Adrian Acosta ’16
The practice of law can lead new law graduates in many directions and, for some, making the decision on what area and type of practice to pursue can be a daunting one. Class of 2016 graduates Adrian Acosta, Erik Lichter and Lester Rodriguez followed the path that lead them to fulfilling their dream of opening their own law firm.
Lester Rodriguez ’16
Upon passing the Florida Bar exam in 2016, Acosta initially formed his own solo practice. In October of 2017, he joined forces with Erik Lichter to form Acosta & Lichter, PA.; a full-service law firm offering representation in areas that include business transactions, eviction actions, contract disputes, personal injury, wrongful death, criminal defense, and family law. Lester Rodriguez, who is also a 2016 alumnus, joined the team as an Associate Attorney in March of 2018.
“St. Thomas Law faculty and friends have supported Acosta & Lichter, PA, in many ways, ” stated Acosta. “We joined the LEAD Program* [St. Thomas Law’s incubator program] wherein the law school faculty gave us valuable insight on how to start and effectively run a startup firm. Along the way, St. Thomas Law professors and administrators have assisted us by providing guidance and access to professional support networks—including introducing us to other St. Thomas alumni.”
Eric Lichter ’16
That guidance has inspired the firm to “pay it forward” as they strive to grant opportunities to other St. Thomas Law students. “We take pride in the fact that we can involve fellow students and the St. Thomas Law family in the progression and growth of our Acosta & Lichter family; all the while teaching and exposing them to valuable professional experience.” explained Rodriguez.
The team is also dedicated to living the St. Thomas Law mission by participating in community service initiatives. They participate in the Vous Church ‘I Love My City’ Community Service Program by feeding the homeless and mentoring teenagers at local Miami shelters, act as mentors in St. Thomas Law’s Peter Palermo Program, and taking on pro bono cases through the Dade County Bar Association’s Put Something Back program.
St. Thomas Law salutes these alumni as they continue to grow within the legal industry.
*The St. Thomas Law LEAD Program offers a select group of entrepreneurial-minded, Florida-Bar licensed, recent St. Thomas Law graduates with ongoing training and valuable networking experiences to help build their professional careers as small firm/solo practitioners.
