Marco Garcia is an Employment Litigation Associate at Jackson Lewis P.C., where he represents employers in workplace law matters, providing preventive advice and counseling. Recognized as a 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of San Diego Metro Magazine’s Top 25 Attorneys, he handles cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage claims, and class actions. Marco also serves as the President of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, where he advocates for diversity and equity in the legal profession.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [5:04] Marco Garcia reflects on his upbringing as a first-generation student and his early academic struggles
- [11:02] How an internship shifted Marco’s interest toward employment law
- [13:50] Marco talks about failing the bar exam, losing job offers, and rebuilding his legal career
- [25:36] Mentoring and developing future generations of Latino lawyers
- [27:36] The mission and community impact of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
- [34:06] Marco’s plans to build coalitions among Latino legal organizations to amplify community influence
- [38:30] Why cultural awareness and Spanish fluency give Marco a competitive edge in employment law
- [43:05] Advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and excelling in corporate environments
- [49:31] How Marco promotes diversity at his law firm and balances his legal career, leadership roles, and personal well-being
In this episode…
Many aspiring Latino legal professionals face limited resources, a lack of mentorship, and doubts about whether they belong in high-powered legal environments. How can first-generation students and young attorneys navigate these challenges, build resilience, and find fulfillment in highly competitive fields?
After failing the bar exam and facing rejection from several law firms, Marco Garcia rebuilt his legal career by focusing on leadership and cultural diversity. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, persistent networking, and strategic mentorship in overcoming career obstacles. Marco also advises students and young professionals to invest in preparation, develop strong communication skills, and join communities that foster personal and professional growth while staying true to their cultural roots.
In today’s episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez, Camila Milanes, and Lara Deitz speak with Marco Garcia, Employment Litigation Associate at Jackson Lewis P.C. and President of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, about resilience and Latino leadership in the legal profession. Marco talks about cultural awareness as a competitive advantage, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the value of mentorship.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
- Camila Milanes on LinkedIn
- Lara Deitz, Esq. on LinkedIn
- Marco Garcia on LinkedIn
- Jackson Lewis P.C.
- San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
Quotable Moments:
- “I never stopped believing in myself in this process and the different things that I did.”
- “If you’re going through it, just continue to push forward; there will be difficult times.”
- “There’s no shame in just doing your best; a lot of people are just trying to live.”
- “Preparation is extremely important, and if you want to put yourself in a room, be ready.”
- “Self-belief is key; you need to understand that you do belong there from the beginning.”
Action Steps:
- Believe in your ability to belong in any room: Self-confidence lays the foundation for earning respect and building influence in professional spaces. Knowing you belong helps overcome doubt and encourages others to see your value.
- Invest heavily in preparation: Mastering the details of your work ensures you can perform under pressure and build credibility quickly. Being fully prepared commands attention and shows your expertise without needing to prove it verbally.
- Build a strong support network: Surrounding yourself with mentors and peers offers guidance, accountability, and emotional resilience during challenging times. Relationships built on trust can open doors that credentials alone cannot.
- Stay connected to your community roots: Maintaining ties to your cultural and community background brings authenticity and relatability to professional interactions. It also provides a unique advantage in connecting with broader and more diverse audiences.
- Push through adversity with persistence: Success often follows periods of uncertainty and hardship, and perseverance ensures you stay on the path toward long-term goals. Facing and overcoming setbacks builds the grit needed for sustainable career growth.
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/.