Daniela Carmona, Esq.

Graduaded in Havana

Born in Havana, Cuba, she graduated from the University of Havana School of Law in 2016, ranking in the top 5% of her class and receiving the Golden Seal for Academic Achievement. In her second year, after booking Contracts, she was appointed as an Active Learning Instructor for that course, where she helped first-year students develop outlines and prepare for quizzes, midterms, and finals. From her third year through graduation, she likewise served as a Learning Instructor for Wills and Trusts. Over the course of her five-year program, she contributed to scientific journals, participated in international conferences, and excelled in honors examinations. She also interned at an international law firm, conducting extensive legal research and writing, interviewing clients, and assisting her supervising attorney at hearings.

Migrated to the US

One month after graduating from the University of Havana School of Law, Daniela and her family migrated to the United States, leaving behind her professional career in Cuba to pursue greater opportunities and freedom. Upon arrival, she enrolled in English classes at Miami-Dade College and then completed a TOEFL preparation course at Florida International University, passing the exam on her first attempt. Through disciplined self-study, she also prepared for and succeeded on the LSAT, paving the way for her to attend law school in the United States.

First Personal Injury Job

After receiving her U.S. work permit and while studying for admission to law school, Daniela began working as a secretary at a Miami personal-injury law firm. Within six months, she was promoted to Legal Assistant, becoming the right hand of the Senior Attorney. In that role, she assisted in representing injured clients from intake until settlment including mediations and global settlement conferences in bodily injury cases.

St. Thomas University

In 2019, Daniela was admitted to St. Thomas University College of Law’s Advanced Standing Program, where her foreign law degree counted as her second year of study. After her first year, she earned a Merit Scholarship for the remainder of her legal education in recognition of her academic performance. She also received the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) Endowed Scholarship, awarded annually to a candidate distinguished by academic excellence and/or service. Daniela made the Dean’s List in 2019, 2020, and 2021. She also won seven CALI Book Awards in Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Writing, Constitutional Law, Property, Wills and Trusts, Evidence, and Professional Responsibility.

Graduation with honors

Daniela was the first St. Thomas University College of Law student admitted to JURIST, a non-profit online legal news service run by law student volunteers. As a JURIST writer and editor, she produced domestic and international legal news in both English and Spanish. She also interned with the Cuban American Bar Association, helping indigent individuals access the legal system through pro bono representation. In May 2021, Daniela graduated summa cum laude, was named Valedictorian of her class, and delivered the student commencement speech.

Law Firm Foundation

After passing the Florida Bar Exam in July 2021, Daniela rejoined her former firm, this time as an Associate Personal Injury Attorney. In 2022, she founded the Law Office of Daniela Carmona, PLLC, focusing exclusively on personal injury matters. Today, she serves as CEO and Principal Attorney of her own practice.