Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Barboza.
Carla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I created Barboza & Associates in June 1994 under the most dire of circumstances. My life was a disaster on many levels and I decided to stop working for others so I could reap the benefit of my abilities. I started out as a plaintiff’s employment lawyer, representing employees in harassment and discrimination cases and then I reinvented myself about 20 years ago and became a full-time neutral who handles mediations, workplace investigations and arbitrations. I have weathered many storms and those experiences helped me develop into a successful business person. I am a first generation Chicana (Mexican-American born here) who had few resources and decided to go to law school in 1979. My Dad is from Calexico in CA and my mother is from Mexicali in Baja California, Mexico. (Towns divided by the border.) I built a good life using my intellect and my drive. I am a survivor of childhood abuse who spent many years recovering and developing into the woman I am today. I make every effort to harm no one and do good deeds. I rescue retired racing greyhounds. I have backyard chickens. One lays blue eggs. I have an edible garden at home. I spend lots of time at home over the stove. Sometimes, I try to figure out how I got to where I am. There is no easy answer. Perhaps it is best not to question such things and just enjoy them.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Too many to count. I am estranged from my family for a number of reasons, including abuse of many varieties and homphobia. My family could not handle who I was and I eventually chose to leave them. That was a tough but necessary decision. It allowed me to step away from what I knew (abuse, betrayal, drugs, addictions, etc.) and start anew.
I have been working since I was a teenager. My father left my mother when I was 12. My mother had never worked before and she had 3 kinds. She did what she had to do in the 60’s and married another man. He was a violent alcoholic. I left home at 20 and never looked back.
I am the square peg who does not fit in the round hole. I accept that now. It is one of the things that has allowed me to become a successful business person. People remember me.
Please tell us about Barboza & Associates.
I am known for the work I have done in the field of employment law. I have deep experience representing women who have been sexually harassed and I continue to work with them as a mediator, investigator and arbitrator. I work hard for others and have very high standards. I am reliable, intelligent and street smart. I am good working with people. I put others at ease and listen to them. That’s what makes me a good investigator and mediator. Being quiet and respectful to others goes a very long way. Resolving disputes instead of instigating them as an attorney is very rewarding. It also is very creative. I never know who I will be working with on any given day and I have to adjust my methods to those who come for my help. It’s so wonderful to be able to connect with others. That is my forte.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Hard to say. Although there were many experiences that were devastating to me, I know that those are the things that helped me evolve and develop into who I am today. I hated law school but I have done quite well in the profession.
I came to LA in 1974 from Fresno, CA. It was one of the best decisions of my life. This city has been so good to me.
I became a really good lawyer here fighting for what I thought was right. Then, I decided to be a peace-maker and that suited me as well. I am so fortunate despite the many disadvantages I have had in my life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 660 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1620
- Website: barbozaassociates.com
- Phone: 213-629-4745
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Laura Aguilar, Max Gerber
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