Community Highlights: Meet Jennifer Nakamura of J. Nakamura Law, APC aka Legacy Law Lounge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Nakamura.

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started as an intern in a small ma + pop law office in Cerritos. I got accepted to law school after a few years of working for the law office. Unfortunately, I lost my mom due to stage 4 lung cancer in the middle of law school and took some time off. When I came back to law school, my school was shutting down due to Argosy collapsing. Luckily our school was saved by Westcliff, but Covid hit – so my bar exam date was delayed, which had never been done in the history of the bar exam. I was one of the students who took the bar exam at home in my living room for the first time in history. My gardeners showed up during my first MBE section of the bar, and I failed. Determined to pass, and during Covid – I called my law school library every day to be allowed to study at the library and take the bar at the library instead of at home. I went to the library everday and was in my seat by 8AM each day to mimic the conditions of the bar exam. I passed! But, my law office who had promised me to be a partner for 12 years- didn’t fulfill their promise and instead insulted me and questioned me. Although hurt by the partners who I so truly considered as second fathers- I knew I had to take the leap and go on my own. I ran the law office for 12 years: worked my way up from intern to legal secretary to certified paralegal to office manager and accounting manager and eventually lawyer, but wouldn’t give me a partner – so I left and started J. Nakamura Law APC and Legacy Law Lounge for social media. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. One year in, I certainly have had challenges and bumps along my journey, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love my new professional life as a solo practitioner.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Certainly not. Being a solo practitioner is challenging in many ways. One thing I miss about being at the law office is the comradery and collaboration that stems from group communication and brainstorming. In order to bridge that gap, I have found that consistent networking efforts and growing personal relationships with other colleagues is of utmost value and importance. I don’t see others as my competition, rather- I look to them to collaborate and learn how to avoid their mistakes and learn their tips and tricks to make my practice even better.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an Estate Planning attorney. My firm focuses on Estate Planning (Trusts and Wills), Trust Administration, and Probate. The unique aspect of my firm is that my clients get to communicate with me. I don’t pass my clients off to case managers or paralegals. My clients communicate directly with me. Communication is the foundation of all great relationships and resolutions, so direct and consistent communication with my clients is a hallmark aspect of my firm.

My Legacy Law Lounge offers legal tips and knowledge but goes beyond the law and advice. I also believe in positively attributing to mental and emotional health. I know I am a lawyer, but I have compassion and sympathy on a human level and put my own personal pain to passion by encouraging healthy healing and reminding my clients that they are not alone because I truly am here for them – even if it is to vent or talk when they’re struggling with their emotions.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m an introvert. I love just staying in, lighting a candle, and cooking a home-cooked meal with the TV on while I’m on TikTok, lol.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jnakamuralaw.com
• Instagram: @legacylawlounge
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/j-nakamura-law-apc-cerritos-2?osq=jennifer+nakamura