The Lawtino™

John Gomez
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Lawtino Podcast! Where we discuss the intersection of law and our Latino communities with legal, political, and community leaders and visionaries. Hosted by Nationally Recognized Trial Attorney and Civil Rights Leader John Gomez.

  1. Apr 23

    Never Give Up: From Immigrant Struggles to High-End Art and Influence

    Pako Pablos is the Founder of Pako Pablos Studios. He is an artist and a multidisciplinary creator and entrepreneur whose studio develops high-end artwork, apparel, and immersive augmented reality experiences that bring art to life. Pako blends sports, pop culture, and Mexican heritage to create globally recognized collections while collaborating with elite athletes and brands. His work serves as a gateway to building cross-border initiatives, connecting communities, and expanding opportunities through art and culture. In this episode… Creativity rarely follows a straight path. It often weaves through unexpected detours, shaped by discipline, identity, and the willingness to adapt. The intersection of culture, opportunity, and persistence reveals how individuals build something meaningful from evolving circumstances — but what drives that transformation? The answer lies in resilience and strategic thinking. Pako Pablos, a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, turned early experiences in sports and migration into a foundation for building a global creative brand. He highlights the importance of asking the right questions, leveraging networks, and staying authentic while evolving with technology. Pako's story demonstrates that sustainable growth is driven by aligning creativity with purposeful action. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Pako Pablos, Founder of Pako Pablos Studios, to discuss how creativity, resilience, and branding shape success. Pako shares how he built a career by leveraging art as a business tool, adapting to new technologies, and creating cross-border opportunities. He also explores networking strategies, cultural identity, and lessons from working with high-profile collaborators.

    1h 21m

  2. Apr 9

    From Personal Injury to Mass Torts: Exposing Infant Formula Dangers

    Jose Rojas is the Founding Partner and Trial Attorney at Ventura Law and Levin, Rojas, Camassar & Reck, LLC. He is a Connecticut-based lawyer focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, and mass tort litigation. His firms represent individuals harmed by negligence, defective products, and corporate misconduct, which include complex nationwide cases. Jose helped develop influential litigation involving infant formula risks, contributing to one of the country's most significant mass tort efforts. He previously served as a US Army JAG officer and as a federal prosecutor before dedicating his career to advocating for injured clients. In this episode… Some of the most meaningful changes in society don't begin with large institutions — they start with a single story being taken seriously. In complex systems like healthcare, it can be difficult to question long-standing practices, even when the stakes are life and death. What happens when someone decides to dig deeper instead of dismissing the unlikely? The answer begins with a lawyer willing to listen. Jose Rojas, a trial attorney specializing in medical malpractice, personal injury, and mass torts, shares how one case uncovered systemic risks tied to infant formula use in premature babies. Jose highlights the importance of trusting clients, thoroughly investigating claims, and challenging accepted norms. His insights emphasize that real impact comes from combining empathy with persistence and being open to what others overlook. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez talks with Jose Rojas, Founding Partner and Trial Attorney at Ventura Law and Levin, Rojas, Komisar & Reck, about uncovering infant formula risks. Jose discusses how the case began, why it evolved into mass tort litigation, and how it's changing hospital practices. He also touches on diversity in law and mentoring future attorneys.

    59 min

  3. Mar 26

    Immigration, Faith, and the American Dream: A Powerful Story of Resilience

    Esther Valdés Clayton is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Valdés & Associates, a San Diego-based firm that represents individuals and families in visas, green cards, asylum, deportation defense, and complex immigration appeals cases. She concentrates on empowering underserved communities and helping clients navigate the US immigration system with dignity and integrity. A Mexican-American attorney and nationally recognized voice on immigration issues, Esther is frequently featured on television and media outlets, offering legal analysis and commentary on immigration policy and reform. In this episode… Success is often described as a combination of opportunity and effort, but for many, it also involves navigating complex systems, cultural identity, and deeply held beliefs. The path is rarely linear, especially when shaped by hardships, responsibility, and a desire to give back. How do immigration, faith, and perseverance come together to define the American Dream? Accomplished immigration attorney Esther Valdés Clayton explains that achieving success requires discipline, education, and a commitment to doing things the right way — even when the odds are stacked against you. Esther emphasizes working within the legal system while advocating for practical reform, encouraging individuals to stay informed, seek guidance from trusted sources, and avoid shortcuts that can lead to long-term consequences. She also highlights how faith and values can serve as a foundation for resilience, helping individuals stay grounded while pursuing both personal and professional goals. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez talks with Esther Valdés Clayton, Founder and Principal Attorney of Valdés & Associates, about immigration, faith, and the American Dream. Esther discusses her journey from poverty to legal success, her views on immigration reform, and her commitment to ethical advocacy. She also shares insights on avoiding scams and empowering Latino communities.

    58 min

  4. Mar 12

    The Path to Law School for First-Generation Students

    Jorge García is the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the California Western School of Law, where he oversees admissions strategy and financial aid initiatives that support student recruitment and access to legal education. With 23 years of law school admissions experience, he has also spent 33 years administering financial aid to undergraduate and law school students. Before joining the California Western School of Law, Jorge served as the Director and Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives at the University of San Diego School of Law. In this episode… The path to becoming a lawyer can feel confusing, especially for students who are the first in their families to navigate higher education. Between financial barriers, admissions tests, and limited guidance, many talented students never recognize the opportunities available to them. How can aspiring law students gain access to information to kickstart their education? Higher education admissions leader Jorge García maintains that aspiring lawyers should focus on building strong academic foundations, seeking reliable guidance directly from admissions advisors, and understanding the multiple pathways to a successful career — including starting at community college. Jorge also encourages students who must work during school to highlight their work ethic and leadership in applications, reminding them that perseverance and grit often matter just as much as test scores. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Jorge García, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the California Western School of Law, to discuss pathways into law school for first-generation students. Jorge shares his journey from community college to higher education leadership, how admissions teams evaluate LSAT scores and life experience, and why law school applications are rising as more students pursue legal careers to advocate for their communities.

    49 min

  5. Feb 26

    Innovating Pediatric Health in the Cali-Baja Region With Cross-Border Strategies

    Kathia Bustillos is the Board Chair and Executive Director of the Foundation for the Children of the Californias, a nonprofit that supports pediatric healthcare and equity for children across the San Diego-Tijuana region. As a leader in media, public relations, and philanthropy, she became the first woman to head a regional Televisa station and lead community-focused organizations. Kathia focuses on expanding access to pediatric care and building sustainable, culturally responsive health systems for underserved children and families. In this episode… Leadership across borders demands cultural fluency, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. In a region where two countries function as one economic and social ecosystem, impactful leadership depends on understanding both sides of the line. What does it take to lead effectively in a binational region? According to veteran media executive and cross-border strategist Kathia Bustillos, leadership begins with understanding the community you serve. She emphasizes adapting strategies to local realities rather than applying one-size-fits-all models, investing in education and continuous growth to break barriers, and building trust by listening directly to underserved communities. Kathia also encourages leaders to implement solutions immediately — even before holding formal power — to create tangible impact. In this episode of The Lawtino™, David Arreguin sits down with Kathia Bustillos, Board Chair and Executive Director of the Foundation for the Children of the Californias, to discuss leadership in the Cali-Baja region. Kathia talks about her rise as the first female CEO of a Televisa station, her Tijuana mayoral campaign and community initiatives, and her launch of an AI-driven teen mental health program.

    53 min

  6. Feb 12

    The Business of Immigration Law: Scaling Impact Through Strategy and Culture

    Attorney Narciso Cruz is the Owner of The Cruz Law Office, APC, an immigration-focused legal practice. Admitted to the California Bar in 2011, Narciso has appeared before federal and immigration courts and built his firm on compassionate, personalized representation for clients facing legal challenges. Before founding The Cruz Law Office, Narciso served at one of San Diego's largest immigration law firms. In this episode… Managing a law practice demands resilience, vision, and the ability to lead through constant change. As systems shift and pressures mount, many lawyers wonder how to keep growing without burning out or losing purpose. What does it take to build a practice that's sustainable, impactful, and future-ready? Immigration attorney and entrepreneur Narciso Cruz built systems to support his clients and his team. He emphasizes setting a clear long-term vision and working backward into quarterly and daily priorities, rather than reacting to constant noise. Narciso also encourages leaders to protect their mindset through habits like gratitude journaling, invest early in marketing consistency, and hire operators who free them up to focus on growth. These practices turn chaos into clarity and effort into momentum. In today's episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin chat with Attorney Narciso Cruz, Owner of The Cruz Law Firm, APC, about building a modern, scalable law practice. Narciso discusses leading through uncertainty, using marketing and storytelling to build trust, and leveraging global talent and systems to grow with intention.

    56 min

  7. Jan 22

    From Courtroom to Community: How a Trial Attorney Builds Purpose-Driven Legal Impact

    Lara Deitz is the Senior Trial Attorney at Gomez Trial Attorneys, a San Diego-based personal injury and civil litigation law firm. She focuses on personal injury, civil rights, and related plaintiff-side litigation. Before joining Gomez Trial Attorneys, Lara practiced family law litigation. She has also been recognized as a Rising Stars attorney for 2025–2026. In this episode… Behind courtroom wins and professional titles are moments of doubt, pivots, and values-driven decisions that shape how attorneys show up for their clients. What does it take to build a meaningful legal career while staying grounded in community, purpose, and personal growth? According to civil rights trial attorney Lara Deitz, fulfillment comes from alignment, not prestige. She emphasizes the importance of acquiring mentors early in your career, gaining hands-on courtroom experience rather than relying solely on grades, and leveraging cultural and language fluency to advocate for clients. A sustainable legal career requires purpose, preparation, and connection. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Lara Deitz, Senior Trial Attorney at Gomez Trial Attorneys, to discuss building a purpose-driven trial career. Lara talks about handling high-profile civil rights cases, the importance of bilingual advocacy, and balancing demanding litigation with leadership, mentorship, and motherhood.

    1 hr

  8. Jan 8

    Román Cota Muñoz - Mayor of Tecate

    Román Cota Muñoz is the Mayor of Tecate in the state of Baja California, having taken office as part of the 25th City Council on October 1, 2024, for the 2024–2027 term. After being sworn in, Román outlined an agenda focused on community development, public safety, and strategic programs under the banner "Tecate al 100." His administration emphasizes service, transparency, and citizen engagement as core principles for advancing quality of life in the municipality. In this episode… Border towns are often misunderstood, seen as places you pass through rather than destinations you experience. Yet, one of the most accessible crossings in Southern California offers culture, safety, food, and opportunity in a single walkable setting. How can a border city thrive on both sides of the line? According to municipal leader Román Cota Muñoz, Tecate in Southern California prioritizes collaboration over congestion. He recommends that border cities develop fast lanes for business and medical tourism, design walkable downtowns so visitors can explore freely, and invest in wellness, manufacturing, and retirement infrastructure to attract long-term visitors — not just day-trippers. Through intentional planning, small border cities can become sustainable economic hubs. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Román Cota Muñoz, Mayor of Tecate, to discuss Tecate's role as a binational city. Román talks about cross-border trade and ports of entry, Tecate's rise as a wellness and culinary destination, and how safety, walkability, and regional cooperation drive sustainable growth.

    51 min
See All (27)

About

Welcome to The Lawtino Podcast! Where we discuss the intersection of law and our Latino communities with legal, political, and community leaders and visionaries. Hosted by Nationally Recognized Trial Attorney and Civil Rights Leader John Gomez.

Information

  • Creator
    John Gomez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Lawtino™ (c) 2024
  • Show Website
    The Lawtino™