Agustin Peña is a Deputy District Attorney with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and President of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Scholarship Fund. He is also an adjunct law professor and dedicated mentor committed to expanding educational opportunities and supporting the next generation of Latino legal professionals.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [02:20] How growing up in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood shaped Agustin Peña’s journey into law and public service.
- [04:59] The life-changing conversation with a mentor that inspired Agustin to pursue law school.
- [07:08] How personal experiences strengthened his commitment to becoming a prosecutor.
- [09:58] What it takes to serve as a Deputy District Attorney and the ethical responsibilities of prosecuting criminal cases.
- [14:15] Why courtroom advocacy remains one of the most rewarding aspects of Agustin’s career.
- [16:12] How internships at the District Attorney’s Office can prepare law students for successful litigation careers.
- [19:38] Why mentorship and teaching have become essential parts of Agustin’s professional journey.
- [21:55] How legal education programs in Spanish help attorneys from Latin America strengthen their courtroom advocacy skills.
- [25:27] The mission of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Scholarship Fund and its impact on future generations of attorneys.
- [32:06] What to expect at the Scholarship Fund’s annual gala on October 16 at the Gaylord Pacific.
- [35:56] Agustin’s advice for overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing challenges, and building confidence.
- [39:24] Why achieving big dreams requires more than ambition—it requires preparation and a concrete plan.
In this episode…
David Arreguin sits down with Agustin Peña, a Deputy District Attorney and President of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Scholarship Fund, for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, perseverance, public service, and creating opportunities for the next generation of Latino attorneys.
Growing up in City Heights, Agustin didn’t have many professional role models to look up to. Everything changed when a mentor encouraged him to consider law school, opening the door to a career he once thought was beyond his reach.
Agustin shares his journey from community college to becoming a prosecutor, the lessons he has learned in the courtroom, and why protecting your professional reputation matters. He also discusses his passion for teaching, training attorneys across Latin America, and supporting aspiring legal professionals through scholarships and mentorship.
Together, David and Agustin explore the importance of representation in the legal profession, the power of community organizations like San Diego La Raza Lawyers, and why young professionals should embrace challenges rather than allow fear or self-doubt to hold them back.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- David Arreguin on LinkedIn
- San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association (SDLRLA)
- San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
- California Western School of Law
- Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
Quotable moments
- “Why not go to law school?”
- “Why limit myself to my own kind of limitations that were going to be self-imposed?”
- “Reputation is everything. Protect it, covet your reputation, guard it because that’s gonna follow you around.”
- “Somebody took me under their wing, somebody believed in me as well. I’m happy to do it with somebody else.”
- “Lean into those fears, lean into the possible weakness and don’t shy away from it.”
- “It does get easier, it does get better, but keep leaning into it, keep trying, reach out to people, get that support.”
- “Don’t just have the dreams, but actually take steps in furtherance of those dreams.”
- “Have big dreams, but make sure to have a plan and how to reach those big dreams.”
Action steps
- Find mentors who believe in your potential. One meaningful conversation can change the direction of your career
- Don’t limit your ambitions. Your background or circumstances should not determine what you’re capable of achieving.
- Take advantage of internships. Gain practical experience early, especially if you’re interested in litigation or courtroom advocacy.
- Protect your professional reputation. Integrity, preparation, and professionalism can shape your career opportunities.
- Get involved in professional organizations. Build relationships with people who can offer guidance, support, and opportunities.
- Give back through mentorship. Share your experiences with students and young professionals who may be facing challenges similar to yours.
- Apply for scholarships and educational opportunities. Explore organizations like the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Scholarship Fund.
- Embrace discomfort. Don’t allow imposter syndrome or self-doubt to prevent you from pursuing challenging opportunities.
- Turn dreams into action. Set ambitious goals, create a realistic plan, and take concrete steps toward achieving them.
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/.