We are proud to say that we have simply amazing people in our family of clients. Each month we take time out to shine a spotlight on our clients’ accomplishments, passions and experiences.

Please meet, Alejo Rodriguez, our Spotlight Client for April 2019. I was born in East Orange, NJ and raised in New York. My mother, Angela Contreras, raised me as a single mother and unfortunately, my father, Alejo Rodriguez, wasn’t in my life after their divorce. My mother taught me the importance of family, being a good person, working hard and to never forget that life is beautiful.

I started my love affair with basketball at the age of 14, the summer before my freshman year at Mount St Michael Academy. My hard work and dedication took me from being the last guy on the bench to starting on varsity my sophomore year. Senior year of high school was full of many personal and team accolades. Our team ended the season winning the 2006 City Championship. All my hard work earned a full Division 1 basketball scholarship to Iona College.

I was a 4-year standout at Iona College, but unfortunately, my college career didn’t go as planned as I was plagued with many injuries and major surgeries. I was grateful to have the love and support of my mother, stepfather, sister and brother during this time. I received an extra year in college due to my surgery and I used that time wisely. I earned my bachelor degree in three years majoring in marketing and minoring in management. Two years later earning my Master’s Degree in Management with a Sports and Entertainment Certificate.

Even after all my setbacks due to injuries I was able to have a six-year professional Basketball career. During my career, I played in Spain, Denmark, Venezuela, Germany, Dominican Republic and in the NBA D-League now the G-League.

In my years after retirement, I got a job at Madison Square Garden, currently working in the Staff Services Department. I also ran the 2017 New York City Marathon, raising money for the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

I reconnected with my father a couple of months ago after learning he was sick with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, his care taker was taking advantage of him and I stepped in to provide him the best care and to do right by him because regardless of the past he is still my father.

I was referred to The Elder Law Center of Kirson & Fuller by another lawyer in the Orlando area. It has been a very stressful time trying to get everything done, especially since I am in New York. I’m so thankful to Maricarmen and Renée, they truly made the process as easy as possible. I would recommend this law firm to anyone with any issue involving an older loved one.

It has been a privilege to be able to effectively serve Alejo. To show our appreciation for his trust in us, we have made a $50 donation to each of two organization important to him, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Meals on Wheels of Orlando. Thank you, Alejo, for all your kind words, and for always being a pleasure to work with.