Page 3 - Laura Benitez Geisler

The Early Years
Geisler emphasizes the importance that mentors have played throughout her life. “Although I didn’t know any lawyers, certainly not any Hispanic female lawyers to look to for inspiration or guidance, I had a goal and knew I would find a way to reach it,” says Geisler. “In college, I wasn’t sure what I should major in so I chose criminal justice because I found the subject matter fascinating and figured I was more likely to excel if I studied something I found really interesting.” While majoring in criminal justice at the University of Texas at San Antonio she was encouraged and mentored by a professor, who upon learn- ing that law school was her goal, helped guide her through the law school application process and wrote her letters of recommendation.
While in law school Geisler started working at a per- sonal injury law firm with Ralph C. “Red Dog” Jones who would later become her first law partner. “I knew immedi- ately that I wanted to practice personal injury law, I think in large part because I learned from someone who was passionate about the practice and who really took the time to nurture my professional development,” states Geisler.
Noting that she has had several mentors who have had a significant impact on her life, Geisler cites her mother as her most valued and respected mentor. “She passed away in 2009, but she has been, and will always be, my biggest mentor. It was always her goal to set a good example for me and she exceeded that goal,” says Geisler. “As a kid, I saw her persevere as a single mom who was professionally successful despite lacking a college degree. As an adult, I saw her persevere as she battled cancer with determina- tion, grace and a positive attitude. Her kindness to others extended to all. I want to live my life following the exam- ples she set.”
The Practice
Four years ago, Geisler set up shop as a solo practitioner and opened the Geisler Law Firm. “It was the right time for me to go out on my own,” she explains.
Geisler’s practice is focused primarily on personal injury litigation. “It truly ranges; I have handled a wide spectrum of personal injury cases from defective medical devices to civil rights claims and most everything in between, but I also have experience in commercial cases which I also find interesting. The common denominator is usually that I am drawn to the client or their story,” she explains.
“I really enjoy the practice of law, but what I find most rewarding is working on cases where I feel that I really helped someone get through a difficult time or played a part in helping improve their quality of life.” She states that she has saved every thank you note she has received from her clients over the years as a reminder that behind every file is a person or family who has trusted her to advocate on their behalf.
As an example, Geisler shared a story about a case she handled recently. “My client was involved in a car wreck when she was eight months pregnant. In order to save her baby’s life she had to undergo an emergency cesarean. Un- fortunately, the baby was born with catastrophic injuries
“... she has been, and will
always be, my biggest mentor.