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Where are you from?
We are from Guayama, Puerto Rico.
How has your heritage/culture influenced your professional journey and experiences with Arquer & Associates?
Arquer & Associates draws immense strength and inspiration from our Puerto Rican heritage and culture, particularly from our roots in Guayama, a town known for its rich history and vibrant community. Growing up in Guayama, where family, resilience, and mutual support are highly valued, we have naturally extended these principles into our professional lives.
The firm’s founder and lead attorney, Felix Arquer, has dedicated over 46 years to assisting individuals with Social Security disability claims. His career began at the Social Security Administration, where he held integral roles including Claims Representative, Field Representative, and Operations Supervisor from 1978 to 1993. Since then, Felix has operated a private law practice, initially representing clients in various areas such as personal injury, bankruptcy contracts, and workers' compensation. He now focuses exclusively on Social Security Disability Law. Felix has represented clients across Puerto Rico, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, with a commitment to advocating for individuals from Latino backgrounds with limited English proficiency. His unwavering dedication underscores our collective mission to empower and support our clients in obtaining the benefits they deserve.
In her early 20s, the firm's legal assistant, Geraldine, moved to New York and became a teacher. Her work in the Bronx and Brooklyn with immigrant communities and students with disabilities provided her with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups. In 2022, Geraldine transitioned from teaching to law, leveraging her advocacy experience to pursue a legal career. She is currently a second-year law student, continuing her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
Similarly, Paulette, the firm's Client Relations and Social Media Manager, has a strong background teaching immigrant communities and people with disabilities in Washington Heights, the Bronx, NY, and Phoenix, Arizona. Her background strengthens the firm's dedication to compassionate and culturally aware communications, education, and relationship building, ensuring clients receive the support and advocacy they need.
What common misconceptions do people have about Social Security Disability benefits?
One common misconception about Social Security Disability benefits is that they are easy to obtain. Many people believe that simply having a medical condition qualifies them for benefits, but the process is often complex and requires extensive documentation and proof of disability. Another misconception is that people receiving these benefits are not genuinely disabled or that they are taking advantage of the system. In reality, the vast majority of beneficiaries have significant disabilities that severely impact their ability to work and maintain a stable income. Additionally, some believe that applying for Social Security Disability benefits will result in immediate financial relief, but the process can be lengthy, requiring patience and perseverance.
What are ways that you support the specific challenges faced by Latino individuals when seeking Social Security Disability benefits?
At Arquer & Associates, we recognize the specific challenges faced by Latino individuals when seeking Social Security Disability benefits, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to resources. To address these challenges, we provide bilingual services in Spanish and English, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the application process. We also offer culturally aware legal services, understanding and respecting the cultural nuances that may impact our clients' experiences and needs. Additionally, we provide personalized support, guiding clients through every step of the process, from gathering necessary documentation to representing them in administrative hearings, to ensure they have the best possible chance of obtaining the benefits they deserve.
Can you elaborate on the significance of culturally competent legal services and how they benefit the Latinx community?
Culturally competent legal services are essential in building trust and effectively advocating for clients from diverse backgrounds. For the Latinx community, these services ensure that legal professionals understand and respect their cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles. This understanding helps to bridge the gap between clients and the legal system, making it more accessible and less intimidating. At Arquer & Associates, our cultural awareness allows us to tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of our Latinx clients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and supported. This not only enhances the quality of our services but also empowers our clients to actively participate in their legal matters, leading to better outcomes and greater satisfaction. We believe in working as a team alongside our clients to reach their goals.
Why do you think it’s important to stay connected to your community, and what are ways that you do so?
Staying connected to our community is essential because it helps us understand their evolving needs and challenges, ensuring our services remain relevant and effective. This connection also builds trust and solidarity, strengthening our commitment to supporting and advocating for community members. We engage with the community through activities like meetings at local parks and shopping centers, offering free consultations on Social Security Disability benefits, and maintaining active communication with clients. We share content in Spanish on social media to help educate people considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits. We offer different modes to contact our office, including phone calls, e-mails, and WhatsApp, ensuring that communicating with our office remains accessible. Our personal and professional histories within the community also keep us grounded and motivated in our advocacy and support efforts.
What advice would you give to young Latinx individuals considering a career in law?
To young Latinx individuals considering a career in law: embrace your heritage as a source of strength and inspiration. Your unique perspective and experiences are invaluable in the legal field. Stay committed to completing the JD program, seek out mentors for guidance, and never be afraid to reach out to a mentor for advice. Resilience and perseverance are essential, especially when facing challenges or setbacks. Most importantly, remain passionate about making a difference in your community and advocating for justice and equality. Your dedication and hard work will benefit not only you but also your community and future generations of Latinx legal professionals.
For those transitioning from a different career, recognize that starting later and navigating a new field can be particularly challenging. Build a strong support system, stay resilient, and connect with friends and mentors (who have transitioned careers) who understand and support the challenges you may face. This network will provide invaluable guidance and encouragement as you make your transition.
What would you tell someone that is interested in your services, but is hesitant to reach out/purchase?
If someone is interested in our services but hesitant to reach out, I would reassure them that we are here to help. At Arquer & Associates, we pride ourselves on being approachable, empathetic, and dedicated to providing personalized support. Our bilingual and culturally aware staff ensures clear and respectful communication. We offer a safe and welcoming environment where clients can discuss their needs and concerns without fear of judgment. We remain accessible by phone and WhatsApp seven days of the week, to ensure that clients with the busiest schedules can communicate with us when their schedule allows. We believe in building strong communication, keeping clients informed every step of the way. Reaching out is the first step towards getting the help and support they need, and we are committed to guiding them through the process with compassion and professionalism.
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