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

Hi Carrie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
My advice is to cultivate a relentless solution focus mindset so you can always keep going. It takes practice to train your mind to focus on the solutions and not on the problem at hand. Ask yourself daily, “what is (1) thing I can do today to improve the circumstances?” When your mind is set on the solutions, you’ll see that giving up is never part of the formula for success. The solution may feel like a step back or a shift in direction, but those moments where you learn to pivot are part of your path to success.

My path certainly had a humbling beginning. I graduated law school and passed the bar in 2009 during the Great Recession job market that left so many young attorneys struggling to find work. I, too, struggled and ended up at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington DC working in the paralegal position. I had to learn to set aside the problems – a terrible job market and a bit of my ego – and shifted my focus on developing my litigation skills. During my time there, I worked closely with the litigation team on some high profiled cases and traveled across the country building relationships with the immigrant communities and its advocates. The experience ignited my passion for immigration law and pushed me to pivot into private law practice. In 2014, I opened my own firm knowing that I have the right skillset and mindset to grow past any challenges. My path came full circle later when I found myself appearing in front of the Immigration Judge who was the Deputy Chief that interviewed me for the paralegal position years ago.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are an immigration law firm based in Arlington, Texas. Our story is deeply rooted in the American dream. My family and I left Vietnam in 1993 and settled in Texas to begin a new life. Inspired by my own mother’s hard work and perseverance, I became a lawyer so I can help others. My entire team, composed of immigrants and children of immigrants, has been personally impacted by the immigration system. We’ve gone through the complicated immigration process ourselves and for our loved ones so we are committed to treat our client’s immigration journey as if it is our own. We believe in the American dream and we work hard to make the American dream possible for all.

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.
We love living in Arlington because it’s an easy drive to Dallas or Fort Worth and it’s a quick drive to DFW airport if we want to get away. When we are not traveling, we love food, live music, and the outdoors so you will find my husband and I sitting on the deck of Woodshed in Fort Worth on weekends when there’s not a heat advisory in Texas. We love dogs (we have 2 crazy fur babies) so we enjoy being at Clearfork walking/biking the Trinity trails or visiting Farmer’s Market there. I’m obsessed with Thai food so Sunny Thai in Arlington is my go to!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be here without the hard work and perseverance of my single mother who managed to immigrate our entire family to the United States. My group of college friends from the University of Texas at Austin is very much my extended family who have been there through the lows and highs. In my profession, I have a very supportive group of colleagues who inspire me to be the best immigration attorney and boss lady. I am grateful for my amazing staff who makes everything possible! Of course, my husband Nate who deserves much credit for helping me to be a better version of myself everyday!

Website: www.carrielegal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrielegal/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrielegal/

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