Teresa is an award winning, bilingual attorney from West Des Moines, Iowa, proud to offer representation to a diverse community. Through her experiences as a first-generation American and attorney, Teresa provides resilient and empathetic representation to English and Spanish-speaking individuals navigating family law matters. From divorce and custody issues to domestic abuse and guardianships, Teresa tirelessly advocates for her client’s best interest.

Prior to Teresa’s admittance to the Iowa State Bar in September 2024, she graduated with honors from Drake Law School, with a certificate in Public Service. During her time in law school, Teresa worked every day to make a positive difference in her community. For one year, Teresa practiced as a student attorney at the Drake Legal Clinic where she dedicated hundreds of hours pro bono to handling divorce, custody, guardianship, domestic abuse, and juvenile delinquency matters. Teresa also advocated for members from underrepresented communities throughout her Presidency in La Alianza, her student representation in Drake’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and her translation work for the Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. Teresa finds joy in supporting her community and changing peoples’ lives for the better.

In honor of Teresa’s passion and service, she received the 2024 Award for Equity and Inclusion from Drake Law School. Teresa also received the 2024 Outstanding Note Award from the Drake Agricultural Law Journal for her published Note, Dobbs’ Attack on Rural Communities: How Restrictions on Reproductive Healthcare will Exacerbate Rural Flight and Further Deplete Agricultural Workforces, 28.2 Edition. The Journal published this Note while Teresa served on their executive board as the Editorial Staff and Media Editor. Teresa is grateful for her law school experiences, particularly externing at the Iowa Supreme Court where she made legal recommendations to Justices.

Teresa obtained her bachelor’s degree in Law, Politics, and Society with a minor in English and music from Drake University in May 2021. In undergrad, Teresa also received awards for her writing and starred as the lead soloist in Fermata the Blue, Drake University’s only co-ed accapella ensemble.

When not in the office, Teresa enjoys singing, playing the piano and ukulele, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with her loved ones.