Dolores Contreras (Contreras Law Firm) & Mauricio Reznik (Reznik Law Group)

Mauricio Reznik is a business and civil litigation attorney at Reznik Law Group. Ms. Contreras leads Contreras Law with over 15 years of experience.

Together, they are a married couple and attorneys sharing insights from running their own law firms.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [03:11] Dolores Contreras and Mauricio Resnick share their backgrounds, upbringing, and educational paths in San Diego, Tijuana, and beyond
• [06:06] How working together on a major cross-border case strengthened both their professional relationship and personal connection
• [10:20] UCSD’s growing pre-law initiatives for Latino students and expanding access to legal education pathways
• [12:14] The challenges and opportunities of studying in the U.S. from Mexico and navigating cultural and academic transitions
• [14:21] Mauricio Resnick reflects on moving from Tijuana to Boston, adapting to Tufts University, and building an international mindset at Tufts University
• [18:16] Dolores explains her focus on family law, high-asset divorces, custody disputes, and cross-border legal complexity
• [23:23] How cross-border judgments between the U.S. and Mexico are enforced and coordinated with attorneys in Mexico
• [24:34] Mauricio breaks down his business litigation practice and working with companies across the U.S.-Mexico border
• [29:55] Building a law firm from the ground up: networking, referrals, and the long-term value of in-person relationships
• [33:23] Social media growth, viral content, and how legal professionals use digital platforms to build trust and visibility
• [35:36] Balancing parenting and legal careers: raising seven-year-old twin boys while managing demanding litigation practices
• [43:55] Advice for law students: choosing the right firm, building strong habits early, and learning through internships
• [45:15] Mauricio’s advice on internships, knocking on doors, and gaining real-world legal experience during school
• [48:40] The power of bilingual practice and cultural fluency in cross-border legal work
• [13:18] Why San Diego and Baja California function as one interconnected economic region
• [15:32] Kenia explains why bicultural and bilingual professionals now have a competitive advantage
• [16:18] The importance of cultural understanding and relationship-building in Mexico
• [18:27] How cross-border leadership programs are preparing the next generation of professionals
• [21:06] Why companies increasingly value bilingual and bicultural talent
• [23:26] How tariffs and border delays impact businesses and supply chains on both sides of the border
• [25:51] The growth of Valle de Guadalupe as a world-class tourism and culinary destination
• [28:12] How sports teams like Club Tijuana and San Diego FC strengthen regional identity
• [31:34] The challenges of affordability, housing, and infrastructure in the binational region
• [34:02] Why reducing border wait times is critical for economic growth
• [39:57] How border communities collaborate nationally through the Border Trade Alliance
• [41:15] The story behind the cross-border COVID vaccination program for workers in Tijuana
• [43:42] Kenia’s advice for businesses trying to connect authentically with cross-border communities
• [47:05] Career advice for young professionals pursuing binational leadership opportunities

In this episode…

Success in law is rarely linear—it’s built through education, migration, culture, and relationships that cross borders. This conversation explores how two attorneys shaped their careers between San Diego and Tijuana, how legal systems interact across countries, and how personal and professional lives often evolve in the same spaces.

Dolores Contreras and Mauricio Resnick share how their journeys—from working-class roots and international education to building law firms side by side—reflect the realities of bicultural legal practice.

They discuss everything from high-stakes cross-border litigation to family law complexities, from viral social media marketing to the quiet discipline of raising children while managing trials. Along the way, the episode highlights how language, culture, and persistence shape legal success on both sides of the border.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• • John Gomez on LinkedIn
  • David Arreguin on LinkedIn
  • Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
  • Contreras Law Firm
  • Reznik Law Group

Quotable Moments:

• “We like to say we are two firms, but one family.”
• “Every day is a gift—maximize it.”
• “Lo barato sale caro.”
• “When you’re with your kids, be with your kids.”

Action Steps:

1. Build your network early and intentionally: Long-term professional success often starts with showing up consistently—events, conversations, and relationships compound over time
2. Choose the right environment to start your career: Early mentorship and firm culture shape long-term legal habits more than most students realize.
3. Leverage bilingual and bicultural skills: Language is not just communication—it’s a strategic advantage in cross-border legal work and client trust.
4. Invest in visibility and credibility: Whether through referrals or social media, reputation is built through consistent, high-quality work and presence.
5. Prioritize presence over time: Especially for professionals balancing demanding careers and family life, focused time with family often matters more than volume of time.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.

Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.

With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.

For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.