Meet Ayala Law’s Newest Attorneys: Matthew Hernandez and Gabriel Sierra

Ayala Law is proud to welcome two new attorneys, Matthew Hernandez, Esq. and Gabriel Sierra, Esq., marking another milestone in the firm’s growth and its commitment to developing exceptional legal talent.

Both attorneys began their careers at Ayala Law as clerks, gained hands-on experience, passed the bar, and returned to the firm as attorneys. Their progression reflects a deliberate approach to talent development: identifying promising legal professionals early, investing in their growth, and maintaining the high standards required to join the firm’s legal team.

Building Attorneys, Not Just Hiring Them

Ayala Law’s clerk-to-attorney pipeline is an active part of the firm’s long-term strategy. Clerks gain practical exposure to legal work while developing the skills and judgment needed to enter the profession. But advancement is not automatic. The firm maintains rigorous hiring standards, and its decision to bring Matthew and Gabriel on as attorneys reflects their demonstrated ability and the quality of their work.

The model has already produced leadership within the firm. Partner Ryan Sawal also began his career at Ayala Law as a clerk before becoming an attorney and eventually a partner.

As the firm continues to grow, developing talent internally complements our broader goal of expanding our capacity to serve businesses and clients throughout South Florida.

Meet Ayala Law’s New Attorneys

Matthew Hernandez, Esq. is a Miami native with family roots in Havana, Cuba. He graduated from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in entrepreneurship, from the University of Miami in 2022. His academic background includes business plan development and small-business management. In 2024, he completed a federal judicial internship with the Honorable Judge Adalberto Jordan at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, gaining exposure to federal appellate litigation and contract disputes.

Gabriel Sierra, Esq. is also a Miami native with Cuban heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida International University and his Juris Doctor from FIU College of Law. During a federal judicial internship at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, he gained insight into the federal judiciary. His practice focuses on business and real estate litigation in state and federal court.

Their appointments add more than two new attorneys to the team, and reflect Ayala Law’s investment in capable attorneys, our commitment to professional development, and our continued growth as a South Florida law firm.