Annie Rodriguez, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid attorney Annie Rodriguez served in the U.S. Navy, where she learned Arabic and worked as a cryptologist translator, and went on to manage a manufacturing company before deciding that law school would be a great way to challenge herself.
“A year into law school, I realized that I could really make a positive impact in individual people’s lives,” Rodriguez said.
Within a few years of coming to JALA, that impact was recognized on a national level when Rodriguez received the 2023 Rising Star Award from the National Consumer Law Center.
Rodriguez was humbled and encouraged by the validation for what she calls, “just doing my job.”
“It has really just helped me to continue this work with enthusiasm and passion for the results that we can get,” said Rodriguez, who started out at JALA advocating for survivors of domestic violence before moving into consumer protection.
JALA President and CEO Jim Kowalski said Rodriguez’s life experience enables her to connect with her clients and understand their situation.
“She has the drive, determination, intelligence and focus to take on the bullies of the world on her clients’ behalf,” Kowalski said. “She has distinguished herself in two very different and difficult areas of law, both with steep learning curves. We are very fortunate to have her with us on the JALA team.”
Read more at Attorney at Law Magazine
