Get To Know
Bernadette
Bernadette Dela Cruz
Attorney
I am the co-owner of De La Garza Law, PLLC. I have always felt the practice of law should first be the practice of authentically building relationships and understanding the needs of others.
I want to be more than your attorney. I strive to be a trusted confidant who can lead you through the turbulence and emotional strain of the immigration world. Whether you are wanting to get your spouse a green card or you run an organization in desperate need of workers, I will answer your questions with utmost honesty and ensure you have as smooth of an experience as possible. Lawyers aren't always hired in the happiest of times, but it is my hope that I can help you feel at peace during the process.
Speaking of building relationships, here's a little more about me. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing with my husband and law partner, Leo, and Al, our Border Collie and "Pawralegal." I like to train in weightlifting, martial arts, and I love the opportunity to practice my voice acting.
I want to be more than your attorney. I strive to be a trusted confidant who can lead you through the turbulence and emotional strain of the immigration world. Whether you are wanting to get your spouse a green card or you run an organization in desperate need of workers, I will answer your questions with utmost honesty and ensure you have as smooth of an experience as possible. Lawyers aren't always hired in the happiest of times, but it is my hope that I can help you feel at peace during the process.
Speaking of building relationships, here's a little more about me. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing with my husband and law partner, Leo, and Al, our Border Collie and "Pawralegal." I like to train in weightlifting, martial arts, and I love the opportunity to practice my voice acting.
Licenses
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas (2016)
Awards
- SuperLawyer Magazine Texas Rising Stars 2023
- SuperLawyer Magazine Texas Rising Stars 2022
Speaking Engagements
- State Bar of Texas, Beyond Wellness: Finding and Maintaining Attorney Wellness (2021)
- The University of Texas at Austin Plan II Honors Program Alumni Panel (2020 to present)
- What Do Lawyers Do? Presentation at The University of Texas at Austin and Austin Achieve High School (2020)
Organizations and Associations
- LeadershipSBOT (State Bar of Texas) Member 2019-2020
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Austin Young Lawyers Association Health and Wellness Committee
Education
- Texas Tech University School of Law (2015) – Juris Doctor
- The University of Texas at Austin (2012)
- Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors Program
- Bachelor of Arts in Music with Concentration in Piano Performance
Giving Back to the Community
Alumni event for TTU School of Law.
Bernadette & Leo at a Catholic Charities immigration volunteer event.
Bernadette in the LeadershipSBOT (State Bar of Texas) cohort.
Bernadette & Leo at a volunteer immigration clinic in 2017.
LeadershipSBOT Conference in Galveston, Texas.
Bernadette reviewing forms at a volunteer event.
Advocate for Attorney Wellness
Bernadette at UT Austin's Conference on Immigration & Nationality Law.
Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee!
Attending the American Immigration Lawyers Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA.
Helping permanent residents become U.S. Citizens.
Serving on the the Plan II Honors program alumni panel.
