Alpha Chi Omega - University of Florida

page 2 The Carnation Chronicle RENATA ANDRADE GUIDRY '97: FROM THE CHAPTER HOUSE TO THE COURT HOUSE Alpha Chi Experience Laid Foundation for Professional Path, Success as Lawyer A s a five-time Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars recipient, Renata Andrade Guidry '97 is no stranger to success. She was most recently named a Rising Star, meaning she's in the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in Southern California, in 2019. Renata has also authored and co-authored several articles in publications over the years, including Los Angeles Daily Journal, Construction Accounting and Taxation Journal, and The Construction Lawyer. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in December of 2003 and holds admissions to several U.S. District Courts in California, Texas, and Colorado, as well as admissions for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the Federal Circuit. Today, Renata is a civil litigation attorney in Los Angeles, representing individual and institutional clients in general business, commercial, employment, real estate, and bankruptcy transactions and litigation matters in state and federal courts. But before she received her juris doctor, she was navigating her way through the sea of students at the University of Florida. Her decision to join Alpha Chi Omega was strongly influenced by her desire to create a small community within the large campus. "Being Greek immediately made the campus feel smaller and more intimate. As an adult, I realize how wonderful it was to have that safe space," she said. "It also allowed me to develop lifelong friendships. I treasure those friendships even if I don't get to see my sisters as often as I would like." While going through recruitment, Renata learned the value Alpha Chi places on campus involvement—something that was important to her as an individual. It was during her time at Gamma Iota that she realized her interest in studying law. "As an Alpha Chi, I got involved with student government, and it sparked the idea of going to law school after graduation." Serving as vice president of chapter relations and standards, she gained valuable leadership experience that undoubtedly set her up for success in her personal and professional life beyond college. "As with any position that involves individuals, balancing the different needs and wants of the members is always challenging. It taught me how to make decisions taking all views into account, and I learned how to relate to all types of personalities." After graduating in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in economics, with honors, Renata moved on to the Loyola Law School. There, she participated in the Loyola International Law Summer Program in Beijing, China, made the Dean's List in 2001-02, and served as the executive editor of the student-run Loyola International and Comparative Law Review in 2002-03. She received her juris doctor in 2003. In addition to being an accomplished lawyer, Renata is fluent in Portuguese (Brazilian; native speaker) and has conversational proficiency in Spanish. She lives in Manhattan Beach, California, with her husband, Phil Guidry, who is a writer/producer, and their 13-year-old twin daughters, Julia and Sabrina. "I'm proud that my daughters can see me as a professional and a mother," Renata added. You can connect with Renata at renataguidry@gmail.com.

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