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"Winning is the greatest feeling in this profession.”
Barrera & Associates litigates and resolves employment, business and real estate disputes. They have been appointed as Class Counsel in employment and consumer class actions. “We succeed because of the dedication, enthusiasm and energy we put into our client matters,” says owner and managing partner Pat Barrera, who graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1990 and was recruited to work in Los Angeles for a major law firm. Pat left a Century City partnership four years ago to start his own law firm in the South Bay. He wanted to be closer to home and close to the beach. “Moving my law practice to the South Bay was the best professional decision I ever made,” he says.
What would you like potential clients to know about you?
“I try to be a good listener. It takes experience, but I believe I know what information to listen for, to decide whether I can help or not. Also, I will be direct with a potential client. If they don’t have a case, I tell them.”
Why did you choose this profession?
“I wanted to be a trial lawyer at a young age, after watching And Justice For All, a film in which Al Pacino portrayed a lawyer trying to free a wrongly imprisoned client while battling corruption. I loved that movie.”
What’s most rewarding about your work?
“It is very rewarding to win a case for a client. I work hard to put my clients in a position to win, because I want my clients to experience that feeling.”
Describe your ideal client relationship.
“The ideal client relationship starts with a likable, believable client who presents a legal problem where I can help find a satisfactory resolution. Likability is essential, because I spend a lot of time with my clients, and we need to be comfortable with each other.”
How do you give back to your community?
“I serve as a `Navigator’ for two of my daughters’ circles in the South Bay YMCA’s Adventure Guides program. I am an active parishioner at American Martyrs Church, helping with their annual 5k race—a fun family event and a fundraiser for the school.”
