The Lawtino™

In this episode…David Arreguin welcome Pilar Puerto, a tax controversy partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP and former attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, to discuss her journey from Colombia to becoming a respected legal professional specializing in complex federal tax disputes.Pilar shares how her family's immigration experience shaped her determination to pursue a legal career, why she developed a passion for tax law, and what she learned during her 12 years working at the IRS. She offers valuable insight into tax audits, appeals, settlements, and the importance of understanding both sides of a tax controversy.The conversation also explores Pilar's transition from government service to private practice, the role of professional organizations such as the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the importance of representation in specialized legal fields. Throughout the episode, Pilar emphasizes the value of mentorship, asking questions, and embracing opportunities—even when they feel intimidating.

In this episode…John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Raul Campillo, San Diego City Councilmember representing District 7, attorney, and passionate advocate for the binational community. Raul shares his journey from growing up in El Cajon with deep family roots in Calexico and Mexicali to studying at Harvard, practicing law, and ultimately pursuing a career in public service.Throughout the conversation, Raul discusses the importance of local government, economic opportunity, and strengthening the relationship between San Diego and Tijuana. He explains why public safety, responsible budgeting, and job creation are essential to building stronger communities, while also reflecting on his political aspirations and the possibility of seeking the San Diego mayor's office.In a deeply personal moment, Raul opens up about losing his brother to an opioid overdose just days before taking the California Bar Exam. He shares how his brother's courage, compassion, and willingness to stand up for others continue to inspire his work. This episode is a powerful conversation about family, resilience, leadership, and the responsibility to create meaningful change in the communities we call home. 

In this episode…In the final installment of Lawtino Podcast's special series from the Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Ana Sofia Wacker and Elian del Campo, two aspiring Latina attorneys navigating law school, professional opportunities, and the importance of community.Ana, a third-year student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, shares her journey from Texas to Ohio and her plans to begin her legal career at Jones Day, focusing on cybersecurity and data privacy. Elian, a second-year student at George Washington University Law School, discusses her background in education, her growing interest in consumer protection and employment law, and the challenges of finding a Latino community in law school.Together, they explore the importance of mentorship, bilingual legal skills, professional networking, and learning to ask for help. Their conversation highlights the unique challenges facing first-generation Latino law students while offering encouragement to anyone discovering their own professional path.

In this episode…Recorded at Celebrando Latinas in San Diego, John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Marta C. Gómez, an experienced mortgage loan officer and community advocate who has spent more than 25 years helping families pursue the dream of homeownership.Marta shares her journey of arriving in the United States alone at just 18 years old, navigating language and cultural barriers, and discovering her passion for helping others. Drawing from her own immigrant experience, she explains how financial education, responsible credit management, and access to the right resources can empower Latino families to become homeowners.The conversation also explores Marta's commitment to raising three successful daughters, the importance of building a trusted professional network, and her recognition as a businesswoman in Escondido. With more than 5,000 homeowners served, Marta believes her work is about much more than mortgages—it's about helping families turn their dreams into reality.

In this episode…Recorded at the Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Jackie Winfrey, a former U.S. Navy service member, experienced paralegal, and operations director, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding your path in the legal profession.Jackie shares how growing up in her family's restaurant in North Carolina taught her responsibility and leadership at an early age. After serving five years in the Navy, she pursued a career in criminal defense before transitioning into business operations and exploring opportunities as an independent paralegal.The conversation also highlights the value of bilingual professionals in the legal industry, the power of networking through organizations like the HNBA, and the challenges Jackie has faced navigating higher education as a first-generation Latina. Her story offers encouragement to aspiring legal professionals who are still discovering their paths and learning to embrace failure as part of growth.

In this episode…Recorded at the Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Juan C. Gonzalez, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Mastercard, and Arghemar Pérez Sanguinetti, a compliance professional at Mastercard, for a conversation about corporate leadership, legal careers, diversity, and innovation.Juan shares his journey from Ecuador to New York City, beginning his career as an engineer before attending law school at night. With nearly two decades at Mastercard, he reflects on his experience in intellectual property law, the importance of cultural perspectives, and the opportunities available to Latino attorneys in corporate legal departments.The conversation also explores Mastercard's global payment network, the technology behind digital transactions, and the growing importance of cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Both guests highlight Mastercard's commitment to supporting the Hispanic National Bar Association and creating opportunities for the next generation of Latino legal professionals.

In this episode…John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Fabiola Gálvez, founder and CEO of Gente Bonita Magazine, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and connecting Latino communities across the border.Originally from Mexicali, Mexico, Fabiola shares how she rebuilt her life after moving to San Diego and eventually transformed an unexpected professional setback into a business opportunity. When the newspaper she worked with stopped publishing, she refused to abandon her first advertising client. Instead, she launched Gente Bonita Magazine, creating a platform dedicated to celebrating Latino entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders.Fabiola also discusses the creation of Gente Connect, the importance of networking, and her commitment to strengthening relationships between San Diego, Tijuana, and Mexicali. Recorded at Celebrando Latinas, this episode explores the power of persistence, community, and faith in building something meaningful.

In this episode…Recorded live at the Hispanic National Bar Association's Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Adrian F. Snead, an attorney at Porter Wright, for a conversation about consumer protection, trial advocacy, judicial clerkships, and the power of professional relationships.Adrian shares his journey from San Antonio, Texas, to Washington, D.C., including experiences at the Department of Justice, the Obama White House, and the federal judiciary. He reflects on how scholarships, mentorship, and unexpected connections helped shape his legal career.The conversation explores why trials matter beyond their outcomes, the importance of understanding both sides of litigation, and how attorneys can become stronger advocates by preparing for potential appeals. Adrian also discusses the lasting impact of the Hispanic National Bar Association, from opening doors to career opportunities to building a supportive community of Latino legal professionals.

In this episode…David Arreguin sits down with Agustin Peña, a Deputy District Attorney and President of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Scholarship Fund, for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, perseverance, public service, and creating opportunities for the next generation of Latino attorneys.Growing up in City Heights, Agustin didn't have many professional role models to look up to. Everything changed when a mentor encouraged him to consider law school, opening the door to a career he once thought was beyond his reach.Agustin shares his journey from community college to becoming a prosecutor, the lessons he has learned in the courtroom, and why protecting your professional reputation matters. He also discusses his passion for teaching, training attorneys across Latin America, and supporting aspiring legal professionals through scholarships and mentorship.Together, David and Agustin explore the importance of representation in the legal profession, the power of community organizations like San Diego La Raza Lawyers, and why young professionals should embrace challenges rather than allow fear or self-doubt to hold them back.

In this episode…Recorded live at Celebrando Latinas in Chula Vista, John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Adriana Reid for an inspiring conversation about conscious leadership, emotional awareness, personal transformation, and community empowerment.Drawing from her experience in the Mexican Foreign Service, education, and human development, Adriana shares how cultural identity, personal experiences, and subconscious beliefs influence the way we communicate, lead, and navigate challenges.She also discusses her work helping individuals and organizations develop greater self-awareness, the importance of emotional well-being in professional environments, and why lasting transformation starts with a personal decision to change.