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

• [02:05] Tyler Quillin shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a teacher, attending law school while raising a family, and ultimately building a career in technology law.
• [04:25] Why Tyler believes real-world experience before law school can help attorneys better understand clients, relationships, and the human side of legal practice.
• [06:40] Tyler opens up about failing the bar exam, losing his post-graduation firm opportunity, driving Uber to support his family, and finding a path forward.
• [08:24] How an interest in protecting creativity led Tyler toward intellectual property and technology law—and eventually to Microsoft and Xbox.
• [10:58] The role the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Law Institute played in helping Tyler see new possibilities for his legal career.
• [13:56] Tyler’s message to aspiring Latino lawyers: it’s never too late to pursue law, and the profession needs more Latino voices in the room.
• [15:48] Why Tyler describes the Hispanic National Bar Association as a familia and how its network supported him through professional challenges and deeply personal moments.
• [18:24] How Tyler approaches imposter syndrome and turns feelings of uncertainty into motivation to keep showing up, learning, and pursuing opportunities.
• [21:53] Tyler shares the simple message he would write in the sky for everyone to see: “Be kind.”
• [22:01] The moving story behind Ben’s Bells and why a seemingly small act of kindness can have an impact we may never fully understand.

In this episode…

Recorded in Washington, D.C. during the Hispanic National Bar Association’s annual meeting, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Tyler Quillin, Senior Corporate Counsel supporting Xbox at Microsoft, for a conversation about career pivots, resilience, representation, technology, and the importance of community.

Tyler shares his unconventional path from special education teacher to attorney, including transferring law schools, failing the bar exam, rebuilding his career, discovering intellectual property law, and eventually joining Microsoft. Today, his work with Xbox spans the hardware and accessories ecosystem, supporting executives and engineers throughout product development, manufacturing, compliance, logistics, and partnerships.

The conversation also explores Latino representation in the legal profession, the power of the HNBA community, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why Tyler believes kindness and service should remain at the heart of a legal career.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
• John Gomez on LinkedIn 
• David Arreguin on LinkedIn
• Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
• Microsoft
• Xbox

Quotable moments

• “It’s never too late.”
• “The hardest job I’ve ever had, bar none, is being a teacher.”
• “We do what we gotta do.”
• “Not only can you, but you should, and we need you.”
• “We need to be in the room where it happens.”
• “Everybody we meet is battling something we know nothing of.”
• “Law is a service industry.”
• “You miss a hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.”
• “Be kind.”

Action steps

1. Don’t assume it’s too late to change careers. Tyler’s path demonstrates that previous careers, family responsibilities, and setbacks don’t have to prevent you from pursuing a new professional goal.
2. Use your life experience as an advantage. Experiences outside the legal profession can strengthen your ability to understand clients, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships.
3. Treat setbacks as part of the journey. Failing an exam or losing an opportunity doesn’t define your career. Adapt, keep working, and continue looking for the next opening.
4. Build your professional network intentionally. Organizations such as the HNBA can provide mentorship, opportunities, introductions, and support throughout different stages of a career.
5. Seek representation and become representation. Seeing Latino professionals succeeding in specialized areas helped Tyler envision a career in intellectual property and technology law. As you advance, help others see those possibilities too.
6. Challenge imposter syndrome by taking action. Apply for the position, attend the event, ask the question, and pursue opportunities even when you’re unsure whether you completely belong.
7. Lead with service and kindness. Professional success matters, but the relationships you build and the way you treat people can leave an even greater impact.