A few years ago, I was burning out in my legal career. Picking myself up from burnout meant that there was nowhere to go but up. My recovery led me to realign and repurpose—a last ditch Hail Mary to stop me from leaving a profession that I had dreamt of since I was 7 years old. That pivot resulted in the creation of my law firm “LawMera”—a name that’s as bold as its mission. (Pronounced “la mera,” a play on Spanish words meaning the “the top boss lady, the one to go to.”)
LawMera was born to empower others, especially those in my community of Eastern/Central Washington, AKA Washington’s “legal desert.” But to truly fulfill this mission, I knew I had to ask for support and continue to invest in my skillset. You don’t need to spend much time in Eastern/Central Washington to know why it’s referred to as Washington’s “legal desert.” Even as the referral machine that I am, I couldn’t overcome the challenges of securing litigation referrals for my clients. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I knew it was time to step up and become that resource myself—not for recognition or accolades, but out of necessity. In today’s political climate, strong advocacy isn’t optional; it’s essential.
How It Went
When the WSBA Trial Advocacy Program (TAP) opportunity came across my desk, I knew it was exactly what I needed. This wasn’t just another CLE—it was a chance to learn directly from top litigators, sharpen my courtroom skills, and connect with incredible professionals. The materials were practical, rooted in real-world experience, and designed to stick. Every exercise felt like a confidence boost.
TAP is thoughtfully designed so participants walk away with skills they can use immediately. Plus, the diversity of practice areas and backgrounds creates a collaborative, welcoming environment. I left with new LinkedIn connections—and yes, those have already turned into cross-referrals!
How It’s Going
The skills I gained through TAP aren’t just theory—they’ve become part of my practice. From crafting stronger arguments to developing courtroom strategy, TAP gave me tools that make a real difference in my practice and in the lives of my clients. Beyond that, it’s been invaluable for evaluating referral sources and building a network I can trust.
Whether you’re refreshing your litigation skills or stepping into the litigation ring for the first time, TAP delivers practical, actionable techniques you can use immediately. I walked away feeling empowered and educated, which in turn has allowed me to open the door for more clients.
Top 3 Take Aways
Of all the great lessons I learned during TAP, these are the three that still resonate with me today:
- Find Your Identity:
Every presenter had their own style, their own vibe—and that translated into confidence in the courtroom. There’s no one way to be a lawyer. Keep your purpose at the forefront and don’t try to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is your superpower, and judges and juries can see it.
- Don’t Panic—Write a Motion:
One TAP presenter shared a simple but powerful tip: When in doubt, write a motion. It’s a reminder that the law gives us tools—use them. This mindset opened the door to possibilities I hadn’t considered before and gave me confidence to act instead of freeze.
- Preparation is Power:
TAP reinforced that preparation isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about anticipating the unexpected. From objections to cross-exams, the more prepared you are, the more agile and persuasive you become. Confidence in court starts long before you step inside.
If you’re even a little curious about litigation, take this program. It’s not just a CLE—it’s a game changer.
Fabiola Jimenez. Fabiola is a bilingual Mexican American attorney and founder of LawMera, a Washington-based boutique law firm with offices in Seattle and Kennewick. She is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and advocating for justice in underserved communities. Outside of her practice, Fabiola enjoys mentoring and creating resources to make the legal world more accessible. Fabiola can be reached at info@lawmeramera.com.
