Tell us a little about yourself, your practice, and how you came to Nixon Peabody.
I’m an associate in the Healthcare group in Los Angeles. Like many attorneys, my career path has involved many different opportunities—I worked as a middle-school math teacher and in tech sales before I went to law school at UCLA. Prior to joining Nixon Peabody, I worked at a healthcare and employment boutique in LA. My practice involves representing healthcare providers in various transactional and corporate matters and assisting clients with a wide range of healthcare regulatory and compliance issues, including fraud, waste, and abuse, reimbursement, licensing and scope of practice, data privacy, managed care marketing, and telehealth.
What inspires you? Or why do you do the work that you do?
I’m inspired every day because my work directly supports my clients, who are largely nonprofit healthcare providers, with their mission to provide high-quality and cost-effective healthcare services to the communities they serve. It’s so rewarding to work with clients who are mission driven and charitable by nature, as well as those looking to build businesses that help people live healthier lives. Also, as a healthcare lawyer, I’m always challenged by the complex and ever-changing industry, and it drives my passion. I enjoy finding creative, practical solutions for my clients.
What is your proudest personal or professional accomplishment?
I’m proud that I can support my family. I am the son of first-generation Mexican immigrants from Sonora, Mexico. Growing up, my parents made countless sacrifices for my brothers and me. Today, I know my parents are proud of me and my brother’s personal and professional success and I’m grateful I can give back to them for all they have provided.
Have you had any mentors or lawyers who have inspired your career?
I am fortunate enough to have many mentors who’ve provided guidance and inspiration throughout my legal career. During law school, my professor Scott Cummings was an incredible advisor who led our Community Economic Development clinic and motivated me to be a civically engaged attorney. Other big influences on my career are Cuauhtemoc Ortega, whom I met through the Mexican American Bar Association, and Grisselle Bermudez Rodriguez, whom I met through the Hispanic National Bar Association. Both are dedicated and knowledgeable attorneys who have provided invaluable advice to help me develop professionally.
Are there Hispanic professional organizations that you have been involved in, and how have they impacted you/your career?
I am actively involved in several Hispanic professional organizations, including the Mexican American Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association. All these organizations have provided a community where I can connect with talented and thoughtful people that share a similar perspective and background to me and discuss our collective experiences. Additionally, I have been able to participate in the mentorship and educational training opportunities these groups provide to help fuel my career advancement.
For young Hispanic lawyers, what advice could you offer them for developing their career journey?
Develop your craft by finding effective ways to build your legal knowledge and professional skills. The earlier you consider your work as a legal career rather than a job, the more successful and enjoyable your work will be. Reflect and think about where you want to take your career and work backwards. It is okay to adjust the plan but remain intentional about your professional career. In the meantime, find your community! Join an organization, whether it’s professionally focused or not, that resonates with your interests and inspires you. Over time, you’ll develop an incredible professional network of lasting and meaningful relationships.
How have you used your platform to uplift others in the Hispanic community?
As a member of the LA pro bono committee at Nixon Peabody, I’m committed to making meaningful contributions to my community through my legal work. I’ve worked with local organizations that serve the Los Angeles Latin community, including Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Public Counsel, and Homeboy Industries, an organization that provides legal aid to the Latin community members. In addition to my pro bono work, I make it a priority to engage in mentorship initiatives for law students. I’ve mentored several students through the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Mexican American Bar Association, Latin Law Students Association at UCLA, and the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program at University of Wisconsin Madison.
