Get to Know Isai
Isai was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and raised by Guatemalan immigrant parents who came to the United States seeking a better life for their family. When Isai was ten years old, his family relocated to Florida, where his upbringing and life experiences would shape his calling to the legal profession.
As a child, Isai witnessed his mother face the real possibility of deportation. Through the help of a dedicated attorney, she was able to remain in the United States and ultimately become a U.S. citizen. That experience left a lasting impression on Isai and exposed him at an early age to the profound impact that strong legal advocacy can have on a family’s future.
Growing up, Isai also saw friends and relatives entangled in both the immigration and criminal justice systems. These experiences opened his eyes to the injustices faced by vulnerable and marginalized communities and inspired him to become an attorney who fights for those whose voices often go unheard.
Isai graduated from Port St. Lucie High School and went on to earn his degrees from Indian River State College, Florida International University, and Nova Southeastern University College of Law. He and his brother are both first-generation college graduates — a testament to their parents’ courage and sacrifice in leaving Guatemala in pursuit of opportunity and freedom.
Today, Isai is committed to defending the rights, dignity, and futures of his clients. He approaches every case with compassion, determination, and a deep understanding of what is at stake — because for him, this work is not just professional, it is personal.
Clerk’s Office Experience
During law school, Isai worked as a Navigator at the Palm Beach Clerk’s Office while balancing full-time employment during the day and attending law school at night. In this role, he assisted members of the community with completing a wide range of legal filings, including family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support.
Isai also helped individuals navigate landlord-tenant eviction matters and assisted with petitions to seal or expunge criminal records, giving people the opportunity to move forward with a clean slate. Through this hands-on experience, he developed a strong understanding of the legal system from the perspective of everyday people facing real-life challenges.
After four years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, Isai successfully graduated from law school.
Assistant Public Defender Experience
After graduating from law school, Isai began his legal career at the Palm Beach Public Defender’s Office, where he served as an Assistant Public Defender in the domestic violence, county criminal, and felony divisions.
Over the course of three years, Isai handled a high volume of serious criminal cases and tried more than 35 jury trials as both lead and co-counsel. His trial experience includes first-, second-, and third-degree felonies, as well as domestic violence cases, misdemeanors, assault and battery, theft offenses, and DUI cases.
During his tenure at the Public Defender’s Office, Isai was recognized for his dedication and courtroom skill by earning the “Trial Stick” Award, presented to the attorney who tried the most cases within a given trial period. This recognition reflects his strong work ethic, trial readiness, and commitment to defending his clients at every stage of the process.
Immigration Defense Experience
After leaving the Public Defender’s Office, Isai expanded his practice into immigration and criminal defense at the Law Office of Jan P. Weiss in Lake Worth, Florida. There, he worked alongside highly respected attorneys and gained extensive experience defending members of the immigrant community.
During this time, Isai represented individuals facing deportation, assisted in securing the release of immigrants from immigration detention, and defended clients in related criminal matters in state court. His work required a deep understanding of both immigration law and criminal defense, as well as the ability to advocate effectively for clients whose freedom, families, and futures were at stake.
Isai credits the mentorship and collaboration of experienced attorneys for sharpening his legal skills and strengthening his commitment to justice. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This principle continues to guide his approach to advocacy and professional growth.
Contact
Reach out for trusted legal guidance.
Email Isai@Bonillalawyer.com
Phone
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(772) 899-8356
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