Today we’d like to introduce you to Yodel
Hi Yodel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a proud immigrant, born and raised in the Philippines, and my journey to where I am today has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. I came to the United States to start a family, carrying with me a lifelong dream—to become a lawyer and help people in meaningful ways.
In the Philippines, I excelled in law school and began my career at ACCRA Law Offices, the country’s most prestigious law firm, representing multinational corporations, high-net-worth families, and special interests. However, I soon felt a deep disconnect between my passion for law and the transactional nature of big-firm practice. My days became a cycle of billing hours and measuring time in minutes, and I felt more like a machine than an advocate making a real impact.
When I moved to California, I challenged and passed the California Bar Exam on my first attempt on July 2004 — but my first real challenge came as an immigrant struggling to find a job. No one would hire me, except for Gittel Gordon Law Office in Del Mar and Marina del Rey, where I practiced business immigration and asylum law.
In 2008, I became a mother for the first time and made the decision to leave the firm to focus on raising my child. In 2011, my second child was born, and as my family grew, so did my vision for my career. By 2013, I officially opened my own law office, stepping into my dream of building a law practice that aligned with my values.
In 2019, I founded Deloso Penacho Law, PC, which later became Element Law Firm, PC, in 2023. I was determined to break away from the traditional, rigid, and purely transactional legal model, so I developed a new approach—a relational, heart-centered legal practice model focused on true impact rather than mere transactions.
My firm provides personalized, strategic, and high-competence counsel in Business Law – Helping entrepreneurs and business owners establish, structure, and protect their businesses while ensuring long-term success; Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation – Guiding families in securing their legacies through customized estate plans, trusts, and succession strategies.; International & Multinational Legal Matters – Advising on cross-border business operations, estate planning, and investments for individuals and companies with global ties.
Currently, my practice focuses on business law, trusts, and estates, helping businesses and families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. I provide strategic counsel to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners, guiding them through the complexities of financial, business, and legal decisions. My expertise extends to international law, business succession planning, and asset protection.
As the founder of Element Law Firm, PC, I serve as outside general counsel and legal advisor to several Asian businesses, including Vietnamese and Philippine companies operating in the U.S. My firm is uniquely positioned to provide strategic legal support for entrepreneurs pursuing meaningful business growth and long-term wealth preservation. I work closely with business owners and decision-makers to identify obstacles, mitigate risks, and implement proactive legal strategies.
Today, I no longer feel the disconnect from the reason why I went to law school — I am empowered to make a real difference in my client’s individual lives. My law practice isn’t just about solving legal issues; it’s about helping people build security, success, and a lasting impact for generations to come—while also preserving and healing relationships.
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?
No, it has not been a smooth road. My first struggle was getting a job in the legal industry here in San Diego. I had hundreds of rejections. And in building my practice, raising kids and building a business has its own challenges. I wanted to be a hands-on mom and have a heart-centered practice. And like any other immigrant, I have experienced discrimination.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Element Law Firm, PC?
My firm operates under a new practice model —a relational, heart-centered legal practice model focused on true impact rather than mere transactions.
My firm provides personalized, strategic, and high-competence counsel in:
✅ Business Law – Helping entrepreneurs and business owners establish, structure, and protect their businesses while ensuring long-term success.
✅ Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation – Guiding families in securing their legacies through customized estate plans, trusts, and succession strategies.
✅ International & Multinational Legal Matters – Advising on cross-border business operations, estate planning, and investments for individuals and companies with global ties.
Currently, my practice focuses on business law, trusts, and estates, helping businesses and families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. I provide strategic counsel to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners, guiding them through the complexities of financial, business, and legal decisions. My expertise extends to international law, business succession planning, and asset protection.
My firm is uniquely positioned to provide strategic legal support for entrepreneurs pursuing meaningful business growth and long-term wealth preservation. I work closely with business owners and decision-makers to identify obstacles, mitigate risks, and implement proactive legal strategies.
I am most proud that I make a real difference in my client’s individual lives. My law practice isn’t just about solving legal issues; it’s about helping people build security, success, and a lasting impact for generations to come—while also preserving and healing relationships.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is outside the standard – it is fulfilling the purpose for which God created me, living in alignment with His will, and using my gifts or vacation to serve Him. It is not measured by worldly achievements but by bringing glory to Him, and experiencing the peace that comes from walking in His plan – HIs will.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elementlawfirm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elementlawfirm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elementlawfirm
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elementlawfirm/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ElementLawFirm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elementlawfirm
