Born in Puerto Rico and brought to New York as a toddler by her parents, Thais Rodriguez grew up in a home where education was valued deeply and heritage was kept close at heart.

Her mother and father – neither of whom attended college – worked tirelessly to provide their daughter a future full of opportunity, while summers were spent in Puerto Rico, where Thais remained grounded in her family’s culture.

“My mother instilled in me the belief that education was the key to opportunity,” said Thais, a Garden City-based partner in Goldberg Segalla’s Workers’ Compensation practice group. “My mother was a quiet but powerful influence. Her resilience, work ethic, and unwavering belief in my potential laid the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished.”

And helping cement that foundation were those summers spent in Puerto Rico, where Thais learned the importance of community.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, someone who could advocate for others and make a meaningful impact,” she said. “That dream, shaped by my heritage and my mother’s sacrifices, never wavered, ultimately leading me to law school in Detroit and eventually to a career in litigation.”

A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Thais held a judicial clerkship with the Michigan Court of Appeals, where she was taught the importance of precision, clarity, and thorough research while also spending time serving the community.

“My mother’s example has shaped my approach to law as a service-oriented profession. I’ve always sought out roles where I could be hands-on and proactive, whether it was interning with underserved communities in Detroit or advocating for clients in Workers’ Compensation defense. I carry her values into every case I handle – working hard, staying grounded, and striving to be the best advocate I can be.”

Ultimately, Thais’s desire to be closer to family brought her back to the New York City region’s tri-state area, where upon her return she went to work for a law firm at which she represented injured workers. That experience, she said, provided her with a “deep appreciation” for the human side of workplace injuries. Now, as a partner at Goldberg Segalla practicing Workers’ Compensation defense, Thais uses that insight to help employers navigate complex claims with compassion and strategy.

“Cases involving disputed medical causation are particularly rewarding,” she said. “They require a deep dive into medical records, expert testimony, and strategic litigation planning. I enjoy the challenge of building a strong evidentiary record and presenting a clear, persuasive argument.”

Thais handles a wide range of Workers’ Compensation claims, from straightforward injuries to complex cases involving disputed medical causation, occupational disease, and fraud. Much of her work is focused on defending Workers’ Compensation claims in the construction industry.

Within the firm, Thais serves in a leadership role in its Workers’ Compensation and Construction Litigation subgroup. She is also a key member of Goldberg Segalla’s Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Joint Defense Program, in which she collaborates with both Workers’ Compensation and general liability attorneys to provide clients with cost-efficient, comprehensive legal representation that addresses both indemnity payouts and legal costs.

In working with employers, carriers, and third-party administrators, Thais develops tailored defense strategies, shaped by a proactive, hands-on approach rooted in understanding her clients’ businesses and operations.

“Trust starts with transparency and responsiveness,” she said. “I keep clients informed, explain strategy clearly, and follow through on commitments. I also make sure they know I’m invested in their success. I visit worksites, engage directly with their investigators, and often serve as an interpreter during crucial initial investigations. This allows me to build rapport with employer witnesses and gain a deeper understanding of both the allegations and the available defenses.”

Integral to her effectiveness is her ability to relate to, and speak with, New York City’s Spanish-speaking population, particularly the construction workers and witnesses involved in the cases she handles.

“My fluency in Spanish enables me to bridge communication gaps, gather accurate information, and ensure that no nuance is lost in translation,” said Thais. “In many cases, my background has helped me earn the trust and cooperation of Spanish-speaking witnesses, which is an essential factor in building a strong defense. This cultural and linguistic connection gives me a unique advantage in tailoring strategies that reflect both the legal and human elements of each case.”

In addition to her legal work, Thais has been involved in Goldberg Segalla’s mentorship program, guiding young associates as they navigate the legal profession.

“I believe in paying it forward,” Thais said. “I’ve spoken at my undergraduate alma mater, Fairfield University, during a Diversity Conference where I shared my journey to becoming a lawyer and, more importantly, encouraged students to pursue their goals and dreams, no matter their background. I’ve also had countless one-on-one conversations with aspiring lawyers who’ve approached me for guidance. Whether it’s offering practical advice, sharing personal experiences, or simply being a sounding board, I make it a priority to support and uplift those who are navigating the path I once walked.”

It all goes back to that young girl who set her sights on a legal career so that she could make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, and that young lawyer starting her career in Detroit who came to view law as a service-oriented profession.

“I stay motivated by remembering why I started: to make a difference, honor my family’s sacrifices, and pave the way for others like me,” said Thais. “Every case is an opportunity to grow and serve.”