Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wana Bernales. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Wana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Imagine going to work by 6am and not leaving until
Wana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Growing up, my parents owned various small businesses in San Diego. As a teenager, there were a couple of times I appeared in court with my parents to be their interpreter and to help them defend against frivolous lawsuits. I was extremely nervous as a 15-year old, but considering that my parents were Korean immigrants and did not speak English well, I knew their only hope was me. These type of experiences made me realize the importance of advocacy, and standing up for what’s right, as cheesy as that sounds.
After my parents retired from business, they eventually started to invest in real estate, which also allowed me to learn about real estate. I ended up getting my California salesperson license in 2007. That’s how I ended up practicing both business and real estate law after I passed the bar. Now, I get to help clients from all different types of backgrounds, ranging from sophisticated business owners to individuals who own and manage their own rental properties. Whatever the need is related to business or real estate law, I will serve my clients with tenacity, which was learned from my parents who used to work every single day of the year without taking any days off!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I believe providing excellent customer service to your current clients is the absolute best way to growing your clientele. Word-of-mouth referrals are not only effective, but it’s free marketing, lol! If you sow and give 100% of your best effort into your clients now, you will reap those efforts in the future. The results may not be immediate, but the referrals and reputation will eventually follow.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe being an honest and integrous person at all times has helped build my reputation. As you know, there are plenty of misconceptions/memes/jokes about how greedy or sleazy attorneys can be, such as “Saul Goodman”. But, whether I’m in my office working with clients, or out having dinner with my family, I treat everyone with respect. My goal is not to take advantage of any situation, but to bring fair and reasonable resolution to any dispute. If my client’s interests or goals do not align with my values, then I will not represent them. My integrity is far more important than making money.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bernaleslaw.com
- Instagram: @bernaleslawfirm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bernaleslawfirm/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernales-law-firm/