In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Dentons is proud to highlight partner Justin Mirabal, a partner in the Firm’s Energy practice. A member of the Hispanic/Latinx Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) Affinity Group, Justin reflects on his rich Mexican American heritage, the role it has played in shaping his professional journey and the importance of embracing and passing down cultural identity to future generations.

1. Introduce yourself. (Please share your name, title, role at the Firm, how long you've been with Dentons and your Hispanic/Latinx background.)

My name is Justin Mirabal, and I am a partner in the Dentons Energy practice in Washington, DC. I joined the Firm in 2020. I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where my dad’s side of the family has been rooted for generations. We are Mexican American by descent, but proudly New Mexican by heritage.

2. How has being Hispanic/Latinx contributed to your professional success?

The Hispanic/Latino experience in the United States has been defined by strong family bonds, hard work and resilience. In a Hispanic/Latino family, there is no lone champion, but a concerted family effort toward a common goal that often includes parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts and countless cousins. The most fulfilling victories I’ve experienced as a lawyer have been the result of similar, all-encompassing team efforts. 

And no Hispanic/Latino family is a stranger to a hard day’s work. When I am laboring away late at night on a complicated brief, I draw inspiration from the members of my family who have worked long hours in the service industry, in farming and in humble government roles to pay their mortgages and feed their kids. My family’s experience reminds me that I am blessed to have the chance to practice law, and I put in the time every day to honor that legacy of hard work.

I also find that being a Hispanic/Latino requires a considerable degree of tenacity and resilience. We belong here. We belong in this country, in the courtroom and in the boardroom. Our heritage and contributions are every bit as American as any other. And when we encounter setbacks, being an American Hispanic/Latino means you get back on your feet, steady yourself and put your shoulder back into the cause. It’s a fundamental life lesson, but it has also made me a better advocate for my clients.

3. What advice would you give to young Hispanic/Latinx lawyers or professionals starting their careers?

Embrace your culture and identity on your terms. Hispanic/Latino culture is amazingly diverse. I encourage young Hispanic/Latino lawyers to find the unique aspects of their heritage, identity and family history that most resound with them and to hold tight to those elements.

And as you succeed in the legal profession, be sure to extend a hand to other Hispanics/Latinos who need help. Our profession is better when it is infused with perspective, generosity and kindness.

4. Who has inspired you the most to embrace your Hispanic/Latinx heritage?

As I get older and live further away from New Mexico, I find myself reembracing my Hispanic/Latino heritage. I miss my grandma’s green chile, the holidays with my cousins and the mountains and sunsets in Albuquerque. But my two-year-old twins have inspired me to take stock of my background. My kids are Hispanic/Latino. Their story will be part of the American Hispanic/Latino experience, and I want them to understand and be proud of the family, traditions and sacrifice that come with that heritage.

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