Miguel Hernandez

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 12th, 2025—Miguel Hernandez (J.D. '75) never planned on becoming a lawyer; nonetheless, he owns his own law firm. As an undergraduate, he explored psychology and physiology, uncertain about his future. This said, a conversation with one of his undergraduate counselors changed that trajectory. With the counselor's encouragement and help, he applied to law school while balancing the challenges of being newly married and raising a young child. Santa Clara University School of Law made his attendance possible with a competitive scholarship. Though he was initially placed in the four-year part-time program, Hernandez advocated to complete it in three, a decision that nearly took him to another school until the powers that be relented. It was an early example of the persistence that would define his career.

While at Santa Clara Law, several faculty members left lasting impressions. Father Goda, known for his sharp attention to detail, was both demanding and fair. Hernandez recalls arriving at class unprepared the day after his second child was born. When called upon, he explained the reason for being unprepared. Goda paused before responding, “That’s the best excuse I’ve ever heard.” The moment captured the rigor and humanity of the Santa Clara faculty. He also credits his professors, whose patience and intellect brought out the best in students.

Now, this upcoming January, Hernandez will celebrate fifty years in practice. He views this milestone not as longevity alone, but as a testament to determination. “It means I have a stick-to-it attitude and that I’ve been very lucky,” he reflects. Across countless cases, small but crucial details have often shifted outcomes for clients. His courage in taking matters to trial, though always at the client’s choice, became a hallmark of his practice. Hernandez admits he relishes trial work, “I like to go to trial,” he says simply.

Hernandez’s career choices reveal the values that guided him. The day after passing the bar, he received an offer from a firm to practice corporate tax law that included the prospect of partnership in five years. Soon after, the Monterey Public Defenders' Office invited him for a fifteen-minute conversation, which ended in a job offer. After much consideration and discussion with his wife, he accepted the position, despite the significant pay cut. His law firm employer praised the move, calling public defense  “a very honorable profession.” From the start, Hernandez was thrown directly into trial work. With no training or trial experience, his first case ended in a hung jury, but within one week, he tried two more, both of which resulted in acquittals. It was there he discovered his calling, representing the accused, advocating for fairness, and fighting for justice.

Now, as he reflects on a career that began in the PD’s office and grew into his own practice, Hernandez has published a two-part memoir. His inspiration comes from his grandchildren, who know him as a grandfather at family gatherings but not as the lawyer who spent decades in court. The memoir focuses on unusual details from cases, moments that helped him remember judges, juries, and outcomes. One example comes from a murder trial, where what was claimed to be a “positive” identification was revealed to be only a “general” identification. That distinction changed the case entirely.

For Hernandez, the larger theme of his writing is the triumph of the underdog. He wants readers to see that victory is not about theatrics, but about persistence and integrity. “The underdog can win,” he emphasizes, “not because of anything spectacular but by sticking to what you need to do.” He does not promise clients success; instead, he promises effort, honesty, and hope. His own story reflects that philosophy. From working in the fields as a young child to building his own practice, he demonstrates that resilience and faith can carry someone far beyond their beginnings.

When asked what advice he would give future lawyers, Hernandez is direct. Law school is overwhelming, but persistence matters. “Trust who you are and do what you feel is right, and that you belong there,” he advises. Don’t let judges or prosecutors intimidate you. Even when the challenges feel heavy, he tells students and young attorneys to keep going. After half a century in practice, Hernandez remains proof that counsel, perseverance, courage, and belief in one’s place in the courtroom can shape a lifetime in the law.