Oscar was born and raised in Miami, FL. Like many first generation Cuban-Americans in Miami, his parents immigrated from Cuba as children themselves. Oscar’s grandparents had hopes of a better future for their children and grandchildren than the uncertain future they faced in their country.
He attended Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and proudly graduated in 2001. Oscar describes the Jesuit education he received at Belen as “second to none.” The school’s motto “Men for Others” is one that he has always tried to model his life by. More than anything, the Jesuits taught Oscar to strive for excellence. If something is worth doing at all, it is worth being good at it.
After graduating from high school, Oscar decided to attend Florida State University (2005) and as a result, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with Honors. During his time in Tallahassee, he pursued a pre-law track, was a Dean’s List student, participated as Political Action Chair for the Hispanic-Latino Student Union, and co-founded the Coalition for Active Voter Education (CAVE). Due to his academic record, Oscar was also recognized by the Oscar Arias Sanchez Hispanic Honor Society. Florida State University will always hold a special place in his heart for the fond memories of his college years, the lifelong friendships that he forged there, and as a place that will always truly feel like home, no matter how much it changes over the years.
Since an early age, Oscar has always wanted to be a lawyer. He has always been fairly logical and analytical by nature. Also, the idea of defending people in court and standing up for others has always appealed to him. Throughout his life, Oscar has been surrounded by great mentors, and as a result, that has really motivated him to strive for greatness and follow in their footsteps. He has always believed that the best teachers always challenge you to think differently and stimulate you to find answers on your own. When Oscar looks at the figures he admires, they are people who never stop learning, never stop looking for mentors, and are not too arrogant to think that they have all the answers. The main lesson he has grasped from them, which he personally holds tightly as his golden rule, is to work hard and be humble.
Upon graduating from Florida State University, Oscar was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship offer from DePaul University, located in Chicago. Before then, he had never thought about leaving Florida. Upon arriving to Chicago, he could already feel like his life had changed. Coming from warm and mellow Miami to the Windy City’s unforgiving winters filled with snow, and temperatures reaching as low as negative degrees Fahrenheit. Law school was thrilling in many ways, the daily intellectual sparring sessions were exciting and interesting.
Today, Oscar is incredibly proud of what we have built at EPGD, and feels motivated to continue to grow the firm to serve our clients in the South Florida community and beyond in a way that continually adds value.
On a personal level, Oscar is a proud husband and father. Other than spending time with his wife and son, Oscar’s guilty pleasure is a recently expanding sneaker collection. He is also an avid sports fan, especially for his Seminoles and Miami Heat. Whenever they are playing, you can always catch him in front of a tv or at the game.
Schools
- Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, 2001
- Florida State University, Bachelor of Science in Political Science With Honors 2005
- DePaul University College of Law, J.D. 2008
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2008
- Florida Middle District Bankruptcy Court, 2008
- Florida Northern District Bankruptcy Court, 2008
- Florida Southern District Bankruptcy Court, 2008
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 2008
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, 2008
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2008
- District of Columbia
Representative Matters
- Successfully defended business owner against intentional tort claims (conversion and civil theft) brought by a publicly traded company. Won at trial on directed verdict.
- Obtained six-figure judgment at trial against competitor business for violation of Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices (FDUPTA) and associated violations of Florida’s Trademark statute.
- Successfully defended Miami business in Fair Labor Standards Act overtime litigation.
- Successfully defended Miami Beach realtor through jury trial in action for alleged Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUPTA) and civil theft violations.
- Obtained Stipulation of Settlement and attorneys’ fees for Plaintiff in ADA action brought against owner of a historic building in Downtown Miami.
- Successfully prosecuted Breach of Contract action on behalf of Florida real estate developers which led to a settlement for sale of property.
- Successfully defended large corporation in whistleblower action by employee.
- Wincor v. Potash, 227 So. 3d (Fla. 4th DCA 2017)- Posting of summons on premises was deemed to comply with Fla. Stat. 82.061 and deemed to be valid service for unlawful detainer claim under Florida law. The Court affirmed that the statute provides for posted service for unlawful detainer actions.
- Vuillermin v. Mitsubishi, 233 So.3d 1178 (Fla 3rd DCA 2017)- Recognition and enforcement of a foreign (French) money judgment against appellant pursuant to Florida’s Uniform Out-of-country Foreign Money-Judgment Act,” sections 55.601-.607, Florida Statutes (2017) was affirmed. Contrary to Appellant’s argument, the foreign judgment did not fall within any of the limited and enumerated grounds for non-recognition specified in section 55.605. Appellant could not avoid the foreign judgment based on lack of personal service; he failed to raise the issue initially in the foreign court of competent jurisdiction, and the foreign court authorized garnishment of the judgment in that jurisdiction despite his (unsuccessful) appearance to object to such enforcement. Moreover, a French judgment need not be refused recognition because it was based on a default. See Chabert v. Bacquie, 694 So. 2d 805, 815 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997).
CLE Presentations
- Enforcement of a Foreign Judgment (2018)
- How to Fight Trademark Infringement and Deceptive and Fraudulent SEO Practices Against Your Business (2018)*
- Piercing the Corporate Veil in Florida (2019 – Lawline)
- *Courses are available online through myLawCLE
Prior Associations
- RG Law Group P.A. f/k/a Gonzalez Lage P.A.
- DJSP Law Offices
- Garbett, Allen, Roza P.A. (Summer Attorney)
