Lessons from Local Leaders:

Sandra Guzman

A Conversation with Sandra Guzman Salvado: Family Law, Advocacy, and Empowering Clients

When navigating the complexities of family law, having a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference. Sandra Guzman Salvado, founder of the Law Office of Sandra Guzman-Salvado, serves clients across Maryland, including Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, and Howard Counties. With a deep commitment to advocacy and a unique bilingual practice, Sandra has built a reputation for helping families through difficult legal matters, from divorce and child custody to domestic violence cases. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey, her approach to legal practice, and how she is making an impact in the Hispanic community.

Finding a Calling in Family Law

Sandra’s passion for helping people led her to a career in law, where she found a natural fit in family law cases. Early in her career, she worked at the Legal Aid Bureau, where she was exposed to emotionally charged cases involving custody battles, domestic disputes, and financial struggles. This experience helped shape her approach to law—one centered on empathy, clear communication, and a strong legal strategy.

Building a Bilingual Family Law Firm

Recognizing the lack of Spanish-speaking family law attorneys, Sandra decided to establish a bilingual law firm to bridge the gap for Hispanic clients in need of legal representation. She shared a personal story of struggling to find a Spanish-speaking lawyer for a family friend and how this inspired her mission to create a legal space where Spanish-speaking clients could feel understood, supported, and respected.

“Cultural understanding is just as important as language,” she explained. “Many of my clients feel comfortable knowing I understand their background, values, and concerns.”

A Client-Centered Approach to Family Law

Sandra and her team prioritize consistent communication to ensure clients feel supported throughout the legal process. As soon as a client retains her firm, they are scheduled for a strategy session, ensuring they understand what to expect.

“The key is staying in touch,” she said. “Clients should never feel left in the dark about their case. Our team ensures they know what’s happening, when, and why.”

Advocacy Beyond the Courtroom

Beyond legal representation, Sandra is involved in mediation, where she helps families find amicable resolutions to their disputes. She also supports programs like the Self-Represented Litigant Project, which helps individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

“When both parties have legal support, cases are resolved more effectively and fairly,” she noted. “Legal aid programs provide essential resources to those in need.”

The Changing Landscape of Family Law

Sandra has witnessed significant changes in family law, particularly in child custody and support. Courts are now more likely to award joint custody, recognizing the importance of both parents in a child’s life. Additionally, recent adjustments to child support guidelines have increased payments to reflect the rising cost of living.

Balancing Empathy and Professionalism

Handling emotionally charged cases requires a balance of compassion and objectivity. Sandra emphasizes the importance of staying calm and offering clients a broader perspective when emotions run high.

“My role is to guide clients through the storm and help them make sound decisions,” she said. “It’s about showing them the long-term impact of their choices.”

Advice for Aspiring Lawyers and Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start their own legal practice, Sandra offers this advice: Just get started.

“There will never be a perfect time, and you’ll never have all the answers in advance. Start with what you have, adapt, and grow from there.”

She also emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous learning. “Surround yourself with supportive colleagues. There’s enough work for everyone, and collaboration benefits all.”

Finding Balance and Joy Outside of Work

When she’s not advocating for clients, Sandra enjoys spending time with her three children, watching their sports games, and making time for friends and self-care. Whether it’s taking a walk, listening to podcasts, or watching a movie, she finds ways to recharge and maintain balance.

Final Thoughts

Sandra’s journey highlights the power of determination, community support, and a client-first approach. Through her work, she continues to empower families and individuals navigating complex legal challenges.

Follow Kass Kassraie Below