Attorney at Law Magazine Los Angeles Publisher Sarah Torres sat down with Byron J. Abron to discuss his career and what he finds rewarding about his practice.
AALM: When did you first know you wanted to become an attorney? W hat drew you to this career? Did you have a career or ambitions outside of the law prior to becoming a lawyer?
Abron: I have always thought it would be fun being a lawyer; however, I did not know that I would become a lawyer until my first year in law school when I made our Trial Advocacy Honors Program. It was at that time that I realized I could be one of the best trial attorneys in the country. I always knew I would work in a business capacity, however, having the chance to practice law if I wanted is what made me choose going to law school over pursuing my MBA. I have a pretty eclectic background. Prior to law school, I worked in fashion, I worked in product branding and marketing, and in various capacities in entertainment. I was even a communications electrician for the city of Los Angeles. For me, law school was a platform to validate all of my abilities. Now I can practically get meetings anywhere and people listen because I’m an attorney!
AALM: What experiences have taught you the most?
Abron: Being born and raised in Compton afforded me myriad experiences that were life changing and ultimately fostered some type of personal development. However, as it relates to educational experiences, I would have to say that receiving my degree in marketing taught me to trust myself. If there is no one there to validate our decisions, we often question whether we are equipped with a skillset to succeed. Prior to law school, I worked with various entities for their product marketing. When I went to undergrad I found myself learning concepts and theories that I already knew. As a result, the most important thing I learned was that I was instinctively equipped with knowledge of branding and marketing. Thus, the experience taught me to trust and believe in myself.
AALM: What do you find particularly rewarding about your practice?
Abron: There is no greater joy in my practice than building up a case, going to trial, and seeing the look on your client’s face when you receive a unanimous verdict in your client’s favor. My greatest passion is helping others, and I am able to satisfy that passion through my clients and others.
AALM: What first drew you to your firm? Tell us about your role there.
Abron: Michael Schonbuch is the attorney who attracted me to my firm. He is an esteemed trial attorney who walks the halls of justice with civility and poise. A notable ABOTA member and a leader for young vibrant trial attorneys like myself. A friend from law school by the name of Normandy Kidd whom I also had the pleasure of competing in national trial competitions with was an associate at the firm. Once I received my results back from the bar in November, I was looking for a firm that was well respected and would give me an immediate shot at going to trial. Normandy gave me a call one day asking if I would be interested. I came in for an interview and was offered a position on the spot.
AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
Abron: I love spending time with my family and friends. Outside of work, I am very active. I work with a number of entertainment related clients on developing and taking their careers to the next level. I enjoy speaking with inner city youth and have developed nonprofits for friends of mine who have a desire to give back to the community. I absolutely love fashion. It is an unshakable passion of mine. I am also a really social person, so I love to do anything outdoors where I can socialize with others.
