1. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans : Brunoro Law, APC is a boutique law firm located in San Diego, CA. We offer tax law and corporate law related services to clients all over the United States and around the globe. Our tax law services range from domestic issues, such audits, tax court litigation, offers in compromise and payment plans to sophisticated domestic and international tax planning, Streamlined Offshore Procedures, cross border transactions, among other international tax issues. Our corporate law services include, but are not limited to, choice of entity & entity formation, contract review & drafting, and acting as a company’s outside general counsel.
2. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans : I am passionate, focused and committed to excellence. I care about every client and their goals/needs. I make them a priority and strive to provide the best services I can every single time. I like to study new languages, which helps me not only provide quality services to my clients, but also connect with them in a personal level.
I am Brazilian, born and raised. I received my J.D Equivalent degree from Faculdade de Direito de Vitória, graduating Summa Cum Laude. I have an LL.M degree in Business and Corporate Law from the University of San Diego School of Law, where I graduated Cum Laude and an LL.M in Taxation from the New York University School of Law.
I was recognized a Top Young Attorney by the San Diego Daily Transcript in 2014. I was named the Best of the Bar in 2016 by the San Diego Business Journal and a San Diego Rising Stars in Tax Law by Super Lawyers in 2017 and in 2018. I am the Chair of the Young Tax Lawyers – San Diego Chapter of the CLA and the Chair of the International Law Section of the SDCBA.
3. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans : I saw a need for a type of service that only big law firms provide. Several clients were in need of a small firm that could provide the same services, with the same quality, without charging big-law fees. It was also an opportunity to have a better work-life balance and flexibility to go back to my home country to visit my family more often.
4. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans : Believe in yourself because you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Think outside the box, as there will be competition and you need to differentiate yourself and your services from everyone else. Be focused and committed to your clients and your services.
5. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans : Good work ethic. Persistence. Commitment.
6. How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans : 10/12h. Anytime I am at home, I am working. Either doing legal work or admin work. I usually say I don’t stop working, I take breaks.
7. To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans : Good work ethic, hard work, dedication, commitment and persistence.
8. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans : I have tried several methods. Nowadays, I mainly use social media and a good SEO company. I also network a lot and I am involved with several organizations. Referrals from clients and colleagues are my most successful form or marketing.
9. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans : Personal savings.
10. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans : I think it is to build credibility with your clients and in the community. With that you can get more clients and grow the business.
11. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans : I see three possible scenarios for my future: 1) continue to be a small boutique law firm with a steady clientele, 2) partner with another attorney or law firm to attend more clients with different needs and 3) become outside/ general counsel for one of my big clients.
12. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans : I admire all solo practitioners and small firms that started from zero and are building their name and reputation in the community.
13. How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans : Until I implement it. I am not a person that gives up easily.
14. What motivates you?
Ans : Desire to succeed and to become a better attorney each day.
15. How do you define success?
Ans : To me, a successful person is one that is happy with herself and her life.
16. How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans : By providing excellent service and customer care.
17. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans : To have flexibility and be able to implement all ideas without anyone else’s approval.
18. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans : Knowing that I started from zero and now I have a steady and growing client base. Receiving positive feedback from my clients.
19. What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans : Flexibility as to where, when and how you work. Control over the business operations.
20. What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans : N/a
21. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans : Success.
22. If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans : As cliché as it may sound, I would not change anything. It was the mistakes and errors that help me grow as a person and as a professional and to get where I am.
23. How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans : I work more, but I am happier. Being able to control my own hours and how/where I work has been very important to our family.
24. What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Ans : N/A
25. How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans : Closer to the IRS building and courts. Also, where most attorneys are so it facilitates networking.
26. Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans : I think I’ve responded that already: Good work ethic. Persistence. Commitment.
27. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans : All other attorneys that started from zero and built successful practices.
28. How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Ans : Being on top of things and being prepared.
29. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans : I like to watch movies and tv shows, go to the gym, go hiking with my dog, play with my son and hang out with friends and family.
30. What makes you happy?
Ans : Being around those that I love.
31. What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans : I like to say it is all a matter of priorities. As long as my life is well balanced, and my priorities are in place I do not see anything as a sacrifice. If I am unable to do something because of work is because they are just not a priority at that moment.
32. If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
Ans : N/A
