Tips from the Bar: Attorney Lorena Tejeda 

As a teenager, Lorena Tejeda’s after-school job at a criminal defense firm began with a simple task: mailing letters to incarcerated clients, aka “jail mail.” For many, it would have been just another student job. For Tejeda, it sparked a calling that would later define her career.

Today, Tejeda is a solo practitioner in North County San Diego with nearly a decade of experience. Her practice, Tejeda Law, is built on three guiding principles: be yourself, be prepared, be kind.

From the Front Desk to the Courtroom

Tejeda’s path to the law was not traditional but steady, built one role at a time. After high school, she stayed at the firm as a receptionist, learning how to file court documents and interpret for Spanish-speaking clients. Those early experiences became the foundation of her practice and her commitment to serving her community.

Encouraged by mentors, she went on to earn her bachelor’s, master’s, and paralegal certificate while working full-time. Eventually, she enrolled in law school while raising three young children. Balancing part-time classes, full-time work, and parenting required grit and a strong support system, which she credits with helping her succeed.

Lessons in Preparation and Hard Work

“Law school teaches black-letter law, but not how to be an advocate,” Tejeda says. Mentors reminded her that no one knows everything; you learn as you go. For her, the key to confidence in the courtroom is preparation.

“As long as you prepare and your heart is in the right place, you can walk into court with confidence,” she says. “Preparation, kindness, and giving your all really do give you that edge.”

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Judges have even suggested she consider becoming one herself, a humbling acknowledgment of her professionalism.

Integrity and Mentorship

When asked about the most important quality an attorney can have, Tejeda doesn’t hesitate: integrity. “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching,” she says. “It’s essential in our profession.” She believes that integrity not only builds a strong reputation but also opens doors.

She also emphasizes the value of mentorship. “Find someone who has been through the trenches and can help guide you. Don’t try to do it all on your own. There are so many attorneys willing to mentor.”

That message is personal. Her daughter, inspired by her mother’s journey, is now in law school. Tejeda hopes her words resonate with law students and new attorneys starting out.

A Practice Built on Service

Tejeda’s desire to serve, especially in the Hispanic community, led her to open her own practice. “People were being referred to me who needed help but couldn’t afford the $5,000 retainer many firms required,” she recalls. “That didn’t sit well with me. One of the reasons I went to law school was to help people.”

Her broad experience prepared her for solo practice. “I’ve worn just about every hat in a law office,” she says. “From jail mail clerk to receptionist to paralegal to attorney. That experience has helped me tremendously.”

Looking Ahead

As she considers the future, Tejeda remains open to new opportunities, whether expanding into new practice areas or one day stepping onto the bench.

“I’ve gotten this far by trusting myself and being prepared,” she says. “And I’ll keep moving forward with the same words that have guided me from the start: be yourself, be prepared, be kind.”