Meet Noemi Puntier | Attorney whose passion is to protect and empower immigrants

We had the good fortune of connecting with Noemi Puntier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noemi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

Being authentic – this world needs more vulnerable and real leaders to show that we are not perfect but there’s always a possibility to rise above any obstacles. Success looks different for everyone and as for me, success means staying grounded in my faith, developing a vision and core values for my business that is aligned with who I am, what’s important to me, and what I strongly believe in. Knowing my calling and executing my vision has allowed me to grow and stay focused on what really matters. I have created service standards that are non-negotiable for my business and that allows me to practice law in a way that’s fulfilling and rewarding.

To have a successful business also requires investing in yourself and those around you. I spend a lot of time reading leadership and business books, I have a business coach, and I belong to a mastermind group. I’m also very intentional about who I bring on board to be part of my team. I tend to take chances on hiring people based on their character and not necessarily on their skills (I often joke around that I hire people not skills). Anyone can learn a skill but character traits such as, integrity, honesty, commitment, and loyalty are things that either you have it or you don’t. Hiring team members that buy into your vision is imperative to a successful business and execution of your vision and mission.

What should our readers know about your business?

I’m an attorney who protects and empowers immigrants. My vision is to help one million immigrants gain legal status. I am an immigrant and the oldest of 4 children, the first one to attend college, and the first lawyer in our family. My history gives me an advantage in understanding my clients’ needs at a deeper level. My life experience as an immigrant and one with humble beginnings allows me to know the heartbeat of my clients’ legal problems, what matters to them the most, and how to best service them with the proper legal solution.

My journey to becoming an attorney is not a traditional one. I started my career after graduating college as a social worker helping teenage mothers find housing and become productive members of society in Harlem, New York. After working in the social worker’s field for a couple of years I recognized a need within our community that was greater than what I was able to offer as a social worker and that’s when I decided to become a lawyer. I knew no lawyer and I was already out of college for over 4 plus years. The odds were against me when applying to law school but I had something that some people lacked…a calling, hunger, perseverance, and tenacity! But as God will have it, I was accepted into law school the minute I received my law degree I started my dream job as a public defender at the Bronx Legal Aid Society.

Moving forward 7 plus years after practicing in New York I relocated to Georgia and was unable to find work. I interviewed for an immigration law firm and noticed the need to serve an extremely vulnerable population. After not getting the job, I decided to open up my own firm and take control of my calling to be a voice for the immigrants. That was 10 years ago and I’m extremely grateful that God has showered me with immeasurable favor.  We are now a thriving law firm exclusively serving immigrants nationwide.

The road to having a successful law practice was not easy but when you love what you do everything is achievable. There have been a lot of challenges along the way. I overcome the hard times by remembering where I came from and how far God has brought me. Remembering my “why” and holding onto my faith is what drives me to overcome any obstacles that present itself. There are many lessons learned through hardships but the most important one is to give yourself grace and know that no one has all the answers. Everyone is running a different race and we need to stay focused on our personal journey.

What the world should know about me is that anything is possible with determination, perseverance, and faith. Having integrity and staying grounded on your why goes a long way in building a successful business. I’m an immigrant who came from humble beginnings and have developed a brand of premier legal services, empathy, vulnerability, success, client first approach, and trust. This was accomplished without the need to compromise who I am or cut corners to get to the finish line faster. If I can do it, so can you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love coffee and reading. I would definitely visit the Chateau Elan winery and coffee shop. Their restaurant, hotel, and spa are awesome places to unwind and enjoy a relaxed day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As an immigrant who came from humble beginnings I want to thank my dad and mom for having a larger vision than life for their children and for seeking the American dream. Their vision allowed me to reach higher and not settle for less even at times where I thought I was not qualified. Their core values taught me to persevere, be mindful of others, and never forget my starting point in life. I dedicate my law career to Sally Manzanet-Daniels, a woman who saw the greatness in me before I saw it myself. She believed I had something unique that the world needed to witness and taught me to believe bigger in myself and my ability to rise above my humble beginning. She opened the door to my legal career and because of that I will forever honor her.

Website: www.puntierlaw.com

Instagram: abogadanoemipuntier

Linkedin: Noemi Puntier

Facebook: abogadanoemipuntier

Youtube: Puntier Law