Our Team
Rafael Padilla
(Managing Partner)
Rafael Padilla doesn’t separate his faith from his legal work; instead, he lets the Holy Spirit guide his every decision. A seasoned attorney with a long list of accomplishments, he’s someone who has walked the high places of his field without losing sight of the people in the valley. He is bold in his convictions and grounded in humility. Those who work with Rafael often find themselves not just legally represented, but spiritually supported. He is a man who seeks justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with his God. Every case he takes on is covered in prayer, wisdom, and a sincere desire to honor the Lord through his work.
Haydee Vera
(Chief Client Specialist)
There’s no job too small and no person too overlooked for Haydee. She serves with a rare kind of availability, always watching, always ready to fill a gap, lift a burden, or simply listen. Haydee doesn’t just help with logistics or offer support; she brings peace into the everyday chaos. She carries the kind of wisdom that can’t be taught and the kind of warmth that can’t be faked. Her heart is for people and her strength comes from a life surrendered to God. Her presence in the office reminds us all that ministry doesn’t only happen on stages, it happens behind the scenes, where faith meets work.
Robbie Vera
(CEO)
Robbie Vera is the kind of leader who never forgot why he started; people. As the founder of the immigration practice, he didn’t create a business, he built a mission field. Robbie’s love for God is the engine behind every decision and every innovation. He dreams big, but his eyes are always on the details that matter most: families, communities, and eternal impact. He leads not just with vision, but with conviction—always pointing back to the One who gave him the dream in the first place. If you’ve met Robbie, you’ve felt what he values: presence, purpose, and people.
Erich Vera
(CFO)
Erich is a rare blend of deep spiritual insight and sharp financial mind. Originally from Chile, he brings a global perspective to his work, but his heart is local focused on the team, the mission, and the individuals we serve every day. As a pastor and a CFO, he walks in two worlds seamlessly: one rooted in faith and the other in responsibility. Whether in prayer or planning budgets, he approaches every task with a sense of calling. Erich leads not from a title but from a posture of humility, with the belief that honoring God in the small things builds trust in the big things.
Yazmin Ramirez
(Operations Manager)
Yazmin is a force of grace and grit. Born into a strong Mexican heritage and shaped by her family’s work ethic, she leads with both heart and backbone. A double graduate from the University of New Mexico, Yazmin manages the complexities of operations with a quiet intensity and a fierce love for justice. She’s not just building a career, she’s preparing for a calling. As a youth ministry leader, she carries both a burden for the broken and a fire for what’s right. Yazmin doesn’t follow paths; she makes them, always in step with what God is doing.
Sheyla Renteria
(Office Director)
Sheyla serves as the Office Director at Padilla Law Firm, overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and driving strategies to improve internal efficiency and client service. Originally from Peru, her personal journey as an immigrant fuels her passion for serving immigrant communities. With a background in healthcare, biomedical research, and nonprofit advocacy, Sheyla brings a unique blend of leadership, compassion, and precision to her role. Her experience ranges from managing assisted living facilities to contributing to FDA-approved research studies. Guided by faith and a deep sense of purpose, she leads with excellence and heart.
Jocelyn Ronquillo
(Paralegal)
Jocelyn Ronquillo is a devoted legal professional with over five years of experience in criminal defense and a deep commitment to justice and community service. A proud New Mexico native and bilingual advocate, she holds a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish and an MPA from the University of New Mexico. Jocelyn brings both legal skill and compassion to her work, with a special focus on supporting immigrant and non-English-speaking clients. Outside the office, she leads the Young Adults ministry at One Body Fellowship, mentoring others through faith and life. Her work in both law and ministry is rooted in empathy, integrity, and a calling to walk alongside the overlooked and underserved.
Princesa Espinoza
(Paralegal)
Princesa Espinoza serves as a Paralegal at Padilla Law, where she supports clients with care and professionalism. She is currently pursuing a degree in Criminology at Central New Mexico Community College, reflecting her deep interest in justice and advocacy. Outside of her academic and legal work, Princesa is passionate about photography, which allows her to capture beauty in everyday moments and express her creativity. She’s known for her genuine kindness, sharp intellect, and uplifting presence. Faith plays a central role in her life, she enjoys quiet moments of spiritual reflection, active involvement in her church, and quality time with close friends and family. With a heart for people and a vision for global impact, Princesa hopes to one day travel the world to serve communities in need. Her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 41:10, reminds her of God's unwavering presence:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Irving Santillanes
(Client Specialist Director)
Irving carries a quiet strength that makes people feel at ease the moment they walk through our doors. As Director of Client Services, he’s the first to notice when someone needs encouragement and the last to leave when someone still needs help. A devoted follower; leads his work with the same heart he leads his home, with patience, grace, and steady faith. Irv doesn’t just work with people; he invests in them. His love for God shows not just in what he says but in how he treats others, with dignity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.
Cesar Santos
(Client Specialist)
Cesar works as a Client Specialist at Padilla Law, where he helps guide clients with focus, patience, and a genuine willingness to serve. Born and raised in Peru, he brings a thoughtful and steady presence to the team. His approach is simple; treat people with respect, stay consistent, and honor God through the work. Cesar connects well with clients, offering clear communication and support through each step of their process. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones, staying active, and being part of his church community. He doesn't seek the spotlight, but his quiet reliability and strong work ethic speak for themselves.
Rey Camacho
(Finance Director)
With an eye for detail and a heart that genuinely cares, Rey is building a career in finance while staying grounded in what matters most: people and faith. He believes finances are more than ledgers and spreadsheets, they’re tools that can be used to build stability for families and open doors for change. His love for God is woven into every decision, and his joy in serving others makes him a leader people naturally want to follow.
Gladis Palomino
(Client Specialist)
Gladis serves as a Client Specialist at Padilla Law, where she brings warmth, attentiveness, and care to every client she works with. She has a natural way of making people feel comfortable and understood, even in stressful moments. Her faith shapes the way she carries herself; steady, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile. Gladis is someone who listens first, speaks with intention, and leads with a servant’s heart. Outside of work, she enjoys quiet time with family, serving in her church, and staying connected to the things that keep her grounded. Whether she’s helping with a complex case or simply offering a reassuring voice, she brings compassion and clarity into everything she does.
Ingrid
(Client Specialist)
Ingrid is a Client Specialist at Padilla Law, known for her thoughtful presence and strong sense of responsibility. She approaches her work with care—always listening closely, staying organized, and making sure clients feel supported every step of the way. Her faith is woven into how she serves others: with honesty, patience, and quiet strength. Ingrid is dependable, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to doing things well, even in the small details. Outside of the office, she enjoys time with family, helping in ministry, and staying connected to what matters most. Her steady character and heart for people make her a trusted part of the team.
Erika Guzman
(Client Specialist)
Erika sees people the way Jesus does; beyond the surface, into the heart. As a Client Specialist, she brings not just skill but presence. She listens with genuine care and responds with a grace that reflects her deep faith. Erika has the soul of a missionary; always asking how she can go deeper, serve more, love better. Her calling is clear: to walk alongside others, whether they’re navigating legal processes or life transitions. She believes in restoration, redemption, and the power of a kind word. Her work is more than a job, it’s a ministry of hope.