The Go-Getter: Jermaine Lee
Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana
Profession: Trial Attorney, Complex Commercial Litigation
A founding partner at Wallen Hernandez Lee Martinez law firm, Jermaine Lee has used his Guyanese American heritage to his advantage. Arriving in America at the age of eleven, he was steadfast in his determination to succeed. “Growing up in Guyana I learned early that life has its challenges, but those challenges are the building blocks and to never [make] excuses to keep you from always moving towards your goals.”
This determination came in useful when the Florida International University alum took a major turn in career paths, switching from accounting to law after a friend leaving PriceWaterhouseCoopers recommended a new path. He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami, and “I have not looked back since,” says Lee. “I cannot think of anything else I would rather do than practice law.”
Lee also took another bold step in 2013, striking out on his own to start his own firm with friend Eric Hernandez, whom he met while interning at the Florida Supreme Court for Justice Peggy Quince in 2002
“[He] and I joked about starting a firm when we first met,” recalls Lee. “In 2012, before he left the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, Eric called and asked me if I still wanted to start a law firm. I said yes and we started our fun journey, which other friends have now joined.”
For young members of the Diaspora interested in law, Lee recommends to embrace their dreams with the same hands-on spirit. “Visit law school classes,” says Lee. “See if this is something you like. For those that like the art of war, visit a court and observe a trial.”
For his future, Jermaine hopes to build a memorable and reputable brand. “The lessons I learned growing up from the people around me helped mold me to become who I am. I am grateful for those lessons and the wisdom behind them.”
