The Lawtino™

Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza is the Judge of the 120th Judicial District Court in El Paso, Texas, where she has served since 2007. She is also the President and Chair of the Board of Directors at Texas Latinx Judges, a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that advances current and future Latinx judges. With over 16 years of judicial experience, Judge Salas-Mendoza has served on the Supreme Court Advisory Committee and on the councils for the State Bar of Texas Judicial, Hispanic Issues, and Women and the Law sections.   In this episode… Only 4% of lawyers in Texas are Latinx, a stark disparity considering the state’s large Hispanic population. This underrepresentation in the legal profession underscores systemic barriers and highlights the need for visible role models in positions of authority. How can Latinx judges and lawyers create pathways for equitable representation in the legal field? As one of the few Latina judges in Texas, Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza exemplifies leadership and resilience. Overcoming humble beginnings and navigating spaces where she was often the only Latina, Judge Salas-Mendoza has become a symbol of hope and fairness in the judiciary system. Her career is marked by a commitment to community service, from leading legal aid initiatives to mentoring young professionals. Judge Salas-Mendoza emphasizes the importance of fostering trust in the justice system by ensuring judges and lawyers reflect the diversity in the communities they serve.  In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and Jessica Lujan chat with Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza about her efforts to ensure equal representation in the judicial field. Judge Salas-Mendoza shares how her cultural identity shaped her approach to justice, the role of mentorship in her career, and her vision for advancing Latinx representation.

Liz Ramírez is the CEO of The Chicano Federation, an organization that cultivates opportunities and advocates for families and individuals in San Diego for a more equitable community. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she serves and leads movements that support equity and justice for marginalized communities, including children and families. Liz received a Master’s degree in educational counseling to address equity gaps in education affecting historically underserved youth.  In this episode… For first-generation Latino immigrants, the path to community service, equal representation, and justice can seem daunting. With opportunities seemingly scarce for this population, how can you become a recognized figure and advocate in your community? With a drive for community service and leadership education for low-income communities, Liz Ramírez left her immigrant community to pursue an education. She initially struggled to connect with the student population before discovering a community for first-generation Latino college students and developing a passion for supporting underserved communities. Although unsure of her ability to lead Latino populations, Liz overcame her fear of failure to champion her community. She emphasizes the value of representative leadership and encourages Latino changemakers to embrace their heritage and be authentic. In today’s episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez interviews Liz Ramírez, the CEO of The Chicano Federation, about her rise to leadership. Liz talks about The Chicano Federation’s programs and community service efforts, how her parents and teachers influenced her educational and professional journeys, and how to become involved in public service efforts.

Christina Guerola Sarchio is the 2024-2025 President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), a nonprofit national membership association representing over 78,000 Hispanic attorneys, 18,000 law students, and thousands of other legal professionals. She is also a Partner at Dechert LLP, where she handles general commercial litigation, class action lawsuits, and white-collar defense in the consumer products, financial, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, technology, and sports industries.  As a former prosecutor and experienced trial lawyer, Christina has tried cases in federal and state courts nationwide and has negotiated with agencies, including the DOJ, FDA, SEC, and various US attorney offices. She has been recognized in multiple publications, including being named one of the Top 200 Lawyers by Forbes, one of 20 Elite Women by Hispanic Business Magazine, and a Top Washington Lawyer by the Washington Business Journal. In this episode… Only 7% of lawyers are Hispanic or Latino, yet these ethnic groups represent 20% of the US population. This lack of engagement often stems from how Latino lawyers are treated in the workplace. How can existing Latino lawyers foster a community to encourage further participation in the legal field? After joining a small law firm, accomplished prosecutor and trial lawyer Christina Guerola Sarchio was overshadowed by white male attorneys with less experience. As the only Latina lawyer at the firm, Christina was denied equal opportunities and mocked for her heritage. Despite feeling disillusioned with the profession, she joined the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), where she found community and shared experiences. Christina suggests becoming involved in Latino legal communities to advance opportunities and representation in the field. You can collaborate with headhunters and general counsels to recruit new and established Latino lawyers.  In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez chats with Christina Guerola Sarchio, the President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, about creating equal opportunities for Latinos in the legal field. Christina shares how her cultural background influenced her commitment to justice, how she advances representation on the judge’s bench, and the HNBA’s mission.

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher is the President and Chief Officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. She is also the Secretary-Treasurer, Chief Officer, and former Political Director of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO. In 2013, Lorena was elected to the State Assembly, passing laws and legislation allowing California workers to earn paid sick leave and farmers to receive overtime pay for working beyond eight hours a day. In 2019, she passed Assembly Bill 5, the strongest law in the country protecting workers against misclassification and wage theft. Lorena was the first Latina to serve as Chairwoman of a legislative Appropriations Committee.  In this episode… Historically, Latinos have been excluded from the public sector due to immigration and citizenship status. Now, with Latinos comprising 90% of farm workers, 99% of janitors, and 50% of construction workers in California, this group has made tremendous strides. How can you follow in the footsteps of a Latina leader who fights for the rights of millions of union workers? Throughout her career, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher has tracked the evolution of unionized worker demographics, noting the rise in Latino populations. After witnessing agricultural workers fighting fruitlessly for increased pay and equal rights, Lorena passed a law requiring overtime pay for these individuals. She maintains that workers should benefit from a corporation’s wealth, and rather than focusing on ceaseless business growth and power, organizations should distribute this wealth evenly among the workers who helped them grow. Tune in to this episode of The Lawtino™ as John Gomez and guest host Vanessa Felix Corona invite Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, the President and Chief Officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, to speak about advocating for union rights. Lorena shares advice for emerging Latina political leaders, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and her endorsement by Dolores Huerta.

Vanessa Felix Corona is a Law Clerk at Gomez Trial Attorneys and a JD Candidate at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she also serves as President of the La Raza Law Students Association. As a first-generation Latina law student, she has five years of experience in the legal field.  In this episode… Law school is challenging in itself, but Latino and other minority students may struggle to network and find community. How can Latino law students leverage their heritage to maximize their experiences? Ambitious law student Vanessa Felix Corona became inspired to pursue a legal career after witnessing her mother’s many court proceedings to obtain US citizenship. After moving to San Diego to begin law school, Vanessa felt out of place until she joined the La Raza Law Students Association. There, she began networking with experienced Latino lawyers who support aspiring Latino lawyers, and they helped her identify an ideal career path. Vanessa encourages Latino law students to establish or join their school’s Latino law association and advocate for Latino participation and admission.  In today’s episode of The Lawtino™, co-host Jessica Lujan invites Vanessa Felix Corona, Law Clerk at Gomez Trial Attorneys and a JD candidate, to share her journey through law school as a first-generation student. Vanessa talks about her upbringing in Phoenix, Arizona, her favorite part about interning with Gomez Trial Attorneys, and her involvement with the Latino legal community in San Diego.

John Gomez is an award-winning attorney and the Founder of Gomez Trial Attorneys, a top-tier personal injury law firm based in San Diego. A Yale Law School graduate, he has extensive experience as a federal prosecutor and representing plaintiffs in civil cases. With nearly two decades in the legal field, John champions the rights of marginalized groups, gives back through charitable work, and advocates for societal change. In this episode… Traditionally, the law favors people of majority status while discriminating against people of color. Emerging generations of Latino and other minority lawyers must fight for equal representation and treatment. How has one tenacious Latino lawyer fought to subvert antiquated social structures in the legal field and beyond? Having discovered a passion for law at a young age, award-winning lawyer and minority advocate John Gomez’s advocacy began while participating in the Latino Law Students Association at Yale. As the organization’s president, he championed Latino admission by communicating with the university’s administration. Since then, he has represented Latino citizens, advocated for their just treatment, and encouraged further Latino representation in the legal field. John maintains that with more Latino lawyers, the law will evolve to accommodate the growing Latino population. In this episode of The Lawtino™, co-host Jessica Lujan interviews John Gomez, the Founder of Gomez Trial Attorneys, about his advocacy initiatives for Latino lawyers. John describes his vision for the podcast, the Shades of Mass movement, and why he hosts community engagement events for Latinos.

Raúl Torrez is the 32nd Attorney General of New Mexico, sworn in on January 1st, 2023. Before his election, he served as the elected District Attorney for the Albuquerque Metro Area, where he handled more than 20,000 criminal referrals yearly. As a state and federal prosecutor, Raúl has worked at every level of the criminal justice system, including serving as a frontline violent crimes prosecutor in a small rural community and providing strategic counsel as a senior advisor in President Obama’s Department of Justice.  In this episode… More than 50% of New Mexico’s population is Latino, yet this community faces blatant discrimination in the face of the immigration debate. Politicians are spewing anti-immigrant rhetoric and misinformation, and the State National Guard even installed razor wire at the border between Texas and New Mexico, further dividing communities. What can you learn from New Mexico’s Attorney General, who has fought to bring justice to disparaged races? Experienced prosecutor and attorney general Raúl Torrez maintains that even when occupying positions of power, Latinos and people of color aren’t respected. One prime example is when Raúl was pulled over in a farm truck shortly after being accepted into Harvard. He was ordered to step out of the vehicle and lay face down on the pavement while the officers drew their guns. This experience led Raúl to dedicate his career to bridging the gap between Latinos and the legal system. He focuses on dismantling harmful rhetoric about Latino immigrants, advocating for a secure border that provides immigrants with opportunities to build new lives. When advocating for these communities, Raúl recommends staying true to your purpose to catalyze meaningful change. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez welcomes New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez to discuss his efforts to advocate for the Latino community. Raúl shares how he protects children against social media exploitation, his humble beginnings in law, and his thoughts on the razor wire security between New Mexico and Texas.

Dolores Huerta is the Founder and President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that works with volunteer associations pursuing social justice. As a renowned American labor leader and civil rights activist, she co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez. Dolores has secured multiple labor rights and social justice acts, including Aid for Dependent Families, disability insurance for farm workers in California, and the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975. Today, she engages in campaigns and promotes legislation supporting equality and defending civil rights.  In this episode… Some people have dedicated their lives to championing social justice and civil rights, fighting for better outcomes for themselves and underrepresented populations. These individuals have carved incredible legacies and made lasting impacts on their communities and society. What can you learn from a pioneer who has advocated for the ethical treatment of laborers and citizens, and how can you follow in her footsteps? Dolores Huerta first recognized widespread discrimination during her high school years when she was denied opportunities, accused of plagiarism for achieving straight A’s, and searched by police when walking home from school. Since then, Dolores has been called to perform public services by spearheading historical civil rights movements and supporting organizations that catalyze social change. She highlights the immense power of grassroots movements, stating that these efforts empower people to make meaningful differences in their communities through direct, nonviolent actions.  In this special episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez, Jessica Lujan, and Augustin Pena interview Dolores Huerta, the Founder and President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, about her advocacy work for Latino communities and beyond. She talks about her ongoing mission to address educational gaps, her most memorable civil rights and labor movements, and how she began advocating for social justice.

Francisco “Frank” Guerra is the Capital Partner at Guerra LLP, a nationwide personal injury, mass tort, civil, and commercial litigation firm. Since joining the firm, he has litigated, tried, and arbitrated cases across the country. With over 25 years of experience as an attorney, Frank is board-certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Before Guerra LLP, he practiced insurance defense and civil litigation law at Allen, Stein, Powers, Durbin & Hunnicutt, where he managed the Rio Grande Valley Office and tried lawsuits in front of South Texas juries.  In this episode… Experienced and well-respected lawyers and associates are the key to a reputable law firm. Yet when both your team and your clients are minorities, it can be difficult to stand strong and earn an authoritative position in the legal industry. How can you remain grounded in your roots and strengthen Latino representation in the field? Having grown up in a predominantly white, Anglo-Saxon rural area, fierce trial attorney Francisco “Frank” Guerra has tried countless cases against white attorneys and juries. While acknowledging to minority clients the difficulty of swaying a jury and winning a case, Frank has established himself as a dominating force in the industry by hiring diverse lawyers who can empathize with these clients’ situations. They possess the language skills and cultural relevance to win minority clients’ trust and exercise transparency with them. Frank maintains that wit, determination, and hard work can propel Latino lawyers to the top of the industry. Tune in to this episode of The Lawtino™ as John Gomez welcomes Francisco “Frank” Guerra, the Capital Partner at Guerra LLP, to discuss how Latino lawyers can chart a path in the legal field. Frank recounts his experience founding and managing a firm, how his college mentor shaped his career in law, and how diversity has evolved within the Texas Bar Association.

Jessica Lujan is a Trial Attorney at Gomez Trial Attorneys, where she focuses on catastrophic personal injuries, premises liability, ADA enforcement, and wrongful death cases. She has experience litigating personal injury matters for victims and insurance defendants in state and federal court. Passionate about supporting diversity efforts in the San Diego legal community, Jessica is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of San Diego, the La Raza Lawyers Association, and the American Association of Justice, among other notable organizations.  In this episode… The Hispanic population is the fastest-growing demographic in the country, yet Latinos are vastly underrepresented as lawyers. Integrating cultural roots into a legal career can pose unique challenges. How can you navigate the complexity of two worlds, merging identity and passion to cultivate change? Growing up on the border of Ciudad Juárez and El Pasa, Texas, Jessica Lujan and her family made a desperate escape across the border to start a new life. Having to navigate a new environment as a young child without fully grasping the magnitude of her reality, Jessica now recognizes how familial bonds, traditional Hispanic values, and a strong sense of justice shaped her legal journey. As a nationally recognized trial lawyer and influential Latina leader, Jessica advocates for equal representation through organizations that promote Latinos in leadership positions. Listen to this episode of The Lawtino™ as John Gomez hosts Jessica Lujan, a Trial Attorney at Gomez Trial Attorneys, to talk about her path to becoming an esteemed advocate for Latino lawyers. Jessica shares personal anecdotes from her childhood, discusses systemic oppression, and highlights the importance of Latino representation in the legal field to ensure a fair justice system.

John Gomez is an award-winning attorney and the Founder of Gomez Trial Attorneys, a top-tier personal injury law firm based in San Diego. A Yale Law School graduate, he has extensive experience as a federal prosecutor and representing plaintiffs in civil cases. With nearly two decades in the legal field, John champions the rights of marginalized groups, gives back through charitable work, and advocates for societal change. In this episode… Traditionally, the legal profession is cutthroat and uncompromising. Yet one altruistic attorney proves that not all lawyers are entirely stoic. What can you learn from his leadership journey in the legal field? As a champion for the intersection between law and culture, award-winning attorney John Gomez conducts his practice with regard to his personal background, bringing a valuable perspective to the industry. His philanthropic involvement in the Latino community, youth boxing, and tutoring programs inspires lawyers to engage with their communities beyond just practicing law. As a respected leader, John emphasizes honesty and transparency to build trust in your practice and community. Welcome to the first episode of The Lawtino™, where John Gomez, the Founder and Trial Attorney at Gomez Trial Attorneys, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about the intersections of culture, community, and the law. John discusses the significant moments from his legal career, the formation of his firm's identity, and his emphasis on community support and growth.