MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
April 2019
Ron Makarem
Mr. Ron Makarem is a founder of Makarem & Associates. He has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2010. Most recently, he was featured by Super Lawyers for his contributions to the legal field. Click on the links below to learn more about Mr. Makarem and to read the Super Lawyer’s article which talks about his exciting career, including his deposition of Donald Trump.
We are very excited to feature him this month in our “Meet the Professional” series.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Mr. Ron Makarem.
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Describe your current Occupation & Degree/s and Universities.
- Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University School of Law School
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from University of Southern California
Awards/recognitions:
- ‘Top 20 Under 40’ in California, Daily Journal, 2007
- Super Lawyer 2010-2019
- California Lawyer Attorney of the Year, California Lawyer Magazine, 2012
- Top 100 Attorney, Super Lawyer 2013, 2019
- Arab American Lawyers Association of Southern California (AALASC)
- Trailblazer Award, 2015
Discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:
In 2004, I unexpectedly found myself having to part ways with my experienced law partner, who had previously been a mentor to me, to start my law office on my own. I was not ready, and certainly would not have chosen that path so young in my career. As it turns out, I needed that push. My self-doubt back then will still not go away today, nor do I want it to. Each day, each year is a non-stop endless fight to not fail, to do better, to succeed. We all need something to push us beyond our comfort zone and it usually comes from a down moment or a scary time in your life. Embrace those moments, create a positive change and jump off that cliff!
Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:
We all need role models and mentors; the more the better. Embrace your relationships with the people around you, everyone has something to teach you. One role model will not do. I enjoy hearing stories of success and challenges of my colleagues. I find tips and suggestions from people in my similar situation to be helpful. So, find people like you, that you respect and ask a lot of questions. Don’t try to be like them, be you, but understand their path, their challenges, and be curious.
When I was a young attorney, I remember meeting Browne Greene, a very successful trial attorney and found his humility and graciousness to be so refreshing. Recently, I spoke to an attorney I admire who reminded me that simplicity is the key to effective communication.
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?
Too many challenges to mention – difficult clients, unmotivated employees, lazy judges, real life issues, health problems, family drama, disputes, mistakes, stress, fear, the list goes on. It’s not about the specific challenges, rather it’s how we go through them and how we come out of them. My advice – stay resilient, learn and get better, as your challenges will be constant. And during those challenges maintain your integrity as circumstances don’t make a person, they reveal a person. Your challenges will show your true colors – stay resilient and keep your high character.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I just hope to maintain a good work-life balance, stay in good health, and try to make a positive impact in my clients’ lives. In other words, 10 years down the line, I hope I am still working as a lawyer and doing the same thing as today – trying to take life one-day-at a time with positivity and gratitude.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Follow your passion. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
New lawyers tend to follow the money for the first job out of law school. It’s an attractive lure and we have a lot of student debt, but your career is long and this field provides endless opportunities, so the money will come. Be patient, follow happiness, and success will come.
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, and following sports. And to combine all of those ‘hobbies’ – my family is traveling to France this Summer to watch Women’s World Cup soccer, followed by a trip to Lebanon.
A Q&A form will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime feel free to send any questions you would like to ask Mr. Ron Makarem to admin@network1017.com
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