Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Walter.
Hi Angela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Looking back at my life, I’m thankful I was homeless. Not in the sense that I enjoyed it. Far from it, but I learned about gratitude, self-love, and caring for others amongst other things. When I was a teenager, I became homeless. Without my parents, I couldn’t sign a lease for an apartment, get a driver’s license, or open a bank account. I subsisted by sleeping in random places and staying with friends. I even lived with Buddhist monks for a short period. Sometimes I had nowhere to sleep so I just walked until daylight, wandering aimlessly. That feeling of wanting to go home, but couldn’t, was probably what upset me the most. It wasn’t all sad and gloomy. I was fortunate to meet great people along the way who taught me practical skills, like cooking, socializing, and increasing my credit score. Lol. I will forever be grateful for all those that helped me when they could have easily turned away.
I spent hours at the local library to pass the time. Working my way up and down the aisles, I read a range of books: novels, biographies, parenting resources (to learn how to take care of myself. I still implement some of the disciplines), real estate, and investment guides. The latter fascinated me the most.
When I was 26, I had my son. I made it my top priority to make and invest money to avoid returning to homelessness. I invested in several real estate properties and launched an online retail business. I found myself dealing with legal issues related to property investments, business disputes, and improper legal representation. So, I decided to become a lawyer. I promised myself, I’d be the type of attorney I would want to hire and if I ever have a firm, I’d hire only those that I would want to represent me. Meaning, it’s that important to find the best representation.
Fast forward to today, I’m a partner at Walter & Truong, a law firm that specializes in real estate, business, and estate planning. My clients are similar to me, in that they run into situations I’m familiar with. It’s rewarding taking care of others, especially in such a relatable capacity. That, coupled with having my own family, I now feel like I have a home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was smooth as chunky peanut butter. There was the struggle of feeling guilty for neglecting my first child while studying for the bar. The work, life balance is difficult at times. I think finding a good mentor and surrounding myself with good people helps me overcome some of the obstacles. Researching, practicing, and continuing to learn are other tools that have helped. My two children’s sense of humor has definitely helped. They make my problems manageable through laughter. Sometimes I work long hours. For instance, it was 9 pm, I had just gotten home. I was sitting at the dinner table with my eyes barely open and thinking about the next morning’s court hearing. Around the corner, my oldest son (8 or 9 at the time) hiding behind the wall, says in his strongest Australian accent, “Crikey, look at that specimen in her natural habitat.” He always lightens my mood.
If there’s anybody that’s actually reading my bio, the one thing I hope you take away from this is that you get what you put out; what you want in life you can almost get as long as you apply yourself. I only say almost because some things are unrealistic, like you can’t think your way into time travel. If I’m wrong, let me know.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
- Surround yourself with supportive people. If you can’t find any, watch a lot of videos related to the topic of your choice. For instance, when I was a business owner (pre-lawyer), I watched a lot of business videos. It keeps you in a certain mindset.
- Set a realistic, measurable goal. I recommend looking up Earl Nightingale, author of “The Strangest Secret”. You can find his audiobook on youtube, audible, and other platforms.
- Don’t give up. If there’s a roadblock, pivot. Fall fast, learn fast and move on.
- If you feel like you failed, reevaluate and seek help. Help can be in the form of mentors, books, formal courses, professors, and peers.
- Be kind to people and to yourself.
- If you ever need legal advice, you can always call me. 1 free question per person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.waltertruongpllc.com
