Originally slated to graduate with the class of 2020, Cross, true to her full-throttle nature, finished early, earning her degree in December 2019. This head start allowed her to take the February bar exam, which she passed with flying colors, and she wasted no time diving into the job market. Her ambition quickly paid off with a sweet job offer. But just as her career was about to take off, the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. With offices shuttered and hiring freezes in place, the position she had enthusiastically anticipated vanished, leaving Cross to regroup and re-imagine her next steps in an uncertain landscape.
However, with her characteristic zeal Cross takes a philosophical view, believing that everything happens for a reason. For her, that reason turned out to be a serendipitous connection with a second, equally impactful mentor. This mentor not only guided her through the challenges of launching her career but also inspired her to take the bold step of establishing her own firm—a move that would define her path as an attorney.
“I feel I had the best mentor anyone could ask for,” she says. “He allowed me to skip basically 16 years of practice because he taught me everything. He went to court with me, and in fact still does sometimes. He really taught me how to run a business. But honestly, number one, he taught me how to treat my clients. He’s one of the best and most respected criminal defense attorneys in the state and a super cool, good friend.”
It’s hard to pinpoint whether Cross’s all-in dedication and round-the-clock commitment stem from her own unrelenting passion or if they were inspired by the influence of her friend and mentor. Either way, this driven attorney doesn’t just work for her clients—she seems to thrive on it, embracing a tireless approach that sets her apart.
“I really do work 24/7,” she says. “But it’s exactly what I want to do. I love being available for my clients. On weekends, I’ll often head to the jail when someone gets arrested. A lot of lawyers stick to a 9-to-5 schedule, but I’d rather someone call me than sit in jail feeling scared or uncertain. To me, it’s not a burden—it’s what I was meant to do, and I absolutely love it.”
Specializing in DUI defense, Cross is known for her tireless work ethic, strategic approach, and personal investment in her clients’ cases. She understands the stakes involved—DUI charges can have serious consequences on a person’s life, and she is determined to protect her clients from unfair or excessive penalties. Her approach is comprehensive, always digging deep into the specifics of each case to find every possible defense. Her clients value not just her legal prowess, but her compassionate approach to their struggles.
“People come to me at what is typically the worst point in their life,” says Cross. “But, immediately after talking with them I can see that they feel relieved because they know I’m going to take over their case, and if there’s a way out of it, I’m going to find it. It means so much to me to be able to help this way. Obviously, not every case is one that can be won, but they know I’ve done everything I can, and they take comfort in that. Even in the worst-case scenario, I help them to see that their life isn’t over just because of one mistake.”
