2021 Ones to Watch: Roy Carrasquillo, Carrasquillo Law Group, P.C.

Name: Rogelio “Roy” Carrasquillo

Title: Founder & Managing Shareholder

Company Name: Carrasquillo Law Group, P.C.

Rreal estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: Hispanics in Real Estate and Construction of New York, IIUSA

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
Throughout much of 2020 into this year, we worked on a client called LoopLand. Currently, they are developing the former U.S. Naval base on Roosevelt Rd. in Puerto Rico. It is an exciting project that has several components and phases, which include hospitality and entertainment. The naval base has been abandoned for over a decade and this development is a high priority for Puerto Rico. This project is contributing to the revitalization of the entire area and will create much-needed jobs.

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?
My biggest influence, both professionally and personally, is my father. A veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, he has always been the inspiration leading me to become an attorney. He had a passion for the law. In fact, in his 40’s, after serving in the U.S. Army for 20 years he put himself through college and law school so that he could have a second career. He was a passionate–and compassionate–litigator who practiced labor law and took on cases involving workers compensation.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
Collaboration and good communications are at the foundation of our practice. An obstacle can be diverted through teamwork and conversation. We have a group of highly proficient attorneys that are all willing to step in for one another should a conflict arise.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
I’ve always believed that work has to have a purpose. As an example, CLG takes on many affordable housing (LIHTC) and EB-5 projects knowing that, although developers need to make money to quantify their investments, these projects are beneficial to communities and are satisfying needs. Using EB-5, tax credits and other sources of capital, the government can partner with the private sector so that people can obtain quality housing and access to good jobs.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
As I was growing up, I wanted to be a scientist and inventor, although secretly after watching The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, I wanted to become a Jedi. Nonetheless, after realizing the difficulties of mastering the Force, at an early age I opted for focusing my abilities on the practice of law.

What led you to your current profession?
Being inspired by my father, as noted earlier, I saw his passion for the practice of law and how one could be able to make a difference as an attorney. It is one of the best decisions that I ever made.

Top three things on your bucket list:
1. See my children, Rogelio, and Alessandra, graduate from college.
2. Tour Skywalker Ranch and have dinner with George Lucas
3. Learn to play a musical instrument.

Favorite quote:
“Traveler, there is no road; you make your own path as you walk.” -Antonio Machado