Member of the Month: Bricedia Ortega, Counsel at Hensley Legal Group
Where do you work and what kind of law do you practice?
I’m an attorney at Hensley Legal Group and work in personal injury.
When you graduated from law school, did you see yourself doing this kind of work?
Not at all! This is a newer area for me. Up until one year ago, I focused on Criminal Defense and Immigration. Last October, I made a big change and am loving it.
What’s the best part of your job?
Helping people. Hands down. I’m blessed to be able to help others while working at this incredible firm. Not only do we help our clients, but also get the opportunity to help members of our community through various community initiatives.
I understand you’ll be serving as the 2024 Chair for the Indybar’s Hispanic Lawyers Division. Tell me the Division’s current focus and what you’re planning for next year.
Yes! I am so excited. Adriana Figueroa, the current chair, is amazing so I have big shoes to fill. The division is still pretty new. This is our second year. That means that a big focus for us right now is growing. We have a great executive board and just a great group in general and are looking forward to reaching more attorneys and growing our membership. Diversity and inclusivity have always been a huge goal. We are focusing on that now and will continue to do so. For next year, we hope to really amp up our social events and outreach to the Hispanic legal community.
October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Are there any special traditions you observe?
October is my favorite month of the year! My birthday and Halloween are two big ones of course, but something I started doing a few years ago is looking for Hispanic events to volunteer at or attend. Of course, Hispanic Heritage Month also includes September 16, 2023, which is Mexico’s Independence Day, so there is usually a party somewhere for that.
What are some ways in which we can learn and support Hispanic culture without appropriation?
Great question! By engaging, attending, participating in Hispanic events. Someone may feel like they shouldn’t attend that festival, street fair, or store opening because they aren’t Hispanic. Please do! Some of these events or businesses are small. The only way to grow them is with the support of the entire community and not just the Hispanic community. Hispanics love sharing about our culture. What better way to learn and support the Hispanic culture than from participating directly in a Hispanic event.
And lastly, tell us a little something about you personally.
I'm a new(ish) mom. I used to say new until I realized my kid is almost 2! I'm also a fur mom to the cutest standard parti poodle. If you've never met a parti poodle, they are black and white and adorable. My favorite hobby is reading, preferably fiction and not law-related. Lastly, Go Steelers!
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