Iris Escarra is Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig, P.A.’s Miami Land Development and Zoning Practice. She practices land use, zoning, and procurement law, and is certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in city, county, and local government law. She represents land owners and developers in every phase of property development and operation.
Favorite quote: We don’t accomplish anything in the world alone and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry off one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that create something. — Sandra Day O’Connor, first female justice of the Supreme Court
Fun fact: I love fast cars.
How do you unwind after a long day of work? Binge watch a Netflix series.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? In my second year of law school, I got pregnant with my first son. To say it was a challenge is an understatement not only physically, but also emotionally. Thankfully, I had the support of my husband who helped me every step of the way, even carrying my law books to the hospital as I went into labor because I needed to study every moment I could. But for his help, I alone could not have given birth one week and taken my final exams the following week to successfully pass that semester and not skip a beat in my education.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? My most monumental moment in my career was being hired at Greenberg Traurig. I never even imagined that I would be eligible to work in such a large prestigious firm. My education was good, but not ivy league. Thankfully, when I was given a chance to work in the big leagues, I was given an opportunity where someone else believed in me more than I believed in myself. So I was up for that challenge and knew I had to work harder than the next individual to show to myself, that I belonged. 16 years later, I still have the same philosophy and know that I have to work harder to keep moving up.
Who are your role models? My mom. She came to this country without speaking the language and worked extra hard to own her own business. She was relentless in her work, helpful to others and taught my sister and me to be strong women, with a strong voice.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Be the best at your job and everything else in your career will fall into place. – Lucia Dougherty
What advice would you give a young woman at the start of her career? Learn the business model of whatever you do, so that you can be financially successful and pave your own path.
How does being a woman has impacted your career? Thankfully, it hasn’t.
