Her Story
About Maribel
Maribel A. Piza is the founder of the Law Offices of Maribel A. Piza, P.A., where she has dedicated her legal career to immigration defense since establishing her firm in 2007. Sworn in as an attorney in 2002, she began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans and later served as a judicial law clerk in Civil District Court. Following Hurricane Katrina, she relocated to South Florida in 2005 and continued building a practice focused on advocating for immigrants and protecting their rights. Her practice encompasses immigration court representation, green card and citizenship applications, and asylum cases, allowing her to assist individuals and families as they navigate complex immigration matters.
A veteran, Maribel attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, after completing a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. She is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She also serves as President-Elect of the Fort Lauderdale at Cypress Creek Rotary Club through Rotary International, reflecting her commitment to professional leadership, community engagement, and service. Her humanitarian contributions to immigration advocacy have earned her notable recognition, including Person of the Year honors and an award from Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
Maribel attributes her success to her faith, spiritual foundation, and the unwavering support of her late mother, whom she credits as a tremendous source of encouragement and strength. Integrity, compassion, family, and spirituality are central to the way she approaches both her professional and personal life. She believes that attorneys should treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and compassion, particularly when representing individuals facing challenging immigration circumstances. Maribel encourages young women entering the legal profession to recognize their unique strengths, pursue their dreams with confidence and passion, and use their talents to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maribel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to God and the spiritual foundation that continues to guide me in both my personal and professional life. I am also deeply grateful for the influence of my late mother, who was my greatest cheerleader and a constant source of strength, encouragement, and support. She believed in my ideas, encouraged me to pursue my goals, and provided a strong foundation that shaped who I am today. I recognize that having such unwavering parental support is a blessing that not everyone has, and I carry that gratitude with me as I continue to grow, lead, and pursue new opportunities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from a federal judge, who simply told me to “be polite.” I have found this advice to be especially valuable in the adversarial legal environment, where professionalism, respect, and composure can make a meaningful difference. Treating others with courtesy, regardless of the circumstances, allows me to navigate challenging situations with integrity while building strong and respectful professional relationships.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the legal profession is to lead with a kind heart and treat everyone with compassion, dignity, and respect. This is especially important in immigration law, where clients may be navigating deeply personal and challenging circumstances. I encourage women to follow their dreams, recognize the unique strengths and perspectives they bring to the profession, and pursue their goals with confidence, passion, and purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Immigration law is a critical and evolving area, presenting both significant challenges and meaningful opportunities. I have been fortunate to work in a field where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives by helping individuals and families navigate the immigration process and pursue lawful status and citizenship in the United States. I view this work as both a professional responsibility and a meaningful opportunity to advocate for others while contributing to stronger communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, compassion, family, and spirituality. I strive to approach every situation with honesty, respect, and empathy, treating others with kindness and understanding. Above all, family remains my greatest priority and source of strength, while my spiritual foundation guides my decisions, values, and commitment to living and working with purpose.
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