What inspired you to become a lawyer?
If I had to summarize what inspired me to become a lawyer, it would come down to one word: service.
For over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working in the public sector—more than ten of those years with the Superior Court of California, primarily in the litigation department and the Court’s Small Claims Legal Advisor’s Office. During that time, I witnessed firsthand how overwhelming the legal system can be for those trying to represent themselves. Helping self-represented litigants navigate that complex process wasn’t just fulfilling—it reawakened a calling in me. It was there, in the Small Claims Legal Advisor’s Office, that I realized my true purpose: empowering others through legal knowledge. I’ve always believed that knowledge is power, and my passion lies in helping people access that power—especially those who might otherwise be left without legal resources or representation.
That same passion drives the work I have done and continue doing today. Previously, I have served as Attorney Supervisor and Trainer for the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Small Claims Workshop where I have had the opportunity to guide aspiring lawyers while also continuing to educate the public. I’ve also conducted trainings at the San Diego Public Law Library, currently volunteer with the Legal Aid Bankruptcy Clinic, and provide monthly clinics at my local senior citizen center. I believe community involvement is where the law truly meets people’s lives.
In addition to providing legal information to the public regarding consumer and personal disputes, my practice also includes bankruptcy and estate planning—areas that allow me to reach even more individuals and families seeking guidance and relief. Whether I’m assisting someone filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or helping them prepare for the future through estate planning, my goal remains the same: to make the law accessible, understandable, and empowering.My journey to becoming an attorney wasn’t a straight line—it was built through hard work, determination, and a deep commitment to helping others. From my beginnings as a legal secretary trainee to running my own practice, I’ve experienced the law from every angle. That path, combined with raising three children while earning my degree summa cum laude, taught me resilience and empathy—two qualities that continue to shape my approach to every client I serve.
Ultimately, I became a lawyer because I believe in people—and I believe that with the right knowledge and support, everyone deserves a fair opportunity to be heard.
What motivates you to keep going on tough cases?
What keeps me going on the tough cases is remembering why I started doing this work in the first place—to serve, to empower, and to make a difference for people who might otherwise have no one to turn to.
Throughout my career—especially my years with the Superior Court of California’s Small Claims Legal Advisor’s Office—I’ve met countless individuals facing overwhelming legal challenges. Many were scared, uncertain, and just needed someone to help them make sense of it all. Seeing the relief on a person’s face when they finally understand their options or feel heard for the first time—that’s what keeps me going.
I’ve always believed that knowledge is power, and even in the toughest cases, that belief anchors me. No matter how complex or emotionally draining a situation might be, I know that by staying steady and helping my clients understand their rights and choices, I’m giving them something no one can take away: confidence and clarity.
The other part of what motivates me is gratitude. I never forget that I once started as a legal secretary trainee, working my way up while raising three children and earning my degree summa cum laude. That journey built resilience in me. When a case feels heavy or complicated, I remind myself that perseverance has always been part of my story—and that every client deserves that same level of dedication.
At the end of the day, it’s about service. Whether it’s a bankruptcy client looking for a fresh start or someone trying to navigate small claims court on their own, knowing I can help lift that weight, even a little, makes every challenge worth it.
What prompted you to establish your own solo practice?
Funny enough, solo practice was never the goal. At no point did I intend to become an entrepreneur. I always knew I wanted to go to law school, but the ultimate goal had always been of opening a nonprofit that provided free legal assistance to those who needed it most. Life, of course, happened. After getting married and having children, working for the government felt like the right fit. It provided a cushion, allowing me the flexibility to raise my kids while still keeping some structure and routine in my life.
During my time as a small claims legal advisor and paralegal, my sense of purpose was reignited. I started to recall countless conversations with my dad about becoming “the people’s attorney,” conversations that inspired and guided me for years and stayed with me through all of life’s twists and turns.
Once my children went off to college, the desire to serve the public grew stronger. I made the decision to finish my law degree and earn my Juris Doctorate. But as I stepped “out into the world,” meeting more and more people in need, I quickly realized that God had a different plan for me. Slowly, organically, my practice began to grow, following a path I hadn’t mapped out myself.
Looking back, the dream I had shared countless times with my dad was no longer just an idea; it became a tangible goal I was actively pursuing. This path was not one I meticulously plotted; it was one I followed with faith. As I followed, the work I was meant to do unfolded naturally, allowing me to serve others in ways I had always dreamed of. I answered a call, showing up for people when they needed help and using the skills I had been given to serve others. Sometimes the best plans are not the ones we make ourselves; they are the ones we are guided toward, one step at a time.
Why Did I Choose to Take on Small Claims Work?
Small claims work wasn’t something I set out to do. It’s something that found me, and I quickly realized how meaningful it could be. Many of the people who come to me don’t know where to turn when a legal issue pops up. They might not have the big bucks for a high-powered attorney, or they may just need someone to guide them through a confusing situation. My goal is to help them get out of that situation while teaching them how to avoid similar issues in the future.
There’s a saying: give a man a fish, he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. Small claims work allows me to do just that, show people how to handle disputes, how to treat others, and how to be better stewards of what they have. Many disputes arise because of misunderstandings, unclear expectations, or forgetting to treat others the way they want to be treated.
Over time, I noticed the same issues coming up repeatedly. That’s when I realized my purpose: to help people navigate these challenges and avoid repeating the same mistakes. I love sprinkling God in my work, and I know He calls us to be good stewards of what we’ve been given.
Small claims work isn’t just about resolving disputes. It’s about empowering people, teaching them life lessons through the process, and helping them walk away stronger and wiser. For more information, check out my small claims research page. It’s full of practical tips and guidance for anyone trying to navigate various types of disputes.