Karim Batista: On Mentoring & Service

Attorney at Law Magazine Miami Publisher Rhenne Leon sat down with 2019 Rising Star Karim Batista of Law Offices of Karim Batista to discuss his career, his inspiration, and his plans for the future. 

AALM: When did you first know you wanted to become an attorney? What drew you to this career?

Batista: I can credit my mother and her career as a paralegal as the reason. She worked at a boutique firm in Boston, and I was able to spend a lot of my summers with her at the firm. I even got to go to court when I was around 10 years old. At that point, I knew that I wanted to be a litigator and be in the courtroom.

AALM: Who is your current mentor? What is the best lesson they’ve taught you so far?

Batista: Regla Sibila. She has become my “law mom” and we have built a fabulous relationship outside of the courtroom. She has taught me that life should be enjoyed, accept the things that happen and the fact that there are some things that you cannot change. She has taught me that family, above all, is what matters and that one must create a healthy family/work relationship.

AALM: Where do you see your career going?

I am excited to serve our community, from the bench, and to make a difference one family at a time.”

Batista: I want to become a judge. I have submitted my paperwork and have begun my campaign to become a circuit court judge in Miami-Dade County. I am excited to serve our community, from the bench, and to make a difference one family at a time.

AALM: With technology and an ever-global world, how do you see the legal profession evolving over your career? Do you believe this will be positive or negative?

Batista: I think technology is ever changing and one must be willing to change with it. At my firm, we try to keep up with the latest technology as it relates to client communication, billing, case management, communication among the attorneys and staff, and having the proper equipment for trial and/or mediation. There is nothing to worry about – technology will never replace the need for attorneys and litigators.

AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?

Batista: Playing Spiderman with my 3-year-old (I am typically the villain) and arguing with my stepdaughter that slime is not cool. The occasional grown up dinners at the new trendy restaurant in Miami is nice.

AALM: What do you most hope to accomplish in the future?

Batista: Continue helping new attorneys become effective and accomplished litigators. I take pride and enjoyment in mentoring young attorneys and law students in our community.