Cherish De la Cruz

Cherish De la Cruz is a dedicated attorney who brings a deep understanding of her clients' needs to her practice, which focuses on estate planning, probate and small business law. Born and raised in Toronto, she is the daughter of Filipino immigrants and experienced firsthand the challenges her parents faced in a new country. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in law, presently serving clients at the Lawrenceville office of The Manely Firm, P.C., in Georgia, with a mission to help families like her own navigate complex legal landscapes.

 After earning her law degree, Ms. Cruz began her legal career as a public defender in Florida, where she gained valuable insights into the probate system. These early years reinforced her desire to help clients avoid the pitfalls of legal battles over estate matters. In 2006, she relocated to Atlanta to join an insurance company in Duluth, Georgia, as senior counsel and anti-money laundering officer, where she honed her skills in supporting small businesses and individuals, collaborating closely with financial advisors and certified public accountants.

 A personal family tragedy in 2010 further shaped Ms. Cruz's professional journey. Her personal experiences with estate planning, along with her battle against cancer, deepened her commitment to helping clients prepare for life's uncertainties. She empathizes with the emotional challenges her clients face and uses her personal experiences to guide them through thoughtful planning.

 Ms. Cruz's professional affiliations include board memberships with the Gwinnett Chamber, The Women's Collective and the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia. She is also actively involved in pro bono activities with Mosaic Georgia and the Catholic Foundation of Georgia. Ms. Cruz was also proudly named Best of the Coastal Empire's 2024 Best Estate Planning Attorney and recognized as a finalist for Gwinnett County's coveted Moxie Awards. She's a regular host for the Firm's Family Law Matters podcast through Gwinnett and Forsyth's Business RadioX and has been featured on Business RadioX's long-running Celebrating Powerhouse Women show. Her unique blend of personal and professional experiences makes her a valuable advocate for those navigating estate planning, probate and small business law.