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The Caruço Law Way (Practice Model)

Writer's picture: rodrigocarucorodrigocaruco

The bulk of my military legal career revolved around criminal litigation and appeals. So, when I started my transition back into civilian life, that led the way. But my practice is an extension of over eleven years in the military, so let me explain how the Caruço Law Practice Model all comes together.


The enduring theme is . . . service.




Litigation

Probably what every potential client assumes, but is rarely true. Most lawyers are not litigators. Outside of criminal law, maybe you've done some legwork for a deposition, or maybe even done a deposition, but you aren't at counsel table at trial. Clients pay too much for that.


A mentor described her "sabbatical" from banking representation to work at the local State Attorney's office when I was a first year in law school. She was a subject matter expert. But, she had little courtroom experience. Threats to litigate were empty. Bullying by threatening trial (and other issues for another day) rampant. So, she took a SUBSTANTIAL pay cut to learn litigation and be in the courtroom.


In school, I wanted to understand my audience. A jury, yes. But, that rarely happens, and for good reason (when it does, it's a damn good reason and a whole other issue). I wanted to know the judiciary. So, I studied under a legendary state trial judge (now retired) in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and then was blessed to study under a truly legendary federal jurist (now senior status) in the Middle District of Florida.


War stories are shared elsewhere, but I served as a prosecutor and defense counsel. My duty stations required me to navigate high visibility, complex cases. I partnered with law enforcement to develop the now DoD-wide operational plan to address child exploitation investigations.


Appellate Practice

This was a return to home for me. I focused my law school education on appellate advocacy. After learning the law from the trial judiciary perspective in law school, I transitioned after graduation to serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Charles E. "Chip" Erdmann of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the U.S. military's highest court. Following my time on the trial side, I served as an appellate defense attorney before the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the Supreme Court of the United States.


It was this all-encompassing experience that led to my selection to serve on the defense team representing Mr. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, in his death penalty military commission.


One of my core specialties in my practice is state and federal appellate practice. In addition to representing clients on appeal, my firm provides litigation support to trial attorneys in order to both protect their record, or preserve errors, for a potential appeal.


Estate Planning

Probably the most under-valued, but much needed, practice of my military career. Air Force judge advocates assigned to legal office (as I was for four years), provide certain services to the base commander and community. A federal statute allows certain estate planning documents (wills, trusts, advanced medical directives, powers of attorney) to be recognized as if prepared in accordance with any relevant State law.


Over my initial four years, I prepared hundreds of simple and complex wills and trusts, as well as associated documents.


Civil Practice

Military service is hard. Often finding themselves stationed far from home, away from family and a good support system, service members are often taken advantage of. Part of my first four years of service involved assisting service members in landlord-tenant issues, family law disputes, contractual disputes, and the every day stuff that a hero in uniform has to navigate in the town where he or she is.


Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL)

Goodness, how things have changed since I was an amateur athlete. Justice Kavanaugh's concurring opinion in the Alston decision upended collegiate sports. Getting involved in amateur club volleyball led my interest in pursuing this opportunity for athletes. The big deals get all the media. But while maximizing our clients opportunities to the broadest extent possible, especially in this uncertain time, my firm focuses on bringing local businesses and hometown athletes together to build brand loyalty and provide avenues of income to our hometown athletes.


These seemingly disconnected practice areas are merely an extension of my military legal experience. Though I don't wear fatigues any more, my service remains the same. To apply my knowledge and experience to the needs of my community, both in and out of uniform.



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© 2023 by Caruço Law, PLLC. 

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