Photography by Sergio Olivas
What inspired you to pursue a career in business and how has your journey unfolded since then?
My father gave me my earliest sense of justice, so my first pursuit is actually law. I realized early on that I wanted to work for myself. This became all the more clear to me when I had my son, and I wanted to have the freedom to choose the hours I worked, to pick my cases and to take time off when I wanted to be present for his milestones. I’ve worked for myself ever since I became a licensed attorney, first as one half of a small firm and now as the sole owner of my very own law practice.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style or approach to business?
When I embarked on my journey to be a solo practitioner, I decided that this was my chance to truly develop and grow my dream job as I saw fit. I reflected a lot on the type of culture and vision I wanted for my firm, and remembered a book my husband had recommended a few years ago called Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. I finally read it, and found that the insight about the qualities of a successful leader really resonated with my real-world experience. While my firm is currently a “one woman show,” I aspire to lead in all my roles in the community with those principles in mind.
How do you foster innovation and creativity within your business?
One of my mantras is that I don’t shy away from difficult cases, and so I’m always looking for new insights and interpretations to help my clients achieve their goals within the framework of the law. Sometimes this means applying broader legal concepts to new areas of law, and other times it’s contacting a different government agency than usual for help. In terms of the day-to-day running of a law practice, I’m constantly amazed by the ways in which the way we do work is changing. One of the few positives to come from the Covid pandemic has been the great deal of ingenuity developed to allow us to work from almost anywhere, from shared work spaces to virtual assistants, and apps that make it possible to get so much more done in a fraction of the time. This rethinking of how we work has given us back so much time previously spent on travel and logistics, and I’m here for it.
Why is being a leader and a woman in business important to you?
My mother instilled in me the notion that if I could provide for myself, I would have the freedom of choices that comes from being self-reliant. When women build and lead businesses, we earn our seat at the table and gain the power to bring about changes that benefit ourselves and our families. For me, being a leader and a woman in business is a culmination of my commitment to that vision, and that’s why it’s important to me.
How do you prioritize personal and professional development for you and your team members?
It’s taken me many years to understand just how important work-life balance is to our well-being, and that it’s something you have to actively pursue. I do this by searching out professional organizations where I can continue learning how to hone my craft as an attorney and opportunities to build networks within the community, as well as by making time in my routine to reflect or engage in a creative activity I enjoy.
Law Office of Pamela G. Munoz, PLLC
pamela@pamelamunozlaw.com
office@pamelamunozlaw.com
915-206-4549