130 No’s Before One Yes

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

• [02:17] Albert Maldonado’s roots in California’s Inland Empire and his path into municipal law.
• [03:02] How his father’s advice during his college activism inspired him to become a lawyer and advocate for others.
• [05:51] Why Albert attended Harvard Divinity School before going to law school at Northwestern.
• [07:33] What studying media training, politics, and community organizing taught him about connecting with people.
• [10:19] How Albert faced more than 100 rejections before finding the opportunity that launched his legal career.
• [12:47] Why the HNBA community leaves him feeling “rejuvenated, re-energized, and recommitted.”
• [14:41] Albert’s experience with imposter syndrome and learning to believe that he belonged in elite spaces.
• [18:53] His closing message: “Latino history is American history.”

In this episode…

Recorded at the Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with attorney Albert Maldonado to discuss his journey from the Inland Empire to Harvard Divinity School, Northwestern Law, and a career in municipal law.

Albert shares how activism, his father’s advice, more than 100 career rejections, and his own struggle with imposter syndrome shaped the lawyer and leader he is today. He also discusses mentorship, community, and why Latino attorneys should recognize the value and perspective they bring to the profession.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
• John Gomez on LinkedIn 
• David Arreguin on LinkedIn
• Albert Maldonado on LinkedIn
• City of San Bernardino

Quotable moments

• “At some point, the movement’s gonna need a lawyer.”
• “People won’t listen to you if they don’t like you. So you have to establish the relationship first.”
• “I was told no 130 times before Best Best & Krieger told me yes.”
• “We had people that helped us and extended a hand, and so now it’s our turn.”
• “I believed that I was adding value to them.”
• “Choose a different path. Take a risk. Accept that opportunity.”
• “Latino history is American history.”

Action steps

1. Don’t let rejection determine your direction. One “yes” can outweigh dozens of “no’s.”
2. Build relationships before asking for opportunities. Genuine connection is one of the foundations of leadership.
3. Reach out for mentorship. People are often willing to help, but you have to take the first step.
4. Challenge imposter syndrome. Don’t assume you simply belong in the room—recognize the unique perspective you bring to it.
5. Take opportunities that stretch you. Growth often begins with applying for something you initially think is beyond your reach.
6. Pay mentorship forward. Help the next generation the same way others helped you.

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