WLVC Member Spotlight: Marissa Garcia

Meet Marissa Garcia, Owner and Attorney at Gold Law, based in Camarillo.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your legal career.

I attended law school at Southwestern Law School.  I started working for Gold Law as an intern during my second year, and continued as an attorney once I passed the bar.  Over the years, I have worked as an Associate, Managing Attorney and then the sole owner in January 2025.  I am a Certified Specialist by the State Bar of California in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.

What area of law are you in, and what drew you to it?

My practice focuses on estate planning, trust and probate administration, and conservatorships. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law? 

Initially, I wanted to work in the District Attorney’s office to help Domestic Violence survivors and victims.  When I was graduating, there was a hiring freeze and so I continued working in private practice and found I enjoyed estate planning. 

What do you find most rewarding about your role? 

I help protect families, guide them through legal challenges, and provide the tools they need to care for the people they love. It’s important to me that I make a meaningful, compassionate impact during some of their most difficult moments.

What advice would you give to women considering a legal career

Being an attorney is high effort and can be a high pressure career, but it can be incredibly rewarding.   We can all do hard things and there are many paths to success.  Don’t let fear of hard work prevent you from taking that step.

What is one misconception about being a lawyer or in the legal profession that you’d like to correct?

The loudest and most aggressive lawyer is not the most successful.  In many of my most contested litigation matters, we reached a resolution because of the team of lawyers who were able communicate with each and their clients and work together.  You can still advocate for your client while being civil and professional. 

How do you continue to grow and develop in your career?

As many times as I have done something, there is always a new fact pattern or new circumstance that gives me a chance to continue learning.  In the last year or so, I have started expanding my practice area to include Special Needs Trusts.  My growth comes from continuing to learn and challenging myself as CEO of own firm. 

What is your favorite quote or piece of advice that inspires you?   

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it”.  Maya Angelou.  

How has the Women Lawyers of Ventura County community benefited or supported you in your legal career?

Being involved in WLVC has connected me with so many incredible women attorneys, both professionally and socially.   Watching each of them and their paths and successes inspires me to push myself further.