Meet Nicole Castronovo | Attorney & Advocate for First Responders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Castronovo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over the last five years I’ve had three babies which has completely changed my life for the better. I remember the days before I had kids and I thought a work day was exhausting. Now my rise and grind starts at dawn getting my boys breakfast and ready for school, then I spend the day in the office, pick up my kids from school and go back to mom mode. I think about the balance in this way – when I’m at work I give it my all so that when I am home I am completely present for my kids.

What should our readers know about your business?
I work as a criminal defense attorney. I also focus on advocacy for first responders in administrative and criminal matters. I got to where I am today business-wise almost on accident. The first firm I worked for after law school represented first responders and I found that I had a passion for working with this brave community. I wouldn’t say that practicing this type of law is necessarily easy but it is definitely very rewarding. I remember when I graduated from law school I wasn’t exactly sure which direction I wanted to go, but my path found me. This taught me a huge lesson which is to be open to where life takes you because if you put in the work you’ll end up exactly where you belong.

Something that makes my story unique is my diverse background. I grew up in a home where I was adopted and I am of mixed ethnicity. This always gave me a feeling of being different than everyone else. While this was an obstacle as a child, its been a blessing as an adult. I’ve come to have empathy for the outsiders and the underdogs. This has translated into my work, I am not afraid to take a case that may be unpopular or controversial.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a life long Angeleno so I have many spots that I love in the city. My ideal action packed tour for a day in LA with my best friend would be to start the morning watching the sun come up in Malibu, driving up Topanga to get a cup of Blue Bottle coffee in Woodland Hills. Then I’d go for a hike at Eaton Canyon and head to a Dodger game. After the game I’d head to El Compadre for some enchiladas and a margarita. To end the night, I’d grab a slice of dessert from House of Pies head up to Hollywood and watch the lights in the City. Some of my other must see activities in the City are: a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, dining on the chili fries at Lucky Boy, getting some lox at Brent’s Delicatessen, seeing the view from Griffith Park at night, going for a run around Echo Park lake and people watching at Nobu.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my support system. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by the best family and friends I could ask for. No matter what type of day I’ve had my heart is always full when I get to hug my kids when I pick them up. I also have an amazing group of friends, some who have been in my life since I was a kid who check in with me and are always there to offer a word or act of encouragement.

Website: www.snw-law.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/nic_rachel_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-castronovo-esq-28498076/