Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole D’Ambrogi.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Shortly after turning 18, I joined the U.S. Navy. I had a long-term goal of becoming a lawyer and had a plan on how to accomplish that goal; however, a few months into my enlistment, I realized my plan needed a major overhaul. I found an alternative way to get my degree by attending the University of Phoenix online. It was the only accredited online college at the time. I worked very hard in my off time to get my degree. At the end of my 5-year contract with the Navy, I walked away with a bachelor’s degree. My transition from military life to civilian life was a little rocky, but I began my law school journey within a few months. I enjoyed attending law school here in San Diego at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. I became very involved in the student veteran community and participated in the Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic. I gained just enough skills in law school to give me the confidence to start my own law practice after passing the California bar exam. I have been in business now for 9.5 years and going strong. In addition to my practice, I am now the Director of the Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. I am honored to be able to share my passion of the practice of law and have the ability to help my veteran brothers and sisters in a meaningful way.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest lesson I have learned along the way is that failure is a part of the journey to success. I have struggled with navigating the growth of my business while simultaneously growing my family. Balancing work and becoming a mother has had its challenges. Another challenge is bias against women. I have had people challenge me on my prices and ask me why I think I can charge “that much” for my services. My rates are fair market rates for my experience and qualifications; I believe the challenges were very gender specific.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
San Diego Legacy Law is the law firm I started just months after passing the California bar. Through the years, I have tailored my practice to helping families plan and navigate difficult and complex legal situations. From creating wills and trusts to administering estates and handling probate, we provide guidance to families at any stage of end-of-life planning. Our mission is to put families first—always. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs. What sets us apart from other firms is our welcoming environment. We really believe in putting family first, and we believe that if you were a member of our family, we would be discussing these difficult issues in our living room. When a client comes into the office for their first consultation, they are greeted with a warm smile and sat in our living room with a beverage of their choice. There are a lot of wonderful estate planning and probate attorneys in San Diego, and I am very proud to be a part of that community.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up, my family spent a lot of time on the various lakes in northern California. Being on the lake and in the boat is my true happy place. As a kid, I used to climb up to the bow of the boat, hold on to cleats, and watch the water go by with the wind in my hair. Of course, no trip to the lake was complete without a few rides behind the boat. Although I know my dad loves my brother and me some tube rides, I questioned that love. It was a challenge my brother and I excitedly accepted each and every time. Getting launched off the tube, flipping in the air, and skidding over the top of the water was such a rush! Now that sounds like a trip to the ER, a couple of Motrin, and a week of recovery time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sdlegacylaw.com
- Instagram: @SDLegacyLaw; @nicoledambrogi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledambrogi
Image Credits
Brisa Roberts Photography
Rene Smith Photography
Ira Brown Photography
Cheryl White
