Tenant Spotlight: DLC Law

by JENNY PAR

At the early age of six-years old, Socrates De La Cruz knew that he was destined to become an attorney.

Born in New York City and raised in the Lawrence Housing Projects by his grandmother, Socrates faced harsh poverty and was surrounded by drugs and violence. He witnessed his uncle go in and out of jail and saw how this put an emotional toll on his grandmother. Socrates recalls, however, that as soon as his uncle’s attorney, John McBride, stopped by the house he immediately saw the relief on his grandmother’s face.

Fast forward 25 years and having overcome many obstacles, Socrates earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. Shortly after graduation, Socrates was hired by John McBride, the very man who represented his uncle.

In 2000, he founded the DLC Law Group, P.C. Attorney De La Cruz is also a national motivational speaker. He is the founder of Socratic Inc., an organization of speakers who motivate, inspire, and engage people. He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the New Hampshire Bar Association and the New York Bar Association. Attorney De La Cruz is also admitted to practice law in the United States District Courts for the Districts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

His many other achievements include: The Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year Award; Oprah’s Angel Award for his service to the community; writing/authoring a chapter in Denzel Washington’s New York Times best-selling book, A Hand to Guide Me; and induction into the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.

As a highly accomplished lawyer, Attorney De La Cruz is always ready to advocate for his clients. Do you or anyone you know need a good Criminal Defense attorney? Contact DLC Law today at 978-681-5858 or 978-815-2730. Email: socrates@thedlclawgroup.com.

Areas of Specialization:

OUI/DWI
Drug offenses
Violent crimes, such as Murder or Manslaughter
Assault and battery
Restraining orders
Domestic violence
Sex offenses and Internet crimes

Follow DLC Law on Instagram@socratesdelacruz, LinkedIn, and Twitter @thedlclawgroup.

Where did you go to law school and why did you become a lawyer?

I attended Suffolk Law School in Boston and graduated in 1998. Today, I am part of the scholarship committee there.

At 6 years old, I was being raised by my grandmother in the Lawrence projects. My uncle was always in and out of jail and I knew it was tough on her. I vividly remember a lawyer by the name of John McBride, showing up at our house and watching the stress lift off of my grandmother’s face. I later saw him after graduating from law school and was hired by the same man.

How big is your team? Who influences your business?

Our team is made up of three attorneys and one paralegal. Combined, we have 50 years of experience in criminal defense.

You’re originally from Lawrence, because it’s your hometown, is that what keeps your business here? 

Growing up, there were very few role models. But when I was 7 years old, Steve Kelley at the Boys and Girls Club, brought me to the Lawrence District Court. Since then, I never had a thought to leave. I wanted to be a role-model, no one from my family graduated from high school and I want to dedicate my life to helping children in Lawrence and the community. I feel like I owe it to the city to be a good example.

What accomplishments has your organization made since moving to Riverwalk? 

Sometimes it’s not all about taking, but giving away feels good too. I am part of the Lawrence Bar Association (Executive Committee Member). I nominated Karen Kravchuck, who is a resident of Lawrence and also an employee at the Boys and Girls Club, for the Liberty Bell Award for her contributions to the Lawrence community. The association voted unanimously to present this award to Karen.

What are the reasons you came to Riverwalk and what benefits does this location provide to you?

My office was located at 65 Merrimack Street for 15 years. I watched Sal reconstruct an entire corner of the city. Sal took this area and resurrected a new shining bright star in a city that often comes off as dark.

People get excited about coming to Riverwalk. They know exactly where it is. Other developers are mimicking what Riverwalk has done. Everyone likes visiting this location, it’s family-like, pleasing! I am on a first name basis with many of the other tenants here on the campus.

Advice you’d give to someone interested in becoming a lawyer.

Do it! If you want to be a lawyer (or anything else), if it comes from within you, you should just do it. Be your own influence. I feel blessed from this experience.

You’re also very community oriented, what are ways you like to give back to Lawrence?

 I am committed to serving my community and I feel that I owe it to the kids in the city to be an example.