Conversations with Adriana Palomares

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Palomares

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has been shaped by a lifelong passion for storytelling. As a young girl growing up in Pacoima, CA, I secretly dreamt of being an author. I imagined myself writing stories that could touch lives and resonate with people. However, as I grew older, the fear of financial instability that often accompanies creative careers scared me away from that dream. I chose to become a lawyer, a profession that allowed me to write, advocate for others, and maintain financial security. Though I pursued law, storytelling remained a part of me. In 2020, during the pandemic, I finally decided to give my childhood dream a chance. With four extra hours a day—thanks to remote work—I began writing “Brava, A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment,” a book that was both a personal milestone and a way to reclaim our stories as Latinx individuals. On October 12, 2023, I published “Brava, A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment,” and since then, I’ve had the privilege of doing book readings, speak at the Brilliance UCLA Alumnae Conference, and participating as an author at events like Latina Fest and the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)’S conference. “Brava, A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment,” has also been recognized in a way I could have only dreamed of. It won the International Latino Book Awards in two categories including: The Isabel Allende Most Inspirational Fiction Book – English and the Mariposa Award Best First Book Fiction – English. It also received an Honorable Mention for Best Latina Themed Book.
For me, storytelling is not just about personal fulfillment—it’s about taking ownership of our narratives. For too long, others have told our stories. I believe it’s time we tell them ourselves, from the heart, with all their beauty and richness. Through my work as both a lawyer and an author, I’m committed to uplifting the voices of the Latinx community and advocating for those who need their stories heard the most.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has definitely not been a smooth road. In fact, it’s been filled with challenges. As an immigrant from Guanajuato, Mexico, raised in Pacoima, I didn’t have a network in either law or writing to guide me. I was the first in my family to pursue both paths, and that came with financial difficulties. I took on significant debt to become a lawyer and, later, to self-publish my book “Brava, A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment.”

Balancing my full-time job as a first-generation attorney with my passion for writing has been one of the toughest challenges. The demands of both careers often pull me in different directions. Managing a legal caseload while dedicating time to creative writing, attending author events, and promoting my book require sacrifices and a lot of hard work. I often found myself without mentors in either space—whether in law or as a self-published author—so I had to navigate both worlds on my own, learning as I went.

Financially, it’s been difficult as well. Becoming a lawyer wasn’t easy, and neither was taking the leap into self-publishing. I incurred debt and struggled with the uncertainty that comes with both careers. However, despite the lack of resources and guidance, I’ve persevered because I believe in the importance of both my legal work and my storytelling.

While the road hasn’t been smooth, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m here today as both a lawyer and an author, proof that it’s possible to make space for multiple passions, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work as both a lawyer and author is centered around empowerment, advocacy, and storytelling. I’ve spent the last 14 years practicing law in workers’ compensation, advocating for those who need help navigating a complex legal system. But beyond passing the California Bar exam and helping many injured workers through my legal work, I’m most proud of my debut book, “Brava: A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment.” It recently winning the International Latino Book Awards is one of my proudest moments.
My novel tells the story of Lucia Inocencio Granados, a first-generation Latina lawyer who shares her journey as a young Mexican immigrant pursuing education and ultimately, a career in law. This book is deeply personal to me, not just because it’s my debut, but because it represents the challenges I and other first-generation Latinx lawyers face in our pursuit of a legal career. Through Lucia’s story, I hope to inspire other Latinx immigrants to pursue their dreams, despite the obstacles. Brava: A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment is about strength, cultural identity, and breaking free from societal norms.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance two worlds: law and creative writing. I’ve worked hard to establish myself in both fields, despite financial difficulties, a lack of mentorship, and being the first in my family to pursue these paths. In both spaces, I aim to inspire and empower others to achieve their full potential.

Any big plans?
My plans for the future are centered around continuing my journey as an author and advocate. I intend to write more books that explore themes of cultural identity, empowerment, and resilience. Ultimately, I see myself transitioning to becoming a full-time author and speaker, but my commitment to advocacy will remain a constant. Through my writing and speaking engagements, I plan to continue uplifting and empowering underrepresented communities, using storytelling as a tool for social change. I believe that stories have the power to inspire and create connection, and I’m looking forward to contributing more to this space.

Pricing:

• Paperback edition: $16.99
• Hard cover edition: $39.99
• Paperback edition signed copies: $30.00
• Book bundles for events/speaking engagements: please email latinalegaltales@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.latinalegaltales.com/buy-the-book/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinalegaltales/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latinalegaltales/