Last year, I had the great opportunity to photograph a great friend and entrepreneur, Luis Berk. It was a pleasure working with him because he always brings the energy. His positive attitude, motivation, and dedication make him a perfect individual for any kind of business. He loves helping people which is why the profession he decided on, a personal injury lawyer, fits so well. Plus, he looks damn good in a suit.
+ Tell us about yourself
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. When I was 10 years old my parents, my sister and I moved to Hollywood, FL to start a new life. This move was challenging for me, as it forced me to learn a new language, make new friends, and adapt to a new way of life. When we arrived in the United States, we lived in my aunt’s house for a couple of years. It was 8 of us in a 2 bedroom house plus a converted garage. There is no doubt that mentally this was also tough for me, sharing a room with my cousin and my sister. Although I didn’t see it at the time, there were many positives to life in my aunt’s house. I was able to build closer bonds with my two first cousins. I was able to spend a lot more time with my grandma and my aunt. Most importantly, I got to see firsthand, how hard my parents worked to provide a great life for my sister and I. Seeing how hard they work, inspired me at the time and today that work ethic continues to inspire me. When I was 14 I decided I wanted to start working. At the age of fourteen I got my first job as a bag boy at Winn-Dixie. About a year later I got job working in catering industry. I was there for the next 10 years at 15. Spending a decade in the catering industry taught me so much about discipline, management, commitment, relationships and much more. At 25 I was in another crossroads in my life, do I stay or do I go to law school? I chose law school. Today, I am the proud founder of Louis Berk, PLLC. A law firm dedicated to representing people injured as a result of someone’s negligent acts.
+ How did you start your career?
I started my career in 2011, as an intern at a firm that primarily handled products liability/product defect cases around the country. I worked for one of the top attorneys in that specialty and I learned so much from him. When I graduated in 2014, I received my first opportunity to work in personal injury profession. Over the course of four years, I learned from some of the best trial attorney’s in Florida. Their mentorship is something I hold dear to my heart and I appreciate everyday. I got the opportunity to learn the tactics of what it takes to be a litigator and I took those lessons with me when I left that firm. In January 2018, I decided to take my talents and go out on my own. Although the decision was risky at the time, today, it was the best professional decision I’ve ever made.
+ What makes you unique?
I cater mostly to the Hispanic community. Most of my clients, are immigrants just like I am. Being able to communicate in the same language, share similar situations and experiences definitely makes me unique. There aren’t too many lawyers that speak Spanish and even less that weren’t born in the USA. Both my clients and I love that we can relate to each other situations.
+ What problem(s) are you trying to solve with your service?
Fairness. Many immigrants whether your Hispanic, Asian, African American get treated differently because of the color of their skin or the language that they speak. My goal, has always been to get a fair resolution to my client’s cases. For that reason, most insurance companies send low ball offers to my clients simply because of their last name or the way they speak. Even worse, there’s attorneys that advise their clients to accept these low offers. Here at Louis Berk, PLLC, we will fight in your corner until we get what is fair for our clients.
+ What Type of Work Environment do You prefer?
I love to work in an environment where everyone works together and supports each other. I’ve been in toxic settings in my life where there’s competition, animosity, or jealousy and this situation can be detrimental to the team and company as a whole. I really enjoy collaboration, team work, support and positivity. If we work together as a team, there is no limit to the things that we can achieve.
+ What motivates you and how do you motivate others?
Helping a client when they most need it. When we first retain a client, they’ve just been involved in a traumatic experience. At Louis Berk, PLLC., we want to make the process as easy and smooth as possible. This is why we help our clients every step of the way from start to finish. When I get phone calls, emails, or reviews on our social media platform expressing gratitude for the work that my firm has provided for them nothing motivates me more than that. I believe I motivate others by my commitment and positivity. I start work early and I end late. Whether its phone calls with clients, discovery meetings, depositions or conversations with adjusters, I always strive to do better each and everyday. Im also extremely positive. Anyone that knows me knows that positivity will always prevail in my world. It doesn’t mean I don’t have negative days, but I also look at the positive side of things.
+ Are you a hunter or a gatherer?
I am a hunter. I’ve always enjoyed the preparation, the commitment and the dedication to hunting down the people responsible for my clients’ injuries.
+ What are your pet peeves?
Tardiness and unpreparedness. Growing up in the catering business my former boss used to tell me “if you’re early, you’re on time, if you’re on time you’re late and if you’re late you might as well not show up.”
+ What are 3 words that describe you?
Trustworthy. Committed. Reliable.
+ What is your favorite song from your childhood?
Wow! This is tough, anything Boyz II Men and Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems – Notorious B.I.G.
+ A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
Buenos Dias Abogado Louis! He’s here for his first day of work, but sorry no sombreros while at work Mr. Penguin.
