Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Petry
Hi Lucy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you had told me 30 years ago that I would be where I am today, I would have laughed and said it was impossible. My journey has been long and filled with challenges, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It has shaped who I am.
My life took a significant turn when I became a mother as a teenager, and soon after, lost her father in accident in Brazil where I was born. That moment ignited my dream of obtaining an education to lift my daughter and me out of poverty. Despite the odds, I stayed in school, driven by the vision of a better future for both of us.
Right after finishing high school, I made the decision to move to the United States with just four suitcases, my four-year-old daughter, and a small amount of money—barely enough to start a new life in America. I settled in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, enrolled in school, and took on any job that came my way to pay for my education and living expenses. I worked as a house cleaner, washed dishes in restaurants, and did whatever was necessary to support myself and my daughter. Despite the grueling schedule, I stayed focused on my studies, determined to graduate and become a respected professional who could make a meaningful impact in the world.
My journey didn’t stop there. I went on to earn my CPA license, an MBA, and ultimately, a law degree. My dedication to education and my passion for helping others led to a unique opportunity in 2005 when professor Ramon Fernandez asked me to take over the management of the University of Saint Thomas’ volunteer tax program. I embraced the role, and ended up dedicating more than 20 years to running the program and expanding its reach. In 2013, I established a similar volunteer tax program at South Texas College of Law in Houston. Although teaching was never part of my original plan, I found myself thriving in this role, devising curricula, ultimately training over 300 volunteers, and providing professional guidance to students.
The clients I’ve served through these programs have been the driving force behind my decision to pursue law. I recognized that the low-income population often lacks access to professional services, particularly legal advice related to taxation. Many of my clients are vulnerable to exploitation by unlicensed tax preparers and notarios. My extensive training as a CPA, MBA, and attorney, combined with my business acumen and teaching experience, has uniquely equipped me to address these issues and advocate for the community.
In 2016, I founded the Petry Law Firm, where I continue to serve businesses and individuals with the same dedication and passion that have defined my career. I particularly enjoy showing my clients that there is a light at then of the tunnel of their problems. Clients leave my office relieved, knowing that there are solutions, and we can help them deal with their tax problems.
In addition to my work at the firm, I am also a frequent speaker at conferences and legal events, sharing my expertise in tax law and tax resolution. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, which allows me to connect with a broader range of clients.
Outside of my legal career, I am certified as an advanced diver and pilot, pursuits that reflect my love for adventure and learning. I am also actively involved in nonprofit boards and pro bono committees, ensuring that I continue to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Today, as a CPA, attorney, educator, and founder of the Petry Law Firm, I am dedicated to serving others. My life’s journey, marked by perseverance and a commitment to helping those in need, has come full circle. Now, in a position to make a significant impact, I am eager to continue my work, tackling the challenges ahead with the same determination that has defined my path.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Besides my early struggles, during law school I developed thyroid eye disease. I was slowly loosing my vision, but I didn’t realize it until one day I could not see the color blue on a power point The disease is rather disfiguring and I had a really hard time finding a doctor who understood it. Seven surgeries later, I am finally feeling better and seeing normally. This taught me patience and acceptance as at one point I was preparing to live life as a blind person.
Looking back on my difficult beginnings, I can’t believe I did not become a statistic. Throughout my life I have had so many angels come out of nowhere to help me, I can do nothing but give it back as way to pay back the universe.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We help businesses and individuals with all aspects of taxation, including tax preparation and tax resolution. My favorite thing to do is help clients with their tax problems. Sometimes clients come to us with ten years of unfiled returns, sometimes they don’t know when was the last time they filed. Oftentimes the IRS is threatening to take their home, their social security, the money in their bank. We step in between the client and the government to sort things out, and to get the clients out of bad situations. I love what I do, over the years we have developed a great relationship with the people we know at the IRS. and we work hard to maintain a good reputation. I also love helping clients reduce their tax burden through planning. It is like putting together a puzzle, and I love puzzles, but nothing compares to the moment when a client receives good news from us. That feeling is priceless.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to let my mission guide both my life and my work. Compassion and service to others are at the core of everything we do.
When clients come to us, they often feel embarrassed or ashamed about their tax debt. We reassure them that these issues are incredibly common, and that we are here not to judge, but to help them regain control of their life or business.
Through the Petry Law Firm, I strive to maintain my mission to be of service to others. Sometimes I am tired, sometimes I am overworked and frustrated, and it is easy to forget what it feels like to feel helpless, to feel lost in the system without a way out. Our mission is our guiding light, we keep going back to it in everything we do, and particularly when we don’t know what to do. We ask ourselves what is the right think to do? What is best for the client.?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://petrylawfirm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petrylawfirm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petrylawfirmtx
Image Credits
These are all taken by family, friends and colleagues
