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

In this episode, Shana Karpeles, Esq. speaks with Lauren Wadden, Esq. about her challenges, perseverance, and ultimate success in passing The CA Bar Exam. Lauren candidly shares the highs and lows of her Law School Experience, her struggles with anxiety and how she found the right support system in CA Bar Style, to help her through the bar exam after initially failing. This insightful conversation touches on the importance of mental health, resilience, and finding a study method that works for you.

Key Insights:

• The Law School Experience: Lauren discusses her law school journey, including transferring to USC, managing burnout during COVID-19, and the taxing nature of law school classes.

• Bar Exam Challenges: She shares how she struggled with bar exam prep, initially failing due to burnout and lack of understanding of how to connect the material.

• Finding the Right Study Method: Lauren explains how working with a tutor helped her identify gaps in her study approach and how focusing on structure and practice, rather than just knowing the law, made all the difference.

• Managing Anxiety: Lauren talks about her lifelong battle with anxiety, especially during the bar exam, and how she learned to manage it by taking breaks, getting outside, and improving her overall well-being.

• Advice for Future Bar Takers: Her key advice: take a deep breath, get out of your head, and recognize the bigger picture.

If you’re preparing for the bar exam or facing any significant challenge, take time to invest in your mental health, find a study approach that works for you, and remember to ask for help when needed. You can achieve your goals with the right support and mindset!

For more insightful discussions and updates on “Law Life with Shana Karpeles” 🚀 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 Lauren

W3: https://www.rwglaw.com/people-lauren-wadden

In this episode of the Law Life Podcast, host Shana Karpeles, Esq. sits down with Danielle Yeretzian, Esq., who shares her remarkable journey from a successful career in law to thriving in the real estate industry. Danielle discusses the decision to pivot from her legal career, revealing how following her true passions led her to a more fulfilling and dynamic professional life. Danielle’s story is a testament to the power of listening to your own desires and taking bold steps towards a more rewarding and joyful professional path.

Tune in to hear Danielle’s advice on making career transitions, embracing change, and finding true fulfillment in your work.

Key Insights:

• Career Transition: Danielle shares her experience of moving from a successful law career to the real estate industry, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of making such a significant career change.

• Passion-Driven Work: Danielle discusses the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with your personal passions. She explains how following her interests led to a more fulfilling and engaging professional life.

• Overcoming Challenges: Danielle details the hurdles she faced during her transition, including overcoming self-doubt and adapting to a new industry.

• Professional Growth: Danielle highlights how her background in law provided valuable skills and perspectives that have contributed to her success in real estate. She notes that transferable skills can often ease the transition into a new field.

For more insightful discussions and updates on “Law Life with Shana Karpeles, Esq” 🚀 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 Danielle

W3: https://www.danielleyeretzian.com

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

Join host Shana Karpeles, Esq., for an inspiring episode featuring Logan Schlossberg, a nontraditional student who shares her journey to becoming a licensed attorney. Logan discusses her motivations, study techniques, and the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with intense study periods. She opens up about the emotional experience of taking the bar exam and the triumph of passing on her first attempt. Reflecting on her hard-earned achievements, Logan warmly shares her future aspirations and heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support of her mentors and the bar preparation program. With infectious optimism, this podcast will encourage future bar exam takers to stay resilient, focused, and unwavering in their pursuit of success.

Key Insights:

• Motivation and Goals: Logan pursued a legal career to fulfill personal ambitions and set significant milestones.

• Study Techniques: Shana and Logan emphasize mental training, using positive affirmations, and avoiding distractions.

• Balancing Responsibilities: Logan juggled family duties with her rigorous study schedule.

• Bar Exam Experience: Logan shares the emotional rollercoaster of taking the bar exam and waiting for the results.

• Triumph and Future Plans: Logan celebrates passing the bar on her first attempt and looks forward to working at a family law firm and planning her wedding.

For more insightful discussions and updates on “Law Life with Shana Karpeles” 🚀 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review for more bar prep tips and empowering stories!

Connect with Shana:

W: https://www.cabarstyle.com

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

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

Connect with Logan

W3: https://www.schlossberglaw.com/index.php/attorneys

Join host Shana Karpeles, Esq., for an emotionally charged conversation with Latrice Burks-Palmerio, Esq., as they uncover her remarkable journey from childhood trauma to professional success. Despite facing mental health challenges and systemic barriers, Latrice's resilience shines through as she navigates college and excels in law school. Candidly sharing her experiences as a woman of color with ADHD and dyslexia, Latrice highlights the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and seeking therapy. Through her story, listeners discover the power of inclusivity, diverse representation, and community support in overcoming adversity and achieving dreams.

Key Insights:

• Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Challenges: Latrice shares her experience overcoming childhood trauma and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being through therapy.

• Navigating Law School as a Woman of Color with ADHD and Dyslexia: Latrice discusses the challenges she faced in law school due to her learning disabilities and the creation of the Women of Color Collective for support and inclusivity.

• Securing Prestigious Legal Positions: Despite skepticism and self-doubt, Latrice secured a clerkship and prestigious job at McGuire Woods, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination.

• Bar Exam Success and Study Strategies: Latrice's personalized support and effective study strategies were crucial in her success on the bar exam, highlighting the importance of tailored assistance for individuals with learning disabilities.

• Mentorship and Support Networks: Shana's coaching and encouragement played a pivotal role in Latrice's journey, demonstrating the transformative impact of mentorship and support networks in overcoming challenges.

• Commitment to Advocacy and Community Service: Latrice reflects on her legal career, remaining dedicated to advocating for justice and serving her community, inspiring listeners to confront their own challenges with courage and perseverance.

Tune in to gain inspiration from Latrice's journey and discover how resilience, self-care, and community can empower you to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.

For more insightful discussions and updates on “Law Life with Shana Karpeles” 🚀 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review for more bar prep tips and empowering stories!

Connect with Shana:

W: https://www.cabarstyle.com

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

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

Connect with Latrice

W3: https://www.larsonllp.com/people/latrice-m-burks

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tricie93

Join Shana Karpeles, Esq., and Marina Kats Fraigun, Esq. as they navigate the intricate dance between career achievements and personal fulfillment in the legal profession. In this insightful podcast, they explore the challenges faced by women in law firms, delve into the dynamics of marriage and parenthood, and offer practical strategies for achieving harmony in both professional and personal spheres.

Key Insights:

• Navigating Challenges in Big Law: Marina discusses her experiences navigating challenges as a woman in large law firms, including gender bias and the struggle for work-life balance.

• Advocating for Gender Equality in Law: Shana emphasizes the importance of advocating for gender equality and fostering supportive environments within the legal profession based on her own experiences.

• Insights from a 27-Year Marriage: Marina shares insights from her 27-year marriage, underscoring the significance of effective communication and mutual support in sustaining a long-lasting partnership.

• Strategies for Work-Life Balance: Shana provides practical strategies for achieving work-life balance, drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise.

• Prioritizing Well-being: Marina and Shana highlight the importance of self-awareness and flexibility in prioritizing personal well-being alongside professional success, based on their respective journeys in the legal field.

Shana and Marina share invaluable insights into finding success in the legal realm while also prioritizing well-being and fostering meaningful connections. Don't miss out on their candid discussions and practical advice, designed to guide you through the intricate balance of career and life.

For more insightful discussions and updates on “Law Life with Shana Karpeles” 🚀 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review for more bar prep tips and empowering stories!

Connect with Shana:

W: https://www.cabarstyle.com

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

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

Connect with Marina

W3: https://fraigunlaw.com/marina-kats-fraigun