By Shirley Gómez -New York
In a matter of months, Camille Vasquez took the world by storm. The Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial had an extraordinary impact and attracted a record audience. She was at the center of one of the biggest entertainment stories of the year. Dubbed the ‘queen of cross-examination,’ the Hispanic attorney became a vital member of the litigation team that ended the trial with a jury ruling in favor of Depp.
The best way to describe Camille is as a person who is always smiling, full of life, kind, intelligent, close to her family, and passionate about her work. As a young person, Camille knew that her career goal was to represent and defend people. Therefore, she pursued higher education at the University of Southern California where she graduated magna cum laude. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Political Science, she completed her Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School.
In 2018, Vasquez joined the international law firm Brown Rudnick as an associate in Litigation & Arbitration, becoming a trial lawyer in high-stakes disputes, including defamation cases, contract disputes, business-related torts, and employment-related claims. She has recently become Brown Rudnick’s newest partner.
Camille’s name began making headlines and gaining popularity on multiple social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, in 2022. Why? Her work in court during Depp’s defamation trial against his ex-wife Heard was remarkable. She was accompanied by a team of young, smart and professional lawyers, who clearly mastered the task at hand. She has won the hearts and respect of the actor’s fans, to the extent that they are even pushing her to become the first woman president!
Today, the world-renowned lawyer is among one of the most searched professionals on Google. Camille’s exceptionally private life awakened fans’ interest in wanting to know more, including how she met her longtime client Depp, her upbringing in a Hispanic household, her family, and her career.
HOLA! USA had the opportunity to spend a whole day with Camille and learn more about how the daughter of immigrant parents from Cuba and Colombia became a beacon of hope to aspiring professionals in the United States and worldwide.
The first-generation American also surprised the HOLA! team by bringing Marilia Vasquez, her mom, to the set. We experienced firsthand the loving relationship between the mother and daughter. Marilia confessed that she was incredibly proud of her two daughters and spoke about the importance of family for Camille.
Learn more about why Camille is a rising force and an Orgullo Latino.
“It’s been a surreal experience and, if I’m being honest, a tad overwhelming. And something I wasn’t prepared for. I was just doing my job.”
©Hola
How are you feeling with all the spotlight on you? How are you dealing with fame? Did you imagine this type of attention?
Well, thank you for asking. It’s been a surreal experience and, if I’m being honest, a tad overwhelming. And something I wasn’t prepared for. I was just doing my job. I had a feeling that because of the client and the nature of the case, it would kind of turn into something bigger than itself, but the attention to the legal team — on me specifically — has been interesting.
How was your life before becoming the ‘Queen of Cross-Examination’ and a viral sensation?
Private. I was just a hard-working lawyer, and thankfully, I was surrounded by a fantastic legal team of mostly under 40-year-olds. So we became close. We are very close friends; we trust each other. We challenge each other. And I can’t say enough about what a fantastic group of lawyers I had the privilege to work with. My life was very vivid, obviously, but also focused on work and the people I had the privilege of working with.
©Hola
BONUS CONTENT: WATCH CAMILLE’S INTERVIEW
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©Hola
“We were born in California, both of us. I was born in Northern California, and my sister in Los Angeles. We are first-generation Americans.”
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Are you the first lawyer in your family?
I am.
What are the biggest lessons you have learned from your parents?
To stay humble and be grateful for all the sacrifices they have made. I think working hard is something that they instilled in both of us. There will always be people and forces kind of working against you because of your last name or how you look, etc. For them, it was essential that we learned the language. We’re proud of where our parents came from, but also it’s a testament to the fact that we are Americans.
We were born in California, both of us. I was born in Northern California, and my sister in Los Angeles. We are first-generation Americans.
Growing up surrounded by the Latin Culture allowed you to experience firsthand why Hispanic food is among the most flavorful and diverse. In your case, do you prefer Colombian or Cuban food?
I love Cuban food! El mojo (marinade) is so yummy!
Do you cook?
I can make some Cuban dishes. I can make Picadillo, Ropa Vieja. But you know what? They’re similar. The sazon (seasoning) on both Cuban and Colombian food has. I love them both.
©Hola
And you speak Spanish fluently? Right?
I do. It is my first language.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can sing. It’s not something that I do anymore. But you might find some videos maybe if you dig far enough. I did a lot of musical theater growing up. I have a funny story. My father worked for Hilton Hotels his whole career, and we lived at the Anaheim Hilton Towers, and there was an Italian restaurant, and on the weekends, they had Jerry and Victoria, a duo singing and playing the piano. They’re such close friends of my family. And I would sing every night I was there, The Little Mermaid’s ‘Part of Your World’ on her lap. One of my oldest memories is that as I got a little bit older, she would make a joke like, ‘You’re getting bigger,’ while sitting me on her lap.
©Hola
“If I could be an inspiration for other young women, especially Hispanic women and Latinas, then it’s all worth it. At the end of the day, that’s what’s important.”
And what do you do in your free time?
I love to travel. I love to eat at different restaurants, try different cuisines, and just spend time with my loved ones. Nothing makes me happier than being around family or friends over a really good meal and a glass of wine. That’s what I enjoy doing. I love hosting dinner parties and being around people; I’m very social. I think that’s probably the Hispanic side of me. I like being around people. It just makes me happy. But I’m much more of a homebody than you know. I enjoy being home and being surrounded by people that I love.
You are the perfect example that hard work and discipline pay off. For many, you are a role model and a symbol of empowerment. What do you want people to take from you?
To follow their dreams and to be committed to them. My goal was always to be an advocate —I think I was born to be an advocate. I’ve been told I talk a lot since I was a young girl. When I feel passionate about something, I take it very seriously, and I think it’s about following your dreams, sticking to your guts, and not being afraid to be confident and do what’s right.
If I could be an inspiration for other young women, especially Hispanic women and Latinas, then it’s all worth it. At the end of the day, that’s what’s important.
©Hola
NOTE: This interview was condensed and edited for clarity purposes.
CREDITS CAMILLE VASQUEZ PHOTOSHOOT
Photo: Jesús Cordero
Stylist: Emma Pritchard | Coral Finnie (Assistant)
Hair / Makeup: Jamie Harper
Video/BTS: Daniel Neira
Designer Credits
Argent (black suit)
Alina Anwar (white suit)
LilySilk (blue shirt + skirt)
Voyette (sparkly snake print stiletto)
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