In this milestone 10th episode of Law Life, host Shana Karpeles, Esq. interviews recent California bar exam passer Lalo Vasquez, Esq. The two attorneys dive into Lalo's inspiring journey from his roots in Detroit, through an eclectic career path including HR, entertainment, and union work, to finally becoming an attorney. They discuss the critical importance of making and committing to decisions, navigating challenges in law school and bar prep, and embracing a relentless work ethic. Lalo shares insights into his disciplined study techniques, his philosophy on overcoming setbacks, and the transformative power of self-advocacy.

KEY INSIGHTS:

• Lalo’s Early Influences: Lalo shares his upbringing in Detroit, his self-advocacy as an only child, and his protective nature rooted in family experiences.
• A Winding Career Path: From dancing in Seattle to HR and entertainment law aspirations, Lalo discusses how his diverse background shaped his advocacy skills.
• Law School Journey: Lalo's determination to finish undergrad, choosing UCLA's paralegal program, and working full-time while attending law school.
• Making the Decision to Pursue Law: Lalo reflects on committing fully to law school and overcoming obstacles like the baby bar.
• Bar Prep Philosophy: Lalo's disciplined approach to bar prep, his mantra of "one time only, never again,". Bar prep success depends on consistent practice, not just reviewing outlines. Start practicing essays and performance tests early.
• Overcoming Setbacks: Lessons from failing the baby bar and the power of listening to oneself during tough times. Lalo emphasizes the power of making a non-negotiable decision and committing fully to achieving your goal.
• Passing the Bar & Reflection: Lalo recounts the emotional moment he discovered he passed the bar exam and shares his gratitude for the journey. He learns to trust his instincts about when to push forward and when to take a break. He avoids letting others’ expectations derail his personal journey.
• Advice for Future Lawyers: Lalo’s advice: “Find your reason” and make it your why. Believing in a structured approach, even when progress feels slow, can lead to significant breakthroughs closer to the exam.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Law Life. If Lalo's journey has sparked inspiration, let it be a reminder that success begins with a decision to show up, work hard, and trust the process. Share this episode with someone who could use a push toward their goals, and don't forget to subscribe for more stories of resilience and success. Together, let’s keep empowering those chasing their dreams, one step at a time.

Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review for more bar prep tips and empowering stories!

Connect with Shana:

W3: https://www.cabarstyle.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cabarstyle

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CaBarStylePersonalCABarExamPrep

Connect with Raffi:

W3: https://overfortyand.com

In this episode of LAW LIFE, host Shana Karpeles, Esq. sits down with Raffi Vartanian, Esq. to discuss his path to becoming an attorney, the challenges he faced during law school, the emotional and practical hurdles of preparing for the bar, and his ultimate shift into personal injury law. Raffi's story is filled with resilience, determination, and insights on maintaining work-life balance in a demanding profession.

KEY INSIGHTS:

First-Generation Motivation: Raffi shares how his family's emigration in the 1980s influenced his view on the power of law and its potential to create order and stability in contrast to less stable governments.

Pivotal Childhood Experience: Raffi recounts witnessing his mother’s car accident and subsequent legal journey, which sparked his early interest in the legal field.

Educational Shifts: Initially studying biochemistry, Raffi switched to communication studies before pursuing law, realizing his true calling was in legal practice.

Life-Altering Accident: A motorcycle crash during his final college year left Raffi with severe injuries, teaching him resilience and shifting his life perspective.

Bar Exam Challenges: Raffi shares his intense experience preparing for and taking the bar exam, detailing the mental strain and strategies that helped him succeed, such as handwriting his exam to avoid tech issues.

Work and Law School Balance: Working full-time while attending a night law program demanded meticulous planning, limited sleep, and relentless focus.

Career Shifts and Realizations: After passing the bar, Raffi's experience at estate planning firms left him unfulfilled, prompting him to pivot into personal injury law, where he felt more aligned with his purpose of helping people.

The Importance of Mentorship: Highlighting the invaluable advice from mentors who taught him how to streamline his writing for better communication and credibility.

Balancing Life and Work: Raffi’s take on achieving a semblance of work-life balance by prioritizing stress relief, being present at home, and planning out daily tasks.

Listen in as Raffi Vartanian, Esq. shares invaluable lessons on resilience, professional growth, and personal fulfillment in the legal world. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review LAW LIFE. Your support helps us continue to bring inspiring stories and insights from legal professionals to our listeners.

Connect with Shana:

W3: https://www.cabarstyle.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cabarstyle

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CaBarStylePersonalCABarExamPrep

Connect with Raffi:

W3: https://shklaw.com/raffi-vartanian

In this episode of Law Life, host Shana Karpeles, Esq. celebrates CA Bar Style's 15-year anniversary by chatting with former applicant Sara Truitt, Esq. They dive into Sara’s unconventional path to law school, her experience with burnout, transferring schools, and the struggles of bar prep—culminating in a remote bar exam success story. Through candid reflections, Sara shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, the value of mentorship, and the importance of growth in legal practice.

KEY INSIGHTS:

• The Power of Changing Paths: Sara didn’t follow a direct route into law. She took time off after undergrad, entered law school at 28, and even changed practice areas after discovering criminal law wasn’t for her.

• Overcoming Burnout and Bar Exam Struggles: Sara discusses how burnout during law school forced her to take a break before attempting the bar exam. She reflects on the challenges of using traditional bar prep courses and how personalized coaching through CA Bar Style helped her pass the California bar on her second attempt.

• The Value of Mentorship and Networking: Mentorship played a crucial role in Sara’s early legal career, thanks to the support of her current boss. Sara emphasizes how essential it is for young lawyers to seek out networking opportunities and push past comfort zones to build meaningful professional connections.

• Adapting to Remote Bar Exams and New Norms: Sara shares her positive experience with the first remote California bar exam, contrasting it with the stressful in-person format. Her insights provide encouragement for future exam takers transitioning to remote testing environments.

• Continuing Growth as a Legal Professional: Now a civil trial attorney, Sara reflects on the importance of continuous learning. Through involvement in programs like Riverside’s New Attorney Academy and volunteering at probate clinics, she emphasizes that growth in the legal profession never ends.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Law Life! If you found Sara’s story inspiring, please like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. For more resources on preparing for the California Bar Exam or to learn more about CA Bar Style, visit our YouTube channel. Keep pushing forward, and remember: there is always room for growth!

Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review for more bar prep tips and empowering stories!

Connect with Shana:

W3: https://www.cabarstyle.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cabarstyle

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CaBarStylePersonalCABarExamPrep