The Lawtino™

Recorded at the Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Denver-based complex commercial litigator Amber Gonzalez. Amber discusses her work in high-stakes business litigation, her growing involvement in sports and entertainment law, and the momentum surrounding women’s professional sports.

She also shares how HNBA has shaped her career since law school and opens up about becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college despite significant challenges growing up. Her story is a powerful reminder that where you come from does not determine where you can go. 

Recorded at the Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with attorney and former HNBA Vice President of Divisions, Sections, and Committees April Toy. April shares her unconventional journey from growing up in rural Northern California to building a career in litigation, explaining how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection became some of her greatest strengths as an attorney. 

The conversation also explores the importance of community and mentorship within HNBA, the challenges young lawyers face when entering the profession, and the resilience required to push beyond self-imposed boundaries. In a deeply personal part of the episode, April opens up about her struggle with alcoholism, her path to sobriety, and why she now shares her experience to help other professionals who may be struggling in silence. Ultimately, her story carries a powerful message for aspiring lawyers and professionals who question whether they belong: there is room for you. 

In this episode…

John Gomez and David Arreguín sit down with Alejandro Echeverria, an engineer turned intellectual property attorney and patent litigator, during a special Lawtino Podcast series from the Hispanic National Bar Association conference in Washington, D.C.

Alejandro shares the unconventional path that took him from studying engineering in Tijuana and San Diego to working in aerospace, earning a master’s degree, attending law school, becoming a patent agent, and ultimately building a career in intellectual property litigation.

The conversation explores what makes patent law such a specialized field, why an engineering background can be a powerful advantage, and how Alejandro’s experience growing up in the San Diego–Tijuana border region shaped his work ethic, resilience, and professional perspective.

Alejandro also discusses the impact the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) has had on his career, including his experience with the Intellectual Property Law Institute and his efforts to connect Latino law students and attorneys with mentorship and professional opportunities.

Throughout the conversation, Alejandro emphasizes the value of networking, representation, bilingualism, family support, and helping the next generation of Latino attorneys find opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to access.

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.

David Arreguín and co-host Nadia Flores sit down with Valeria Rivera Corona, co-founder of the Binational Race, to explore how an ambitious idea became a one-of-a-kind running experience connecting San Diego and Tijuana.

Valeria shares the story behind the race, from navigating permits and coordinating agencies on both sides of the border to creating an event that now attracts thousands of runners. The conversation also explores Valeria’s entrepreneurial journey, the growing running community, and how the race has become much more than an athletic event—it is a celebration of the people, culture, and shared identity that make the San Diego-Tijuana region unique.

With routes that literally cross the international border and a finish-line celebration in Playas de Tijuana, the Binational Race represents a simple but powerful idea: focus less on what separates communities and more on what brings them together.

THE LAWTINO Podcast welcome Jorge Goytortúa, CEO of Cross Border Xpress (CBX), for an in-depth conversation about one of the most innovative transportation projects in the world. Jorge shares his career in aviation, the vision behind CBX, and how the binational bridge has transformed travel between Southern California and Mexico. 

The discussion explores the project's history, technological innovations, airport expansion, customer experience, and the economic impact of CBX on the CaliBaja region. Jorge also highlights the importance of leadership, entrepreneurship, public-private collaboration, and giving back to the community through meaningful social initiatives. 

Chef Ruffo Ibarra, founder of Oryx Capital and one of the leading voices in the Cali-Baja culinary movement, shares his journey from growing up between Tijuana and San Diego to becoming a Michelin-recognized chef and entrepreneur. He discusses hospitality as an act of empathy, the importance of culture and family, the evolution of Baja's food scene, nonprofit work supporting migrants, and why creating memorable experiences goes far beyond what's served on the plate. 

Chef Omar Armas shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Baja California to training in Italy and working in some of the world's most prestigious culinary destinations, including China, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. He discusses the discipline required to excel in fine dining, the importance of supporting local agriculture, and his vision for transforming Chula Vista into a culinary destination. Along the way, he reflects on resilience, creativity, leadership, and the joy that great food can bring to people's lives.

Attorney Adrian Martinez shares his remarkable journey from Mexico City to becoming a dual-licensed attorney in Mexico and California, as well as a partner at Procopio. He discusses overcoming obstacles, passing the California Bar Exam as a foreign-trained lawyer, building a successful cross-border legal practice, and helping international clients navigate complex legal matters. Along the way, Adrian reflects on the importance of bilingualism, mentorship, professional relationships, discipline, effort, and respect—offering valuable lessons for lawyers, entrepreneurs, and professionals at every stage of their careers.

In this episode of The Lawtino Podcast, the hosts sit down with family law attorney and community leader Tamra Lett to discuss leadership, diversity, and service within the legal profession. Tamra shares how her involvement with Lawyers Club, the San Diego County Bar Association, and local community organizations has shaped her career and her mission to create meaningful connections across diverse communities. The conversation explores access to justice, implicit bias, mentorship, and the importance of building authentic relationships both inside and outside the courtroom. The episode also dives into personal fulfillment, civic engagement, and the mindset needed to create lasting impact through service and leadership.