Héctor Quiroga

CEO & Immigration Attorney

Héctor Quiroga is the CEO of Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, and an immigration attorney with a connection to the immigrant experience. He arrived in the United States from Colombia in 2000 with limited English, fleeing conflict and seeking a better future. He washed dishes, sold shoes, and worked in insurance while studying to become a lawyer.

His life reflects perseverance and the conviction that every immigrant can thrive. Today, he is a U.S. citizen, attorney, professor, and entrepreneur. Founder of Quiroga Law Office, PLLC and Hector’s Whips, he went from being rejected by a law school to teaching law at Gonzaga, proving that the American dream is possible.

LEARN HIS HISTORY

Who is Héctor?

Education as a path to change

Héctor earned his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law, after initially being rejected due to his English skills. He began his legal studies at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where his high academic performance earned him a scholarship to transfer to Gonzaga. He also holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics from Gonzaga University, where he thrived despite cultural and linguistic barriers. These accomplishments laid the foundation for his legal career and fueled his passion for mentoring others. Today, he shares his knowledge as a professor at Gonzaga Law, teaching courses on legal entrepreneurship and leadership.

A career shaped by vision and resilience

Before launching Quiroga Law Office, Héctor worked at Safeco Insurance, gaining experience in negotiations and corporate operations. He also started a marketing and design business while attending law school, revealing his passion for branding and entrepreneurship. In 2009, he co-founded Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, which has grown to become a nationally recognized immigration law firm. His legal background includes immigration, civil litigation, business law, and federal court practice, including work as a law clerk for Judge Robert H. Whaley. Today, he leads a team of over 50 people with a shared mission to transform lives.

Building a firm by immigrants, for immigrants

The decision to open Quiroga Law Office alongside his wife Casey was rooted in a powerful purpose: to create a law firm built by immigrants, for immigrants. In the beginning, Héctor supported the office as Casey’s legal assistant while awaiting his bar results. When he became a licensed attorney, the firm officially began. What started as a dream has become a thriving, purpose-driven organization. Through strategic leadership and a client-first approach, Héctor has helped shape a legal team that combines empathy with effectiveness, serving clients across the United States and abroad.

Leading with purpose and heart

Héctor’s leadership style is grounded in his own immigrant experience. The core values of Quiroga Law Office—loyalty, passion, proactivity, creativity, love for technology, and an immigrant mindset—are deeply personal to him. He believes that resilience must be intentional, leadership must be rooted in empathy, and success must be shared. At Quiroga, every voice matters, from team members to clients. The firm’s mission is not only to resolve legal cases but to create lasting impact: uniting families, mentoring future leaders, and proving that immigrants are the backbone of innovation and growth in the United States.

Honoring service through recognition and impact

Héctor has received several prestigious honors, including the Loren Miller Scholarship and Washington State Bar diversity awards. He was featured in Spokane Community College’s Winter 2011 campaign as an inspirational figure. His firm has earned repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. As a professor, speaker, and advocate, Héctor continues to shape conversations around immigration, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. His efforts reflect a lifelong commitment to service, justice, and community empowerment.

Publications, teaching, and public voice

He is the author of multiple legal guides and has been a columnist in local media. He frequently participates as a speaker on topics such as entrepreneurship, immigration reform, and legal ethics. He is the creator of the podcast “De Inmigrante a Inmigrante”, where he shares ideas about law, business, and personal growth. In addition, he serves as an adjunct professor at the Gonzaga School of Law, teaching about legal entrepreneurship.

HÉCTOR: LEADERSHIP, IMMIGRANT MENTALITY AND VISION

Learn More About Héctor

Certificaciones

Licensed Immigration Attorney in Washington State
Loren Miller Scholarship Recipient
Washington State Bar Diversity Award Honoree

Experiencia

CEO and Co-Founder, Quiroga Law Office, PLLC
Law Clerk to Judge Robert H. Whaley
Insurance Negotiator, Safeco Insurance
Founder, Marketing & Design Business

Educación

Juris Doctor, Gonzaga University School of Law
J.D. Coursework, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
B.A. in Political Science and Economics, Gonzaga University