Angélica María González
Bar Number: 57496
Angélica María González practices in Lane Powell’s corporate, securities and M&A, startups & emerging companies, and aviation transactions groups. She advises clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies on corporate matters. González is also a nationally recognized advocate for social justice issues related to juvenile justice, access to education, early learning, immigration, child care, and women’s rights. More recently she has focused on advocacy around COVID-19. She tirelessly advocates on behalf of MomsRising/MamásConPoder, has testified before Congress in a hearing on child care, and was featured on the Today show, where she spoke on the state of education for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Why did you decide to pursue a career in the legal field? I became a lawyer because I know firsthand what it is like to work hard, struggle, and not make progress. I saw people around me in the same struggle, and I’ve come to realize that many current policies directly impact the day-to-day lives of those around me and contribute to this struggle. I’ve seen firsthand the disconnect that exists between those affected and struggling, and those who have the power to make a change. I became a lawyer to bridge that gap. I became a lawyer to change the outlook for my family, and more than anything, to gain the knowledge and understanding needed to enable my deep passion to fight for justice so that I could become a better advocate, and help make changes for a better community and better country for all.
I find it a great privilege to have had the ability to live a life from one extreme to another. My experience in life has given me a unique perspective uncommon in the legal field. I grew up in the early part of my life homeless and living outside in the desert of Phoenix, where I starved and lived without basic needs. I felt “unseen,” stuck, and considered non-human. It has been quite a journey to arrive at a place where I have everything I need; this has instilled a deep feeling of appreciation each and every day.
Who do you look up to? In law school, I had great mentors such as Chief Justice Steven González and his law clerk Laura Anglin; Judge Veronica Galván; Catherine Romero, a senior attorney at Microsoft; and Associate Dean Steven Bender at Seattle University. They saw me for who I am, acknowledged what I had been through, and believed in me and what I could become. This meant the world to me. Laura Marquez-Garrett at Social Media Victims Law Center was my most powerful mentor and ally during our shared time at Lane Powell. She made me feel as though I belonged as I began my career.
What is your best piece of advice for those new to the practice of law? The best advice I have for new lawyers is never turn down opportunities. Always be open to trying new things. Be willing to jump in and help, have a good attitude, and most importantly, be grateful for what you have.
What is one of your career goals? My long-term professional goal is to continue to serve my community through advocacy and to grow in my professional career. I want to become a shareholder at Lane Powell, write a book, and perhaps become a judge or politician one day. I have to remind myself, one step at a time, and not to over commit.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What is one of your most memorable trips? The most memorable trip I ever took was to Mexico as a young adult. I got to spend time with my family on the ranch. I got to lasso cows, rock climb with my bare hands, and ride horses. There is no experience like being in the middle of nowhere, with no electricity or plumbing but living happily off the land with your family.
What is one of your fondest memories? My fondest childhood memory is playing. I did not have much, but I remember having such a fun time playing with rocks and leaves. As children, we can be content with what we know. No TV, no video games, no toys. My kids, as well as many others, would have a heart attack with those options. I feel no pity.
What is one thing that makes you smile? I love dressing up. I love pink and sparkles. I love expressing myself through clothes and makeup.
What is your favorite restaurant? Birrieria Tijuana.
What is your best recipe? Pozole.
What is your favorite musical artist? Selena
What was your first car? A 1993 Camaro.
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