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Two Decades Strong and Loving Every Minute
Planting the Seed
Sandra Craine-Gonzalez has been practicing law for over two decades and still loves every minute of it. Sandra grew up in a predominantly black, professional neighborhood on the Northeast side of Charlotte with teachers, preachers, nurses and doctors. Growing up, she saw first hand the rigid abuse of power around her and aimed to be a part of the change she and her family wanted to see in the world.
Her father, a hardworking employee of a few trades, enjoyed the hospitality industry and often found himself working at events where some of the area’s most esteemed attorneys were in attendance. Mr. Craine saw the same strength of character, determination, empathy, and creativity in his daughter that he worked for. Her parents encouraged Sandra to consider a career in law. They knew their little girl had a heart of gold and the willpower and intelligence to become a force to be reckoned with. Looking back, Sandra recounts stories of sneaking her food to a neighbor in need and credits her empathy to her mother’s giving spirit.
“Back in the 60s and 70s, it was hard to find any black lawyer in Charlotte – let alone a female attorney. I remember my father coming home from work and telling me, ‘You could be a lawyer.’ As a black man, to have that level of confidence and insight to tell me ‘You could do that’ is astonishing.”
Despite the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the concept of black women in legal professions was still very modern in the 1970s. As a schoolteacher during times of integration, Mrs. Craine had a hand in helping hundreds of young minds welcome this change; showing Sandra anything was possible. Sandra reflects on how courageous and compassionate her mother was. She was a driving force in her success, and a great mentor. Through it all, it was Sandra’s family who helped her set and reach her goals.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and English Minor from Wake Forest University, Sandra felt her calling was still untapped. With unending support from both of her parents, she started her law degree at Florida State and graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 2001.
Being a Black Lawyer in Norfolk Today
Black women make up less than 3% of all the licensed attorneys in the US, according to a report in 2023. There has been little growth in the number of female attorneys of color in the last decade. Studies site reasons like a lack of access to the neccessary acedemics for finacial reasons and a lack of mentors for young students to look up to. Rutter Mills attorney, Sandra Craine-Gonzalez hopes to be that mentor young women can look up to in the legal profession.
Sandra has now been practicing law for over 20 years. Her natural gifts make her as kind to her clients as she is keen in the courtroom. Her upbringing created a solid foundation on which Sandra built her trailblazing career. In Sandra’s eyes, the law should not be a mystery to everyday people. Remembering the world she saw growing up, she now fights to ensure everyone has the best, accessible representation.
Sandra hopes to be a beacon of hope for young girls considering a career in law. She hopes they will see her rise from working class neighborhood in Charlotte to an esteemed attorney here at Rutter Mills as an encouragement to overcome their challenges and strive for success.
We are thrilled to have her as a member of our winning trial team. Her experience as a senior trial attorney for Allstate Insurance makes her an expert in knowing how to build cases against big car insurance companies. Her compassion resonates with clients, but her experience, knowledge, and inner strength are what get her the win in court.
Read more about Sandra Craine-Gonzalez.
Get in touch with Sandra
A Rutter Mills case is a serious case. It may mean you have been badly injured. It certainly means you have a lot on the line, and the resolution of your case will make a big difference to you, your family, and your life moving forward, so speak with the team who can help get you on the road to recovery. Call Rutter Mills. (757) 777-7777
Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
