In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, host Kimberly Lopez sits down with Herlinda Castagnoli, an entertainment attorney at Donaldson Callif Perez LLP (DCP), one of the nation's leading law firms for independent filmmakers and documentary producers.

Herlinda shares how her family roots, love for the arts, and classical piano training shaped her journey from Houston to USC Law — and ultimately into the niche world of entertainment and media law. She explains how she pivoted from a planned career in public defense to protecting creative work through rights clearance, fair use analysis, and production legal.

This conversation is a powerful look at representation, mentorship, and the legal work that happens behind the scenes to bring films, documentaries, and creative projects safely to life.

• How early exposure to music, education, and advocacy inspired Herlinda's path to law

• The moment she discovered entertainment law as a way to stay connected to the arts

• Why rights clearance and fair use are essential to independent film

• What production legal actually involves—from financing and IP licensing to distribution

• How DCP supports filmmakers in navigating copyright, trademark, and personal rights issues

• The importance of mentorship—and how Herlinda now mentors underrepresented law students through LEAP

• How AI is shaping film production and why transparency is critical for legal compliance

• Her experience as a Latina in a niche legal field and what generational success means to her family

Associate, Donaldson Callif Perez LLP Los Angeles, CA

Herlinda specializes in:

• Rights Clearance & Fair Use

• Production Legal

• Documentary & Independent Film Legal Support

• Copyright, Trademark, and Privacy Issues

• E&O (Errors and Omissions) Insurance Review

She has contributed to notable projects including:

• Katrina: Come Hell and High Water

• Billy Joel: And So It Goes

• The Class

• Daughters

📧 Contact Herlinda: [email protected] 🌐 Profile: https://dcp.law

Episode Summary:

In this powerful solo episode, Kimberly Lopez talks about how to shift from a fear-based mindset to a strategy-driven one — especially during times of uncertainty. Drawing from her own experience as a "recession baby attorney," Kimberly explores the difference between "playing not to lose" and "playing to win," and shares the strategies that have helped her thrive in the legal profession. From betting on your skills to building strong networks, this episode will leave you feeling clear, confident, and ready to call the next play in your career.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• The difference between playing not to lose vs. playing to win

• Why fear often causes us to shrink or stay quiet

• How gratitude can unintentionally hold us back

• The importance of betting on your skills — even when you don't feel ready

• Practical strategies for moving forward with power:

  • Track your wins and own your value

  • Control what's in your hands: your brand, resume, and network

  • Call an audible: don't be afraid to pivot boldly

  • Surround yourself with ambitious people who challenge and inspire you

  • Reconnect with your why — whatever it may be

💬 Top Quote: "You weren't made to play defense your whole career. You are the strategist. You are the quarterback. Call the play. Take the shot."

🔁 Join the Conversation: What's one area where you've been playing not to lose? And how are you shifting to play to win? DM Kimberly or email us — your story could inspire others in the LLM community.

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Ready to take your career — and confidence — to the next level? Join the VIDA Circle, a powerful space designed for Latina attorneys, by Latina attorneys. Together, we build on our Vision, Intention, Direction, and Action to grow with strategy, support, and purpose. This is where we rise together.

👉 Learn more and join us at www.latinalegalminds.com/VIDA.

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What does it take to build a million-dollar legal recruiting firm from the ground up? In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, we sit down with Aida C. Rodriguez—CEO of Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search and President of Ascension Legal Studies Institute—to explore how grit, vision, and a commitment to empowering others shaped her entrepreneurial journey.

Aida shares how she turned discomfort into drive, built a powerhouse team of women, and continues to challenge the status quo in the legal industry. From salary negotiations to leadership lessons, she unpacks how Latinas can own their power, elevate their brand, and step into careers they love—on their own terms.

Whether you're looking to pivot, scale, or simply find your voice, this conversation is a masterclass in building boldly with purpose and heart.

• The evolution of legal recruiting—and how Latinas can stand out

• Long-term thinking in salary negotiations and career planning

• Building a women-led enterprise with no "traditional" background

• The real meaning of work-life flow

• Why your brand is more than your resume

• Mentorship, representation, and the responsibility of being a Latina legal mind

• "You are your best brand ambassador."
• "If your negotiation is only focused on salary, you're thinking too small."
• "I built this company with women who had never worked a day in legal—and they became a powerhouse."
• "Discomfort is part of the process. You can either run from it or use it to build something bigger."
• "For me, being a Latina Legal Mind means responsibility—to lead, to give back, and to help others see their greatness."
• "You won't find balance, but you will find your flow—and that's where your power is."

• Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search

• Ascension Legal Studies Institute

• Connect with Aida on LinkedIn: Aida C. Rodriguez

In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, host Kimberly Lopez is joined by Margarita Eberline, visionary founder of Marketing Boss and creator of the Connect Convert methodology. Margarita is transforming how law firms market their services—going beyond flashy ads to create real, lasting connections that convert leads into loyal clients.

She shares her incredible journey from aspiring journalist to marketing powerhouse, the inspiration behind her Connect Convert framework, and why mindset, authenticity, and trust are the new currency in legal marketing. Plus, she offers actionable strategies law firms can use today to improve client experience, intake, and conversion.

Whether you're a solo practitioner, law firm partner, or rising associate, this episode will shift how you think about marketing, growth, and the power of your personal brand.

• Margarita's path from storytelling to strategy and how she found her calling in legal marketing

• What the Connect Convert methodology is and how it's changing the client experience

• The silent challenges law firms face that sabotage lead conversion (hello, ghosting!)

• Why personal branding matters more than your firm's logo

• How mindset coaching helps attorneys break through fear and grow their firms

• How motherhood shaped Margarita's leadership style and business philosophy

• The #1 question every lawyer should ask before scaling their firm

🔗 Website: https://marketing-boss.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Margarita Eberline 🔗 Instagram: @margaritaeberline

In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, we sit down with Susie Altamirano, a powerhouse in municipal law and government relations. Now a Partner at Olivarez Madruga Law Organization LLP, Susie serves as City Attorney for multiple cities, advising on election law, public policy, and government transparency.

But Susie's path to law wasn't linear—she started in political consulting, ran her own firm, and even worked as Executive Writer for the Governor of California before passing the bar and transitioning into municipal law. In this conversation, she shares her unique career journey, the challenges facing Latino elected officials, and how Latina attorneys can shape public policy.

✨ Tune in as we discuss: ✅ The intersection of law, politics, and government relations ✅ Challenges and opportunities for Latino elected officials ✅ Government transparency and compliance in city governance ✅ Why municipal law is a hidden gem for Latina attorneys ✅ The power of mentorship and perseverance in legal careers

Connect with Susie: 🌐 OMLO Law: omlolaw.com 📲 LinkedIn: Susie Altamirano

💬 On Taking the Bar Exam Later in Life: "Maybe it didn't happen the first time, but maybe it will happen the second, third, or fourth. If that's your goal, keep moving forward. Those obstacles were meant to make you stronger."

💬 On the Importance of Representation in Law & Politics: "I look down the row of directors and city managers, and they don't always look like me. But that's okay—there's a seat at the table for you."

💬 On Government Transparency & Ethics: "Public service requires trust. It's our job as municipal attorneys to guide elected officials, ensure compliance, and uphold transparency—because governance happens in the open, not behind closed doors."

💬 On the Power of Relationships in Career Growth: "Who you surround yourself with matters. Your circle can lift you up or hold you back—choose wisely."

✨ Enjoyed this episode? 👉 Follow & Subscribe for more empowering conversations with Latina leaders in law! 👉 Leave a review & let us know your favorite takeaway! 👉 Share this episode with a fellow Latina legal mind!

In this powerful episode of Latina Legal Minds, host Kimberly Lopez sits down with Arivee Vargas, executive coach, CEO, and founder of Humble Rising LLC. Arivee shares her journey from Big Law attorney to entrepreneur and author of the Amazon bestseller Your Time to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, Unleash Your Truest Self.

They dive into topics that resonate deeply with Latina attorneys, including navigating cultural expectations, redefining success, setting boundaries, and embracing self-agency to live a more aligned, fulfilling life.

1. Work-Life Balance is a Myth: True fulfillment comes from alignment and intentionality, not chasing balance.

2. Redefining Success: Your definition of success should evolve with different seasons of life. It's not about titles or external validation but about living your truth.

3. Cultural Superpower: Latinas bring a broader, more nuanced perspective to their work due to their lived experiences of navigating different cultures.

4. Self-Agency is Key: You have more control over your time and energy than you think. It's about recognizing and reclaiming that power.

5. Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs: To move forward, you must unlearn harmful beliefs like chronic self-sacrifice and the idea that rest is unproductive.

💬 "Work-life balance is a myth. True fulfillment comes when you align your actions with your values and live your truth."

💬 "Latinas bring a unique, multidimensional perspective to their work. We've had to navigate different cultures, which makes us more adaptable and open-minded."

💬 "Humility is about growth. It's about being open to learning and adopting new mindsets that help you evolve."

💬 "You don't need a drastic change to reclaim your time and energy. Start with small, intentional steps that protect what's most important to you."

💬 "Let go of limiting beliefs that no longer serve you. Success is about living your truth and aligning your life with your values."

• 0:00 - 10:00: Arivee's journey from Big Law to executive coach and author

• 10:01 - 20:00: Navigating cultural expectations and redefining success as a Latina attorney

• 20:01 - 35:00: The power of self-agency and breaking free from limiting beliefs

• 35:01 - 50:00: Practical strategies for setting boundaries and reclaiming time

• 50:01 - End: Arivee's insights on humility, growth, and living an aligned life

• Arivee Vargas: LinkedIn | Instagram

• Order the Book: Your Time to Rise by Arivee Vargas

• Podcast: Humble Rising with Arivee Vargas

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to:

✅ Subscribe to Latina Legal Minds wherever you listen to podcasts. ✅ Leave a review to help more people discover the show. ✅ Share this episode with a fellow Latina attorney or friend who needs to hear this message.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and start redefining success on your terms!

Ready to step into your power and amplify your cultura? The Latina Legal Minds Power Summit is coming to Orlando, Florida on February 21, 2025!

Join an exclusive group of trailblazing Latina attorneys for a transformative day of bold conversations, strategy sessions, and community building. With only 30 seats available, this is your chance to connect with mujeres who are redefining success in the legal profession.

Don't miss out—visit www.LatinaLegalMinds.com to grab your ticket before it's too late!

In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, we are joined by Angelica Cesario, Vice President of Learning Solutions at Lawline and a trailblazer in the world of legal education. Angelica shares her inspiring journey as a proud Puerto Rican from a working-class family in Brooklyn who rose to a leadership position in the CLE industry. With a JD from Columbia Law School and nearly a decade of experience at Lawline, Angelica's mission is to empower attorneys through innovative learning solutions and mentorship.

• Angelica's Journey: How her cultural background and upbringing shaped her path from aspiring attorney to CLE leader.
• Challenges with CLEs: Insights into the unique hurdles Latina attorneys face in navigating CLE requirements and how to overcome them.
• The Role of DEI in Legal Education: How CLEs can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.
• Practical Tips for Attorneys: Strategies for leveraging CLEs to build your skills, expand your network, and advance your career.
• Future of CLEs: Angelica's vision for CLE as a tool for equity and innovation in the legal profession.

• CLEs are more than just a compliance requirement—they are an opportunity for professional development and career growth.
• Investing in personal and professional development is critical for Latina attorneys to break barriers in the legal field.
• DEI-focused CLEs are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable legal profession.

Angelica Cesario is the Vice President of Learning Solutions at Lawline, the nation's largest online CLE provider. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, Angelica leads the creation of innovative CLE programming that empowers attorneys to succeed. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Don't forget to subscribe to Latina Legal Minds for more inspiring conversations and insights from trailblazing Latina attorneys. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network!

In this inspiring episode of Latina Legal Minds, host Kimberly Lopez sits down with Erika Contreras, partner at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, to discuss her unique journey to partnership and her insights into navigating the legal profession as a Latina attorney. Erika shares the challenges and opportunities she faced in a field that often lacks clear pathways for advancement, especially for Latina lawyers.

From understanding the business side of law to leveraging unique networks and advocating for yourself, Erika provides actionable advice for attorneys looking to rise through the ranks and make themselves invaluable to their firms. She also emphasizes the importance of mentors, sponsors, and the growing platforms supporting Latina attorneys in their professional journeys.

Whether you're an aspiring partner or simply seeking inspiration for your legal career, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Erika's nontraditional journey to partnership and how she carved her own path.
• The unique challenges Latina attorneys face in consumer law firms.
• How to understand the business side of law and track your professional impact.
• The critical role of mentors, sponsors, and self-advocacy in career advancement.
• Why Latina representation in law is growing and how to seize opportunities in the field.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Connect with Erika Contreras on LinkedIn
• Follow Erika on Instagram: @erikacontrerasattorney
• Contact Erika: [email protected]

Follow Us: Stay connected with Latina Legal Minds:

• Instagram: @LatinaLegalMinds
• Website: LatinaLegalMinds.com

Episode Highlights:

• [3:53] Erika's nontraditional path to partnership.
• [6:38] Challenges and opportunities in consumer law firms.
• [8:41] Advice for Latina attorneys aspiring to partnership.
• [13:19] Mentors, sponsors, and self-advocacy: The keys to career growth.
• [40:12] The evolving landscape for Latina representation in law.

Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network. Don't forget to subscribe to Latina Legal Minds for more empowering stories and insights from trailblazing Latina attorneys!

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In this episode of Latina Legal Minds, Kimberly Lopez sits down with Daniela de la Piedra, JD, MPA, CPC, a former attorney turned certified Life, Career, and Leadership Coach. After a 13-year career advocating for low-income seniors in Washington, D.C., Daniela made the bold decision to transition out of law and into coaching. Through her journey, she discovered the power of living life "by design" rather than "by default."

Daniela shares how the pandemic became a turning point, helping her recognize the misalignment between her career and personal values. She delves into the process of transitioning careers, the emotional challenges of leaving law, and the lessons she's learned about aligning work with purpose. As a coach, Daniela now empowers her clients to find balance, fulfillment, and joy by reconnecting with their values and vision for life.

This conversation is packed with insights on embracing change, creating intentionality, and using coaching as a tool for self-discovery. Whether you're considering a career pivot or simply seeking more balance in your life, this episode will inspire you to design a life that truly aligns with your values.

• Daniela's journey from aspiring doctor to attorney, and eventually, to certified coach.
• How she helped vulnerable senior clients during her legal career and why advocacy remains a core value.
• The emotional and practical challenges of leaving a decade-long legal career for a new path.
• What it means to live life "by design" versus "by default," and how to identify misalignment.
• The unique role of coaching in helping professionals find clarity, balance, and fulfillment.
• Practical steps to overcome feeling stuck and start aligning your career with your ideal lifestyle.

• Follow Daniela on Instagram: @everydaydanielacoaching
• Connect with Daniela on LinkedIn: Daniela de la Piedra
• Learn More About Coaching: Visit Daniela's Website

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to the Latina Legal Minds Podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice from Latina lawyers breaking barriers and redefining success.

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In this episode of Latina Legal Minds,host Kimberly Lopez is joined by Veronica Cardenas, founder of Humanigration, an organization dedicated to transforming the immigration experience through a human-centered approach. Veronica shares her powerful journey, from being an immigration prosecutor for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to becoming a fierce advocate for immigrants and shifting the narrative around immigration law.

Veronica talks about her personal experiences as the daughter of Colombian and Peruvian immigrants, the challenges of working for ICE under the Trump administration, and how her frustrations with the broken immigration system led her to create Humanigration. She discusses the importance of empowering immigrants to understand the legal process, the emotional weight of immigration law, and how we can shift the public perception of immigration by celebrating each individual story.

Tune in for a heartwarming and insightful conversation about how the intersection of law and compassion can help us transform the immigration experience.

• Veronica's journey from ICE prosecutor to founder of Humanigration.
• The emotional challenges of immigration law and working under the Trump administration.
• How Humanigration is different from traditional immigration law firms.
• The importance of empowering immigrants with knowledge and confidence.
• How we can change the narrative around immigration in the U.S.
• Veronica's reflections on balancing two cultural identities as a Latina and an American.
• Her proudest moments and the personal inspirations behind her work.

• Humanigration Website
• Follow Humanigration on Instagram: @humanigration
• Veronica's articles in The Hill: Article 1, Article 2

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to the Latina Legal Minds Podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice from Latina lawyers breaking barriers and redefining success.

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