Adriana Guzmán Fralick, '03
How did you first get into the legal profession?
You would think I would have known from a young age that I was destined to be lawyer. In first grade, I cut off the shoulder straps from my square backpack because I wanted to carry it like a briefcase and pretend I was going to court. It was a pretty long walk to school so it didn’t take long before I regretted cutting off those straps but I don't regret becoming a lawyer. In sixth grade, I spent all my summer money on a dress suit to wear on the first day of school only to get to school and realize everyone was wearing Levi’s and T-shirts. I first got into the legal profession when I worked as a paralegal for Edward M. Bernstein & Associates while attending college, and it was during this time that Boyd opened and I decided I would attend. That was the best decision I made—I now get to wear suits and carry a briefcase every day.
Tell us about a turning point in your career.
The second-best career decision I’ve made is going out on my own. My plan after Boyd was to hang out my own shingle and as a Latina, cater to the Latinx community. I took a long detour but after an amazing career in the public sector as legal counsel to state agencies and the Governor and at the local government level, I have opened by own law office—AGF Law in Reno. I’m focusing my practice on personal injury as well as legal and political counsel on privileged licenses and disciplinary matters with government entities. After two weeks of being out on my own, I feel complete. Although, I do miss having an IT department to call when I my computer acts up.
What brought you to Nevada?
I was born in Mexico to an American mother and a Mexican father. My mother brought my siblings and me to the states when I was nine years old. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up and receive an education here. Nevada has been good to me. For this reason, I like giving back to my Nevada community. My past volunteer service includes serving on the Nevada State Board of Education and the Nevada Commission on Post-Secondary Education. Currently, I’m on the Board of Directors for Nevada Health Centers, a nonprofit organization that provides health care throughout Nevada. I am also the Boyd Northern Nevada Alumni Liaison. In this capacity, I truly enjoy getting to know Boyd Alumni, staff, faculty and future Alumni. I especially like to connect recent graduates with established Alumni. It is important for our legacy that we mentor recent graduates and build upon the amazing Boyd community we all created. I’m very proud to be a part of Boyd Nation!