Attorney Spotlight: Natalie Dimas

Natalie Dimas is the newest member of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen. We sat down and had a Q+A about why she became an attorney and ultimately joined the top personal injury attorney firm in Los Angeles and the greater Southern California area.

Where are you from?

Covina! Proudly raised in the San Gabriel Valley!

What made you want to get into the law field?

During my undergraduate, I enjoyed an internship in the pre-trial department at the Santa Barbara Superior Courts. I noticed early on in my internship that I was one of the few Spanish speakers, and I quickly found a niche serving clients whose primary language was Spanish. I identified both a passion and a need for Spanish-first representation in the law field and dedicated myself to becoming an attorney who can serve that community. I am inspired by everyone in the legal field who gives back to their community and see myself upholding that same commitment.

Where did you go to law school and how was your experience?

I went to the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law up in Sacramento, and I did my undergraduate work at UC Santa Barbara. Contrary to the reputation law school carries, I found my first year to be the most difficult of the three! Although, year three wasn’t without its challenges because we were suddenly forced to transition from traditional classes to digital classes as a result of the pandemic. Of all of the chapters in pursuing my law degree, the bar prep on the heels of a remote third year was by far the most challenging aspect of becoming a bar-certified attorney in California.

What is your discipline at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen?

Although Belgum, Fry & Van Allen specializes in personal injury, elder abuse, and medical malpractice, I will exclusively be serving in the personal injury practice area. This specialty really speaks to me because it allows me to serve those in their greatest times of need. Being able to help these victims navigate the legal system and commit to helping them recover is very meaningful to me. Furthermore, I look forward to continuing to focus on personal injury cases impacting Spanish-first victims. Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is very committed to ensuring that each client has representation that can handle the unique circumstances of their case.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an attorney?

I had a professor during law school tell me that saying “no” is just as important as saying “yes.” Don’t overextend yourself and never compromise your mental or physical health. Know when to say “no!”

What’s a piece of advice you would give to an incoming or current law student?

Try everything! It’s important to know what you do like, and what you don’t like. Seek out attorneys in the fields that interest you so that you can get hands-on experience in those facets of the law. Experience can be gained through internships, externships, networking communities, and alumni associations. Another great resource is your professors, especially if they are in a field that interests you. Don’t be shy about asking questions or visiting their office.

What’s your favorite law drama or law movie?

Legally blonde! A female character killing it in the law field. What’s not to like?

Where do you see growth opportunities in the law field?

I think diversity in the law field is where I’d like to see growth. Being able to access all groups of people is important. On the other hand, having attorneys who come from different walks of life and can offer injured clients from diverse backgrounds an inherently closer connection due to cultural or experiential similarities can be helpful. If nothing else, it’s another way to make a client feel comfortable communicating the unique and specific details of their case. I think that scholarships and opportunities for internships and externships are great ways to promote diversity in law, as it was how I ended up where I am today.

What are you most passionate about?

The thing that brings me the most happiness and joy is connecting with someone and knowing that what I did helped them improve their life. As an attorney, I am fulfilled when I can successfully represent my clients, and give back to my community.

Learn more about Natalie and the rest of the team at the Law Offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen here.