Women owned law firms: The importance of creating our own legacy

Many of us die at 30 and are buried at 80. Think about that, and let it sink in. What does that mean to you? For me it meant working at a law firm where I felt unappreciated, overworked, and severely underpaid. When I reflect back at that time, I remember one of my favorite Steve Jobs quotes: "I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself. 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." As much as I love this quote, it is also a sad reminder that for three whole years the answer to that question was: "No." Yet, for 1,095 days I looked at myself in the mirror and allowed that resounding "No" to echo the walls of my home. Why, you ask? Well, that's a good question. Give me an opportunity to explain myself, and perhaps you'll understand the Why, but most importantly, this explanation may be the extra push you need to begin the journey of creating your own legacy.

I pride myself in being a beast of a litigator and a beast of a trial attorney. I also pride myself in having the reputation I have in the legal community while proudly wearing this big ol', beautiful and vibrant Latina hat of mine. That said, and as a proud Latina, I will admit that there are certain cultural attributes that are so beautifully and seamlessly woven into my DNA that they may have influenced those prolonged, 1,095 days of "No."

You see, my roots are traced back to the beautiful Mexican states of Sinaloa and Chihuahua, where my parents are from. I was brought up to have an impeccable work ethic, to be appreciative of my station in life, to be loyal to those who have looked out for me, and to always, always, - and I mean always - be grateful to the people who lent me a hand in hard times. But there comes a time when you are so loyal to one person, to one thing that you start to become disloyal to yourself. When I realized this, I decided that instead of dreaming about becoming my former "boss," I'd get busy becoming the Captain of my own ship. After all, my ancestors didn't come this far for me to have gotten that far.

Everyday we wake up with an audition to be great. I encourage you, dear reader, to tap into that greatness. Tapping into my greatness meant starting my own law firm, Gastélum Law, APC, where I represent plaintiffs up and down the great State of California in federal civil rights actions. That's my definition of "greatness." Your definition of greatness may be vastly different. But I'll tell you what it's not. It's not working yourself to death for a law firm, or an employer that simply sees you as a commodity. It's not delaying happiness to fulfill another person's/entity's needs, which sadly translates to filling up their pocketbooks as well. And it sure as hell is not putting our own dreams and aspirations on a bookshelf so that your "loyalty" isn't questioned.

In California, women comprise 42% of all attorneys. Latinas make up less than 2% of them. Data on the percentage of women-owned law firms is non-existent. When I decided to give notice that I'd be leaving my former law firm (six-months' notice, mind you), that morning I asked myself: "Denisse, are you going to evolve or are you going to repeat?" That morning I said loudly and proudly: "Evolve."

Sure, there were plenty of sleepless nights and plenty of doubts that came along with that decision. But the place where greatest discomfort lies is where your largest opportunity lives. So, make that place of "discomfort" your home and when that fear starts to creep in, look fear in the eyes until that fear fears you.

I hope after reading this article you find some inspiration in creating your own legacy, whatever that may mean to you. I also hope you remember that you're unstoppable ... "que eres imparable."

Denisse O. Gastélum is the founder and principal trial attorney at Gastélum Law, APC.