Susie Altamirano recently appeared as a guest on the “Latina Legal Minds” podcast, where she shared with host Kimberly Lopez her non-linear path to becoming a Partner in municipal law and serving as City Attorney for multiple cities.
In the episode, titled “Intersection of Law, Policy & Power with Susie Altamirano,” Susie and Kimberly discuss her unique career trajectory, the importance of Latino visibility in the intersection of government and law, the challenges and opportunities for diverse communities in this space, and the power of mentorship in the legal field.
Susie describes to Kimberly that her unconventional path to becoming a lawyer included taking the Bar Exam later in life, encouraging aspiring attorneys in similar positions to stay persistent. “Maybe it didn’t happen the first time, but maybe it will happen the second, third, or fourth. If that’s your goal, keep moving forward. Those obstacles were meant to make you stronger,” she tells listeners.
She adds that while visibility for Latina women in the government and legal fields can often act as a roadblock, she became the representation she needed to see as an aspiring City Attorney by relying on perseverance and surrounding herself with incredible mentors.
“I look down the row of directors and city managers, and they don’t always look like me. But that’s okay—there’s a seat at the table for you,” she tells Kimberly. “Who you surround yourself with matters. Your circle can lift you up or hold you back—choose wisely,” she continues.