Monthly Feature: Get to know... Candace Gomez
September 3, 2019
By: Candace J. Gomez
“Candace's integrity is a non-negotiable. Her ability to remain calm and collected, even under intense scrutiny should be admired. The comfort in her legal representation of the district is a result of the time and effort poured into her work. There is never any doubt that Candace always has the best interests of her client as a priority.”
Robert Feliciano
President, Board of Education
Brentwood Union Free School District
For an attorney like Candace Gomez, constructing a persuasive argument is no less than a work of art. Like any artist, Gomez builds her cases on a meticulous platform of intensive study, preparation, knowledge, and prodigious talent. She’s a measured, quiet observer in any situation or proceeding but when it’s her turn to present, she is a confident, formidable presence and steely advocate for her clients.
“From my earliest recollection, I wanted to be a lawyer; no other profession would do,” she recalls, “It is a privilege and an honor to know that clients rely upon me for legal counsel – I take that responsibility very seriously and I thoroughly enjoy my profession.”
At Bond, Schoeneck & King, Candace represents school districts, private schools, colleges, universities, corporations and individuals. She takes great care and pride in providing reliable, prompt and practical general counsel and litigation services to some of the largest school districts and universities in New York State. “My goal is to always help my clients take proactive measures to prevent situations that may lead to litigation by developing effective policies, practices and contracts.” If and when litigation proves necessary, Gomez has successfully represented clients in the courts of New York State and before various state and federal agencies.
Her deep interest in both writing and public speaking is complemented by her excellence in these two areas. In her senior year at Tufts University, for example, Candace was selected to represent her graduating class as a commencement speaker. As the daughter of immigrant parents, and a first-generation American, her commencement speech focused on the importance of active citizenship and intercultural dialogue as a means of improving both our local and global community. Candace continues to practice the values of active citizenship through her volunteer work, bar association activities, and helping her school district clients to find innovative ways to make the public education system more equitable for all students.
Candace is particularly skilled at what she calls “unpacking the complexities of the law into straightforward terms.” This aptitude not only serves her clients, but has made her a sought after speaker. Numerous bar associations and clients around New York State invite Candace to conduct seminars, workshops, and presentations and write articles for their publications. “Not only do I enjoy presenting and writing, but pursuing these opportunities also helps me remain on the cutting-edge of legal developments, and keeps my skills sharp.”
Candace is currently the Chair of the Nassau County Bar Association, Education Law Committee. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) and a member of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association.
A Long Island native, Candace began her legal career in Bond’s Syracuse office, having been recruited directly from law school. She worked in Syracuse for three years, and then relocated to a Long Island law firm, wanting to be closer to her family. When Bond’s Garden City office expanded its education practice group in 2017, the firm welcomed her to join that office in a senior counsel position. She was named a member of the firm in January of 2019.
Although she is a parent of two pre-school aged children and has a demanding work schedule, Candace finds ways to give back to her community without sacrificing family time. She volunteers for the consolation ministry at her church, dropping off baked goods and messages of consolation from the church to bereaved families. “It’s a way that I can express my faith, give back to the community in a meaningful way, and still honor my family responsibilities and other time commitments.”
