, but also the lessons I impart to my son. Each day, I approach my work in litigation with a determined and tenacious spirit fueled by the obstacles I conquered on the windy path I took to becoming a lawyer. The invaluable wisdom from my parents and the trials and tribulations that I faced have reinforced the importance of perseverance – to never give up, always pursue your dreams, and when you fall down, always get up because persistence eliminates resistance. Never underestimate your dreams and goals and a person’s will to succeed!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a business and commercial litigation attorney at Zumpano Castro, PLLC in Coral Gables. My “get knocked down, get back up” mentality that carried me through the tougher times when I was younger, is the way in which I litigate cases. When I am retained to represent a client, I am fully committed towards meeting the client’s objectives and goals. I’m always in search of that one piece of fact or law that may change the dynamic of the case. My relentless determination in achieving those objectives, I believe, gives me an edge over my adversaries. I always want to win! However, many times there are things that you cannot change, whether it be the law or the facts in a particular case. But one thing I can control is how much work I put into the case. I will not be outworked by my opponent. Win or lose, I think the client appreciates that I give it my all. Something so seemingly simple as being available, is too often lost in the legal profession. That’s why I make it a point to always be available and responsive to client needs. My clients can always reach me on my cell phone. Even if I am in court or in meetings, I never wait too long to get back to the client. My clients are always top of mind.
Recently, I was approached by a respected figure in the Miami legal community who posed a question that struck a chord within me: ‘What is your favorite case to work on?’ This inquiry instantly reminded me of a similar question often posed to my father, a man of engineering profession, but with a soul devoted to classical guitar. Friends and admirers would often ask, ‘What’s your favorite piece to play?’ To which he would consistently respond, ‘The piece I’m currently playing.’
In echoing my father’s sentiment, I found myself replying, ‘The case I’m currently working on is my favorite case.’ While this response may sound cliché, it encapsulates my deeply held belief in approaching each legal matter with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. Every case presents a unique challenge and opportunity for me to apply my skills and expertise, and I embrace each one with fervor.
Perhaps my feelings towards each case stems from my unique personal journey—one marked by adversity and fueled by a relentless determination to defy expectations and redefine my future. With a proverbial ‘chip on my shoulder,’ I am driven to prove both to the world, to myself, to my family and to my son that my past does not define me nor dictate the trajectory of my life or my professional endeavors.

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.
As I recently celebrated my 50th birthday in January, it’s surreal to reflect on the passage of time. My lifestyle has definitely evolved over the years, so, I don’t really “go out” anymore like I used to back in the days of the 90s in South Beach. Today, I live in my little enclave of Coral Gables, enjoying dining with my family in nearby restaurants, including: Hillstone, Sushi Garage, Mandolin, Salumeria or just enjoying places like Coconut Grove, Merrick Park or Brickell City Centre. When we are not dining out, my beautiful wife, Samantha and I enjoy spending time with our 7 -year-old son, going to the movies, riding our bikes down along Old Cutler Road, or enjoying the blissful summer beach days.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family for certain and my beautiful wife, Samantha.

Website: https://www.zumpanocastro.com/ricardo-arce

Instagram: rickarce

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-arce-business-litigator