Employee Spotlight: Alexis Fernandez

We’re back with another employee spotlight, and this one is extra special! Meet Alexis Fernandez, a legal assistant who brings incredible energy, heart, and skill to everything she does. Keep reading to learn more about her story, passions, and what inspires her.

What are your responsibilities in your current role at Sommers Schwartz? 

I am a legal assistant to one shareholder and two associates and take on their case management responsibilities. I ensure things run smoothly throughout the litigation process, meet deadlines, and keep clients up to speed on the status of their pending litigation. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I get a great deal of gratification from being involved in securing positive outcomes for our clients. They are so deserving of compensation for the injuries they sustain from the negligence of doctors and health care professionals.

Did you work anywhere before joining Sommers Schwartz? If so, how has that experience helped you here? 

I had early training, for sure. At 16, I worked as a typist at my father’s law firm, exclusively handling personal injury matters. Later, I spent 24 years at another law firm, which also focused on plaintiff personal injury cases. I joined Sommers Schwartz in November 2003, and before transitioning to medical malpractice, I handled workers’ compensation and social security disability claims. This experience was extremely rewarding because it gave me insight into how workers need to be compensated for their on-the-job injuries and hold employers accountable. It gave me a profound understanding and sense of empathy for people who cannot work because of their injuries and who desperately need to support themselves and their families. I’ve become deeply aware of the importance of assisting those in need and holding others accountable for negligence and wrongdoing. 

What is your proudest accomplishment at Sommers Schwartz? 

I work with some of the younger associates and am extremely proud to see how passionate they are at their craft. It is always rewarding to assist and mentor them in their ambitions for a legal career seeking justice for personal injury victims. Their quest for justice is immeasurable, and knowing I contribute to their efforts gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I am also quite proud of my continuous participation in our Sommers Schwartz Serves program to help less fortunate people in our community.    

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? 

I am a voracious reader and enjoy getting lost in a novel. I also like cooking and gardening, and travel is right up there as well. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and being out in nature. I have a deep respect for our national parks and have visited nearly every one. There are still a few more parks on my bucket list I want to see. Hopefully, within the next few years, that dream can come to fruition.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Never give up hope, and remain grounded.