The Lawtino™

Never Give Up: From Immigrant Struggles to High-End Art and Influence

Pako Pablos is the Founder of Pako Pablos Studios. He is an artist and a multidisciplinary creator and entrepreneur whose studio develops high-end artwork, apparel, and immersive augmented reality experiences that bring art to life. Pako blends sports, pop culture, and Mexican heritage to create globally recognized collections while collaborating with elite athletes and brands. His work serves as a gateway to building cross-border initiatives, connecting communities, and expanding opportunities through art and culture. In this episode… Creativity rarely follows a straight path. It often weaves through unexpected detours, shaped by discipline, identity, and the willingness to adapt. The intersection of culture, opportunity, and persistence reveals how individuals build something meaningful from evolving circumstances — but what drives that transformation? The answer lies in resilience and strategic thinking. Pako Pablos, a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, turned early experiences in sports and migration into a foundation for building a global creative brand. He highlights the importance of asking the right questions, leveraging networks, and staying authentic while evolving with technology. Pako's story demonstrates that sustainable growth is driven by aligning creativity with purposeful action. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Pako Pablos, Founder of Pako Pablos Studios, to discuss how creativity, resilience, and branding shape success. Pako shares how he built a career by leveraging art as a business tool, adapting to new technologies, and creating cross-border opportunities. He also explores networking strategies, cultural identity, and lessons from working with high-profile collaborators.

From Personal Injury to Mass Torts: Exposing Infant Formula Dangers

Jose Rojas is the Founding Partner and Trial Attorney at Ventura Law and Levin, Rojas, Camassar & Reck, LLC. He is a Connecticut-based lawyer focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, and mass tort litigation. His firms represent individuals harmed by negligence, defective products, and corporate misconduct, which include complex nationwide cases. Jose helped develop influential litigation involving infant formula risks, contributing to one of the country's most significant mass tort efforts. He previously served as a US Army JAG officer and as a federal prosecutor before dedicating his career to advocating for injured clients. In this episode… Some of the most meaningful changes in society don't begin with large institutions — they start with a single story being taken seriously. In complex systems like healthcare, it can be difficult to question long-standing practices, even when the stakes are life and death. What happens when someone decides to dig deeper instead of dismissing the unlikely? The answer begins with a lawyer willing to listen. Jose Rojas, a trial attorney specializing in medical malpractice, personal injury, and mass torts, shares how one case uncovered systemic risks tied to infant formula use in premature babies. Jose highlights the importance of trusting clients, thoroughly investigating claims, and challenging accepted norms. His insights emphasize that real impact comes from combining empathy with persistence and being open to what others overlook. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez talks with Jose Rojas, Founding Partner and Trial Attorney at Ventura Law and Levin, Rojas, Komisar & Reck, about uncovering infant formula risks. Jose discusses how the case began, why it evolved into mass tort litigation, and how it's changing hospital practices. He also touches on diversity in law and mentoring future attorneys.

Immigration, Faith, and the American Dream: A Powerful Story of Resilience

Esther Valdés Clayton is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Valdés & Associates, a San Diego-based firm that represents individuals and families in visas, green cards, asylum, deportation defense, and complex immigration appeals cases. She concentrates on empowering underserved communities and helping clients navigate the US immigration system with dignity and integrity. A Mexican-American attorney and nationally recognized voice on immigration issues, Esther is frequently featured on television and media outlets, offering legal analysis and commentary on immigration policy and reform. In this episode… Success is often described as a combination of opportunity and effort, but for many, it also involves navigating complex systems, cultural identity, and deeply held beliefs. The path is rarely linear, especially when shaped by hardships, responsibility, and a desire to give back. How do immigration, faith, and perseverance come together to define the American Dream? Accomplished immigration attorney Esther Valdés Clayton explains that achieving success requires discipline, education, and a commitment to doing things the right way — even when the odds are stacked against you. Esther emphasizes working within the legal system while advocating for practical reform, encouraging individuals to stay informed, seek guidance from trusted sources, and avoid shortcuts that can lead to long-term consequences. She also highlights how faith and values can serve as a foundation for resilience, helping individuals stay grounded while pursuing both personal and professional goals. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez talks with Esther Valdés Clayton, Founder and Principal Attorney of Valdés & Associates, about immigration, faith, and the American Dream. Esther discusses her journey from poverty to legal success, her views on immigration reform, and her commitment to ethical advocacy. She also shares insights on avoiding scams and empowering Latino communities.

The Path to Law School for First-Generation Students

Jorge García is the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the California Western School of Law, where he oversees admissions strategy and financial aid initiatives that support student recruitment and access to legal education. With 23 years of law school admissions experience, he has also spent 33 years administering financial aid to undergraduate and law school students. Before joining the California Western School of Law, Jorge served as the Director and Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives at the University of San Diego School of Law. In this episode… The path to becoming a lawyer can feel confusing, especially for students who are the first in their families to navigate higher education. Between financial barriers, admissions tests, and limited guidance, many talented students never recognize the opportunities available to them. How can aspiring law students gain access to information to kickstart their education? Higher education admissions leader Jorge García maintains that aspiring lawyers should focus on building strong academic foundations, seeking reliable guidance directly from admissions advisors, and understanding the multiple pathways to a successful career — including starting at community college. Jorge also encourages students who must work during school to highlight their work ethic and leadership in applications, reminding them that perseverance and grit often matter just as much as test scores. In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Jorge García, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the California Western School of Law, to discuss pathways into law school for first-generation students. Jorge shares his journey from community college to higher education leadership, how admissions teams evaluate LSAT scores and life experience, and why law school applications are rising as more students pursue legal careers to advocate for their communities.

Innovating Pediatric Health in the Cali-Baja Region With Cross-Border Strategies

Kathia Bustillos is the Board Chair and Executive Director of the Foundation for the Children of the Californias, a nonprofit that supports pediatric healthcare and equity for children across the San Diego-Tijuana region. As a leader in media, public relations, and philanthropy, she became the first woman to head a regional Televisa station and lead community-focused organizations. Kathia focuses on expanding access to pediatric care and building sustainable, culturally responsive health systems for underserved children and families. In this episode… Leadership across borders demands cultural fluency, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. In a region where two countries function as one economic and social ecosystem, impactful leadership depends on understanding both sides of the line. What does it take to lead effectively in a binational region? According to veteran media executive and cross-border strategist Kathia Bustillos, leadership begins with understanding the community you serve. She emphasizes adapting strategies to local realities rather than applying one-size-fits-all models, investing in education and continuous growth to break barriers, and building trust by listening directly to underserved communities. Kathia also encourages leaders to implement solutions immediately — even before holding formal power — to create tangible impact. In this episode of The Lawtino™, David Arreguin sits down with Kathia Bustillos, Board Chair and Executive Director of the Foundation for the Children of the Californias, to discuss leadership in the Cali-Baja region. Kathia talks about her rise as the first female CEO of a Televisa station, her Tijuana mayoral campaign and community initiatives, and her launch of an AI-driven teen mental health program.